Sweden Tourist Visa – Apply from the UK

For UK residents and visa holders planning a trip to Sweden, the Sweden Tourist (Schengen) Visa permits exploring Sweden and the larger Schengen area for up to 90 days.

• Sweden handled 188,600 short-stay visa requests in 2024, an 11.5% increase from 2023.
• The approval rate was 74.6%, indicating that nearly three-quarters of applicants received a visa.
• In 2024, Schengen countries received 11.7 million visa applications in total, up 13.5% from 2023.
• Over 9.7 million Schengen visas were issued in 2024, with more than half allowing multiple entries.
• Sweden was 12th among Schengen destinations in application volume, processing about 1.6% of all applications.

*Want assistance to apply for Sweden Visit Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete support with the process.

 

What Is a Sweden Tourist Visa?

The Sweden Tourist Visa is a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) that allows non-EU citizens to visit Sweden for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Travellers from visa-exempt countries like the UK, US, and Canada do not require a visa for short visits but must follow Schengen entry rules. From 2026, ETIAS travel authorization will be required for visa-exempt travellers.

 

Benefits of a Sweden Tourist Visa

The benefits offered by Swedish Tourist Visa are given below.

• A valid visa lets you enter Sweden and other Schengen countries.
• You can apply for single, double, or multiple-entry visas to fit your travel plans.
• This visa is for short trips for tourism, cultural events, or seeing family.
• Schengen visas usually have quick and standard processing times.
• With this visa, you can see Sweden's scenery and cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Lapland.
   

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Sweden from the UK?

For visits shorter than 90 days, UK citizens do not need a visa. But, the following groups are exceptions:

• Non-UK citizens who legally live in the UK with visas or residence permits.
• People from outside the EU/EEA who have Biometric Residence Permits (BRP).
• Travellers from countries that must have a Schengen visa.

 

Types of Sweden Tourist Visas

The various types of Swedish Tourist Visas are:

• Single-entry Schengen visa: Allows one entry into Sweden or the Schengen area.
• Double-entry visa: Permits two separate entries into the region.
• Multiple-entry Schengen visa: Suitable for people who need to travel frequently within the visa's valid period.
• Group visas: Used when several travelers apply together as a group. These are not often used for individual tourism.

 

Eligibility & Visa-Free Rules

• Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure.
• From 2026, ETIAS approval will be mandatory for non-EU visitors from visa-exempt countries.

 

Eligibility Criteria for a Sweden Tourist Visa from the UK

To be eligible for Sweden Tourist Visa, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria.  

• Your UK residence permit or BRP should be valid for at least 3 months after you return.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your planned exit from the Schengen area.
• Provide proof of your lodging, travel plans, return flight tickets, and sufficient funds.
• Have travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
• Have strong ties to the UK.

Documents Required for a Sweden Tourist Visa

The documents required to apply for a Sweden Tourist Visa are given below:

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Must have 2 blank pages and be valid for 3 months after return
Visa Application Form	Completed and signed
Passport-sized Photographs	As per Schengen specifications
Flight Itinerary + Hotel Booking	Proof of travel and accommodation
Travel Insurance	Minimum coverage of €30,000
Financial Proof	Approx. €450/day as per Schengen financial requirements
Letter of Employment/Invitation	If applicable

 

How to Apply for a Sweden Tourist Visa from the UK?

Given below is the step-by-step application process for a Sweden Tourist Visa: 

Step 1: Determine if you require a visa based on your nationality.
Step 2: Fill in the Schengen visa application form online.
Step 3: Book an appointment at your nearest Swedish embassy or consulate.
Step 4: Attend your visa interview and submit biometrics.
Step 5: Wait for visa decision (usually within 15 calendar days).
Step 6: Receive your visa and prepare for your trip to Sweden.

 

Sweden Tourist Visa Fees

Detailed information about the fees for Sweden Tourist Visa is given below:

Applicant Category	Visa Fees
Adults (18 years and above)	€ 80
Children aged 6 to 12	€ 40
Children under 6	Free
Biometric Processing Fee	Varies

 

Processing Time for Sweden Tourist Visa

Detailed information about the processing time for Sweden Tourist Visa is given below.

Stage	Estimated Timeframe
Application Submission to Decision	10 to 15 calendar days
Peak Season or High Volume Periods	Up to 30 calendar days
Earliest You Can Apply	Up to 6 months before travel date
Latest You Should Apply	At least 3 weeks before travel

 

Validity and Duration of Stay

The validity and duration of stay offered by Sweden Tourist Visa are given below.

Category	Details
Maximum Duration of Stay	Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Visa Validity	Based on travel dates and purpose; may vary between single, double, or multiple entry
Entry Types	Single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry depending on application and travel history
Extension Possibility	Not extendable from within Sweden or Schengen unless in exceptional cases
Overstay Consequences	May lead to fines, visa bans, or future application refusals

 

Travel Tips for Sweden

• For summer festivals and the midnight sun, plan your visit between June and September. If you are hoping to see the northern lights, December to March is the best time.
• Make sure to see Stockholm’s Old Town, the canals of Gothenburg, and the Lapland region.
• Sweden is a safe country. Using public transport is easy, and it is a good idea to have travel insurance.
• The currency is Swedish krona (SEK), but most places take cards. People speak English widely.

 

Entry & Stay Conditions

Duration of Stay: Visitors holding a Sweden Tourist Visa (or entering visa-free) can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying this limit may lead to penalties or future visa refusal.

Border Checks: Even with a valid visa or visa exemption, travellers may be asked to present supporting documents—such as return flight bookings, hotel reservations, proof of funds, or travel insurance—at the Swedish or Schengen border.

ETIAS Travel Authorisation (From 2026): Starting mid-2026, nationals from visa-exempt countries (e.g., UK, US, Canada, Australia) must obtain ETIAS authorisation before travel.

• Fee: €7 per adult applicant
• Validity: Up to 3 years or until passport expiry
• Purpose: Enhances border security while allowing short-term travel

Note: Be sure to apply online for ETIAS before your trip once it becomes mandatory.

 

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

• Missing or incorrect documents, like insurance or bank statements
• Not enough money or a vague travel plan
• A good chance of staying in the UK longer than allowed
• Rejected visas or entry bans in the past
• Problems with travel history or an invalid passport

After You Get Your Visa

• Verify visa details like name, dates, and entries.
• Keep copies of your visa and key papers during travel.
• Follow Schengen rules and maintain insurance.
• Plan travel within Schengen if using a multiple-entry visa.
• Do not overstay your visa's permitted time.

 

How Y‑Axis UK Can Help You?

• Check your visa eligibility and ensure accurate documentation
• Offering a detailed checklist of needed documents and a review before submission.
• Guide you through the application process and interview prep
• Help with travel insurance and visa appointment bookings
• Provide updates on your application and next steps
• Evaluating your eligibility and giving custom advice.
• Helping you fill out the application and schedule your VFS appointment.
• Guiding you through the biometrics process and application tracking.