Visa for visiting Sweden

• To visit relatives and friends
• On business / to take part in a conference
• As a tourist
• When passing through in transit

Citizens from the following countries/territories require a visa when entering Sweden, check the list.

New rules on facilitation of issuance of visas as from 1st of January 2008 (Attention: only for Ukrainian citizens)

The European Community and Ukraine has entered into an agreement on the facilitation of the issuance of visas. The purpose of the agreement is to facilitate, on the basis of reciprocity, the issuance of visas for an intended stay of no more than 90 days per half year to the citizens of Ukraine. More about the agreement and requirements concerning visa applications from Ukrainian citizens, can be found on the Ukrainian and Swedish versions of this website.

The requirements below concern visa applications from citizens of other countries than Ukraine, who are residing in Ukraine.

Processing time

The processing time for a visa application is ten calendar days from the receipt of a complete application for visa, including supporting documents. The processing time may be extended in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny is needed.

Due to the amount of applications the Embassy has very limited possibilities to reduce the processing time (less than 10 calendar days). A request for urgent visa, should be addressed to the Visa Chancellery before the application is handled in.

If the Visa Chancellery is not sure what position to take on an application, it passes the case on to the Migration Board in Sweden for a decision.

Opening hours during Christmas and New Year

The visa section will be closed

Christmas: 24, 25 and 26 December. We will open again Monday 29 December 2008.

New Year: 31 December 2008 and 1 January 2009

Orthodox Christmas: 6 and 7 January 2009

Due to the limited opening hours during the last weeks of December 2008 and the first weeks in January 2009 the Embassy will not be able to process any urgent visa applications. It is therefore important to apply for a visa well in advance.

Compulsory travel medical insurance

As of July the 1st 2004 everyone travelling into the Schengen area on a C (short stay - up to 90 days) visa must have a valid travel medical insurance (TMI) for the whole duration of the stay and the validity period of the visa.

• The travel medical insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries as well as in Switzerland and Lichtenstein and for the whole duration of the stay (number of days) and the validity period of the visa (from – to date).

• In the case of a Multiple Schengen Visa: Applicants who are granted a multiple visa must only present insurance for the first trip and sign a statement that they must be in possession of TMI for subsequent entries and may be refused entry at the border in case they do not have a valid TMI.

• The travel medical insurance must cover a minimum of Euro 30.000 for medical expenses and repatriation of the insured person(s).

• The travel medical insurance should be purchased in the applicant’s home country/ country of residence. Only companies on this LIST will be accepted.

• The issuing company must have a re-imbursement agreement with an international insurance company in the Schengen territory.

• The travel medical insurance + one copy must be submitted together with the application for a visa.

• The applicant is advised to ensure that the fee will be refunded in case the visa application is refused by the Embassy, partly refused (applicant granted less than applied for), or in the case the decision is delayed.

If the applicant is covered by the medical-/company-/family insurance of the referee/inviting party; it is the sole responsibility of the applicant prove that the insurance covers the requirements of the Schengen regulations.

Spouses, children or parents (the two latter being economically dependent on an EEA-citizen, need to be documented) of an EEA-citizen (not Swedish citizens residing in Sweden) are exempted from TMI.

Remember to bring your insurance policy during your travel.

Exempted from visa application fee

The following visa applicants are exempted from application fee:

• Children under the age of six years;
  
  
• Schoolchildren, students in higher education, research students and their accompaniying teachers – if the purpose of the trip is study or educational training;
  
  
• Researchers – if the purpose of the trip is for scientific research;
  
  
• Close relatives* (consult the Visa Chancellery to find out who is a close relative according to the rules) of citizens of an EU-country, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland - if they will travel with that relative or meet in connection with the journey. The applicant must present a certificate which confirms the relationship;
  
  
• Students who have received scholarships for studies in Sweden from Sida or other Swedish or international organizations.

*) Relatives of Swedish nationals must, however, pay a fee to apply for a visa. 

Visa for visiting friends or relatives

The requirements below concern visa applications from citizens of other countries than Ukraine, who are residing in Ukraine. The requirements concerning visa applications from Ukrainian citizens can be found on the Ukrainian and Swedish versions of this website.

The following documents are required:

• A signed and dated invitation letter = Appendix E, and proof of identity = personbevis, from the inviting party. These documents should not be older than three months. If the inviting party is temporarily not residing in Sweden, a copy of the identification page in the passport should be handled in instead of personbevis. 
  > Appendix E
  
  
• Application for Schengen visa, completed, dated and signed
  > Application form – Schengen Visa
  
  
• Appendix D (Family Appendix for Visa Applicants)
  > Appendix D
  
  
• Passport or other travel document, signed and valid for at least three months after scheduled return and copies of its identification page and previous Schengen visas and stamps. Copies of all valid passports and old passports should be enclosed.                           
• Foreigners living in Ukraine must have proof of registration in Ukraine and its copy.
  
  
• Proof (e.g. bank statement, travellers' cheques) of sufficient financial means for your keep and for the journey home. The Swedish authorities decided that to support yourself during your stay in Sweden you need 370 SEK (40 euro) per day. This amount could in certain instances be lower, such as in the case of a young child or if you intend to stay with relatives or friends. Also a letter in which the host in Sweden guarantees, with information about his/her income, that he/she will provide for the visitor, can in some cases be a sufficient proof.
  
  
• Proof of medical travel insurance – see detailed information above.
  
  
• If you are working; a certificate from the current employer stating what your position is, how long you have been working for the company, what your salary is and that you are entitled to vacation. If you are a private entrepreneur, the registration certificate for your company. If you are studying; a certificate from the institution where you are studying, confirming your status.
  
  
• For children under 18 years the original and a copy of a written consent from the parent/parents (not traveling with the child). The written consent must have a stamp of a Notary public. If there is only one custodian, a birth certificate, decision from court about sole custody, death certificate or other document must be presented to prove this.
  
  
• Two [2] coloured photographs, size 35x45 mm, recent and of true likeness, showing full face, taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
  
  
• Visa application fee (If you are not excluded from the fee - contact the Visa Chancellery if you are uncertain whether you should pay the fee or not). The fee is 60 euros* which should be paid in Ukrainian hryvnja (UAH), at present 500 UAH. You must pay the fee to Praveks-Bank before you handle in the application. You must handle in the receipt (in original) from the bank to the Visa Chancellery when applying for a visa. The payment can be made to all Praveks-Bank offices in Ukraine.
  
  Information that must be presented at the bank:
  account number: 26005001400015 and "Swedish Embassy in Ukraine"
  
  The payment is not possible to make through Internet. If the application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded, since the fee covers the processing of the application.

*From the 1st of January 2007 the visa fee remains at 35 euros (at present 377 UAH) for citizens of Ukraine. The same fee applies to citizens of the Russian Federation, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. The visa application fee for citizens of other countries than the above mentioned was increased to 60 euros (at present 500 UAH) after the 1st of January 2007.

Business / conference visa

The requirements below concern visa applications from citizens of other countries than Ukraine, who are residing in Ukraine. The requirements concerning visa applications from Ukrainian citizens can be found on the Ukrainian and Swedish versions of this website.

The following documents are required:

• An invitation from a Swedish company/organisation/legal person. The invitation shall contain the full name and address to the company/organisation/legal person, and the name and the position of the person who signs the invitation. The invitation shall also contain the following items for the invited person: Name and surname, date of birth, sex, citizenship, number of the passport, time and purpose of the journey, number of entries and name of minor children accompaniying the invited person.
  
  Attention! If it is a practical training within the process of the company/organisation in Sweden or a job assignment, you might also need a work permit.
  
  
• A copy of a registration certificate of the company/legal person (valid for 6 months from the date of issue).
  
  
• Application for Schengen visa, completed, dated and signed.
  > Application form – Schengen visa
  
  
• Famliy appendix D, completed.
  > Appendix D
  
  
• Passport or other travel document, signed and valid for at least three months after scheduled return and copies of its identification page and previous Schengen visas and stamps. Copies of all valid passports and old passports should be enclosed.

• Foreigners living in Ukraine should have proof of registration in Ukraine and its copy.
  
  
• Introduction letter from your employer including your position, how long you have been working for the company and purpose of the visit. If you are a private entrepreneur you should submit the registration certificate for the company.
  
  
• Proof (e.g. bank statement, travellers' cheques) of sufficient financial means for your keep and for the journey home. The Swedish authorities decided that to support yourself during your stay in Sweden you need 370 SEK (40 euro) per day. This amount could in certain instances be lower, such as in the case where the cost of food and accomodation is paid in advance. Also a letter in which the host in Sweden guarantees to provide for the visitor can in some cases be a sufficient proof.
  
  
• Proof of medical travel insurance - see detailed information above.
  
  
• Two [2] coloured photographs, size 35x45 mm, recent and of true likeness, showing full face, taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
  
  
• Visa application fee (If you are not excluded from the fee - contact the Visa Chancellery if you are uncertain whether you should pay the fee or not). The fee is 60 euros* which should be paid in Ukrainian hryvnja (UAH), at present 500 UAH. You must pay the fee to Praveks-Bank before you handle in the application. You must handle in the receipt (in original) from the bank to the Visa Chancellery when applying for a visa. The payment can be made to all Praveks-Bank offices in Ukraine.
  
  Information that must be presented at the bank:
  account number: 26005001400015 and "Swedish Embassy in Ukraine"
  
  The payment is not possible to make through Internet. If the application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded, since the fee covers the processing of the application.

*From the 1st of January 2007 the visa fee remains at 35 euros (at present 377 UAH) for citizens of Ukraine. The same fee applies to citizens of the Russian Federation, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. The visa application fee for citizens of other countries than the above mentioned was increased to 60 euros (at present 500 UAH) after the 1st of January 2007.

Visa for tourists

Tourists traveling to Sweden on their own and not through an accredited travel agency should submit their applications personally.

The following documents are required:

• Application for Schengen visa, completed, dated and signed.
  > Application form – Schengen Visa
  
  
• Appendix D (Family Appendix for Visa Applicants)
  > Appendix D
  
  
• Passport or other travel document, signed and valid for at least three months after scheduled return and copies of its identification page and previous Schengen visas and stamps. Copies of all valid passports and old passports should be enclosed.

• Foreigners living in Ukraine must have proof of registration in Ukraine and its copy.
  
  
• Proof of:
  – accommodation (e.g. confirmation of advance payment for hotel, cottage or apartment etc.)
  – return ticket and its copy.
  
  
• Proof (e.g. bank statement, travellers' cheques) of sufficient financial means for your keep. The Swedish authorities decided that to support yourself during your stay in Sweden you need 370 SEK (40 euro) per day. This amount could in certain instances be lower, such as in the case where the cost of food and accomodation is paid in advance.
  
  
• Proof of medical travel insurance – see above for detailed information.
  
  
• If you are working; a certificate from the current employer stating what your position is, how long you have been working for the company, what your salary is and that you are entitled to vacation. If you are a private entrepreneur, the registration certificate for your company. If you are studying; a certificate from the institution where you are studying, confirming your status.
  
  
• For children under 18 years the original and a copy of a written consent from the parent/parents (not traveling with the child). The written consent must have a stamp of a Notary public. If there is only one custodian, a birth certificate, decision from court about sole custody, death certificate or other document must be presented to confirm this.  
  
  
• Two [2] coloured photographs, size 35x45 mm, recent and of true likeness, showing full face, taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
  
  
• Visa application fee (If you are not excluded from the fee - contact the Visa Chancellery if you are uncertain whether you should pay the fee or not). The fee is 60 euros* which should be paid in Ukrainian hryvnja (UAH), at present 500 UAH. You must pay the fee to Praveks-Bank before you handle in the application. You must handle in the receipt (in original) from the bank to the Visa Chancellery when applying for a visa. The payment can be made to all Praveks-Bank offices in Ukraine.
  
  Information that must be presented at the bank:
  account number: 26005001400015 and "Swedish Embassy in Ukraine"
  
  The payment is not possible to make through Internet. If the application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded, since the fee covers the processing of the application.

*From the 1st of January 2007 the visa fee remains at 35 euros (at present 377 UAH) for citizens of Ukraine. The same fee applies to citizens of the Russian Federation, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. The visa application fee for citizens of other countries than the above mentioned was increased to 60 euros (at present 500 UAH) after the 1st of January 2007.

Transit visa

You should provide a visa for the country of destination and all documents required for tourist visa - except for the documents mentioned in the following: Proof of advance payment for accomodation and medical insurance is not required.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I apply?

Your application should be submitted to the Visa Chancellery of the Embassy of Sweden or the Consulate-General of Sweden, if your main destination is Sweden. The main destination is determined by the duration of stay in each of the Schengen state and the route.

For information about the open hours of the Visa Chancellery - see below.

When can I handle in an application for a visa?

The trip to Sweden must be planned within three months from the day of the application, otherwise the Visa Chancellery may not receive the application.

For information about the open hours of the Visa Chancellery - see below.

For how long is a visa valid?

A visa is valid for a limited period of time. On the visa in your passport it is indicated for which period of time the visa is valid, for how many days and for how many entries in the Schengen states during the period of validity.

A visa that allows an alien to enter Sweden and other Schengen States may be issued for a stay not to exceed a total of 90 days per half year, counted from the first date of entry (e.g a person who enters the Schengen Zone on 1 January and stays until 31 March must wait until 1 July of the same year before he or she may enter the Zone again. The person may then begin a new six -months period within which the maximum allowed stay is 90 days).

You should apply for a visa for the amount of days and entries that you need. The length of the stay and and the purpose of the trip must correspond.

If you want to stay in Sweden for a longer period of time you have to apply for a residence permit (some individuals may also have a possibility of being granted a national visa – valid only for stay in Sweden – for a longer period of time – D-visa).

In what countries is a visa valid?

An entry visa is normally valid in all Schengen countries. In exceptional cases a visa may be granted solely for entry into the country that issued it. See below more information about the Schengen Agreement and what countries are a part of it.

Can I send documents directly to the Visa Chancellery?

The Visa Chancellery accepts invitations, proof of identity (personbevis) and registration certificate (registreringsbevis) by post, fax or e-mail (only scanned documents).

The Visa Chancellery advises also to send the documents to the applicant.

Does the invitation have to be stamped by a notary public?

No. The invitation must not be stamped by a notary public.

Shall I handle in a separate application for my child?

Every person who applies for a visa shall fill in/submit an application (and appendixes, if applicable).

Can I apply for a visa after handling in an application for residence permit?

One can apply for a short stay visa during a waiting period, after having applied for a residence permit. The case will be handled on an individual basis, considering the circumstances and motivation provided by the applicant. However, this may cause complications for the applicant. Processing may be delayed if the Migration Board discovers that the applicant is in Sweden and therefore must wait for the applicant to exit the country before a decision can be taken. If the applicant is still in Sweden when a decision is taken, he or she risks having the application for the residence permit refused  and may even be expelled.

Can I appeal against a decision to reject my application?

You cannot appeal against a decision to turn down an application for a visa. You can however re-apply or request  the original application to be reviewed. In that case you have to give in a request for a review. You send the letter to the authority that made the decision.

Visa for a longer period of stay (D-visa)

D-visa may be granted for stays exceeding 90 days during six months, but for a maximum of one year and for one or multiple entries. D-visa is a national permit and valid only for stay in Sweden. If you intend to transit through other countres to/from Sweden with a D-visa you should contact the countries you intend to transit through for information about possible requirements for transit permit. Those who may be granted a D-visa are "bona fide-travellers", e.g. parents who visit their children in Sweden and need to stay for a longer period. The purpose of the stay may only be to visit.

Handling fee, processing time and application documents are the same as for visa for relatives and friends (see above), except that there is no requirment of travel medical insurance. The passport must be valid for at least the same period as the visa.

The Schengen Agreement

Sweden is practicing the rules of the Schengen Agreement regarding visas. A Schengen Visa issued in any of the member states is under normal circumstances valid for entry and visit in all other member states.

Following states are a part of the Schengen Agreement: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France
Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Hungary.

Please note that the holder of a valid Schengen visa does not have an absolute right to enter a Schengen country. The conditions, under which the visa was issued, might change from the day the visa was issued to the day of traveling. Therefore, the border police makes an independent reconsideration of the visa holder's right to enter the Schengen area.

Further information about the Schengen Agreement can be found at the website of the
> Migration Board

Open hours Visa Chancellery

The Visa Chancellery in Kyiv is located on Ivana Franka str 36, 2nd floor.

The Visa Chancellery is receiving applications:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30-12.30. 

Passports and decisions may be retrieved on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 16.00-16.30.

On Wednesdays the Visa Chancellery is closed to the public.

Holidays when the Embassy is closed:

2008: 7/1, 21/3, 24/3, 1/5, 2/5, 9/5, 6/6, 20/6, 24/12, 25/12, 26/12, 31/12

2009: 1/1, 6/1, 7/1, 10/4, 13/4, 1/5, 21/5, 22/5, 19/6, 24/8,  24/12, 25/12, 31/12.

You are welcome to contact the Visa Chancellery via e-mail: ambassaden.kiev-visum@foreign.ministry.se or
by phone +380 44 494 4290
during Monday to Friday 14.00-16.00 or
by fax +380 44 494 4292, +380 44 494 4272.