Many non-EU citizens do not need a visa to visit Europe; citizens of more than 60 nations can enjoy short stays in the Schengen Area visa-free. From 2022, visa-exempt travellers will need to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver for Sweden before travelling to the northern European country.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, is a visa waiver programme aimed at strengthening external Schengen Area borders. ETIAS will keep a record of non-EU visitors who travel to Sweden, as well as the rest of the Schengen zone.
ETIAS Sweden is not a visa, it is an electronic travel permit that will allow European authorities to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from travelling to Sweden.
The new travel authorisation applies to all EU countries in the Schengen Area, not just Sweden. Once an application has been approved the passport holder can move freely throughout the Schengen zone for up to 90 days.
Sweden, the EU, and the Schengen Area
Located in Northern Europe, Sweden is a Scandinavian country between Finland and Norway. The official language is Swedish and the Swedish krona is the currency, Sweden does not currently use the euro.
Sweden has been a member of the EU since 1995 and joined the Schengen Area in 2001. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 countries. The purpose of this area is to function as one jurisdiction for international travel.
Once the area is entered, a visitor can travel around without hard borders or additional passport controls. As Sweden is part of the Schengen zone, tourists who have a Swedish ETIAS can travel around Sweden and to any of the other Schengen countries.
Who needs ETIAS to travel to Sweden?
Once the system is in place, citizens of Non-EU countries must have an approved ETIAS before they visit Sweden or any of the other Schengen countries. Currently, over 60 countries will be required to apply for an ETIAS if they wish to travel around Europe.
The ETIAS Sweden allows people to visit Sweden and the other 25 Schengen nations for tourist, business, medical, and transit purposes.
Passport and document requirements for Swedish ETIAS
The requirements to apply for a Swedish ETIAS are as follows:
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A valid passport
- Number
- Issue and expiry dates
- Nationality
- Brief medical history
- Previous visits to war zones (if any)
- Criminal record (if applicable)
- Prior countries one was deported or rejected from (if any)
Minors also need an ETIAS travel authorisation: a parent or guardian can complete the request on their child’s behalf. Those with family members who are EU citizens will have to submit proof of relationship, residence card, and/or other background details.
How can I apply for a Swedish ETIAS?
The ETIAS application is quick, easy, and inexpensive. The application can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, no time is wasted making appointments or waiting in long queues at a local embassy or consulate.
Once the ETIAS requirements for Sweden are met, the application process can begin. This takes about 10 minutes and is fully online. Expect to provide the following details when completing the request:
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Biometric passport information
- First and last names
- Last name at birth
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Citizenship
- Current address
- Email address and phone number
- The name of the first EU country that will be visited
- Payment for the application fee via credit or debit card
Travel information about Sweden
Those visiting Sweden are in for a unique experience. The country is made of many islands and lakes yet is also home to several mountains and forests. Fishing, hiking, and sailing are all big sports activities to do in the long summer months.
If visiting in the summer, Sweden’s tradition of an outdoor midsummer celebration is a must-see. Winter holidays are best spent in one of Sweden’s many ski resorts.
Sweden’s biggest and most visited cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö are all located near the water; each full of quaint house fronts and docked boats. The capital, Stockholm, has a medieval old town, a royal palace, and there are over 50 bridges throughout the city.