Sweden Tourist Visa – Apply from the UK

Whether you need a visa to visit Sweden depends on your nationality. Citizens of the UK, EU/EEA countries, and several visa-exempt nations do not require a visa for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. However, nationals from visa-required countries must apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C) before travelling. The visa allows travel throughout the Schengen Area, including Sweden. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen region.

The processing time for a Sweden tourist visa typically ranges from 15 to 30 calendar days from the date of your biometrics appointment. However, during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is required, it may take longer. It is advisable to apply at least 3–6 weeks before your intended travel date. You can submit your application up to six months in advance (or nine months for seafarers) via the Swedish consulate or through an authorized visa application centre such as VFS Global.

No, you cannot work in Sweden while on a tourist visa. The Schengen (Type C) visa is strictly meant for short stays such as tourism, visiting family, or attending business meetings—not for employment or paid activities. If you intend to work in Sweden, you must apply for a work permit or national visa (Type D) through the Swedish Migration Agency. Violating visa conditions may result in penalties, deportation, or future visa refusals, so it’s important to comply with the visa’s permitted activities.

Yes, all children, regardless of age, require their own Schengen visa to visit Sweden if they are citizens of a visa-required country. Their applications must be submitted separately but may be grouped with their parent’s application for convenience. Required documents include the child’s passport, birth certificate, parental consent form (if travelling with one parent or alone), and evidence of financial support and travel insurance. Children from visa-exempt countries do not need a visa but must meet standard entry conditions such as valid travel documents.

Sweden requires proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, currently set at a minimum of SEK 450 (approx. €40) per day of stay, per person. This must be demonstrated through recent bank statements (last 3 months), showing consistent income or savings. If your accommodation and travel are prepaid or sponsored, you may show those documents in addition to your financial proof. While there is no fixed "minimum balance," having the equivalent of €1,200–€2,000 is generally considered adequate for a short visit.

The benefits of a Schengen tourist visa are given below.

• A Schengen visa permits travel to Sweden and the 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days.
• It suits tourism, cultural visits, and seeing friends or family. Single, double, or multiple entries are available.
• This visa can improve your chances of getting future visas and eases travel planning with standard entry rules across Schengen countries.

A Sweden Tourist Visa functions as a Schengen visa, granting access to all 27 Schengen area countries, such as:

If Sweden is your main destination or first point of entry, you're allowed to travel freely between these countries for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day window.

When applying for a Sweden tourist visa from the UK, be sure to include these documents:

• A passport issued within the last 10 years that remains valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
• Your UK residence permit (such as a BRP or visa) should be valid for a minimum of 3 months past your return date.
• A completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• Evidence of where you will be staying, like hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host.
• A round-trip flight reservation or a detailed travel plan.
• Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months that show you have enough money for your trip.
• Travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 for emergency medical expenses.
• If relevant, a letter from your employer or university that confirms your leave or enrolment.
• A cover letter that explains the reason for your visit and your travel plans is recommended.

The cost of a Sweden Tourist Visa is given below. 

The processing time for Sweden Tourist Visa is given below.

To apply for a Swedish tourist visa from the UK, you may follow the steps given below.

Step 1: Determine whether your nationality necessitates one.

Step 2: collect the proper paperwork: a valid passport, UK residence permit, lodging proof, flight bookings, bank statements, and travel insurance.

Step 3: Fill out the Schengen visa application and schedule an appointment at the designated visa processing center.

Step 4: Attend the appointment with your documents and provide biometric data.

Step 5: After submission, your application will be reviewed, and you will receive notification of the outcome within the typical timeframe.

No, you cannot convert a Sweden tourist visa into a work permit while inside Sweden. Changing a Swedish tourist visa to a work permit while in Sweden is not allowed. Tourist visas are only for short visits for tourism, family matters, or cultural events, and they do not allow you to work or do business. If you want to work in Sweden, you need to apply for a work permit from your home country, or another country where you're allowed to apply, prior to your arrival in Sweden. Working while on a tourist visa is against the law and can lead to deportation, fines, or being banned from applying for Schengen visas later.

No, Sweden tourist visas cannot be extended once issued. Visa extensions are granted only in uncommon cases, like medical problems, unavoidable accidents, or other serious, unexpected events. You have to ask for the extension before your current visa ends and give solid proof to support your request. Staying in the country longer than your visa allows, without formal approval, can lead to fines, deportation, and being banned from getting visas in the future. It's best to plan your trip within the original visa dates to stay out of legal trouble.

Yes, Sweden visa is easy to get, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and submit the required documents. Getting a Sweden tourist visa is possible if you meet the criteria and provide a full application with correct documents. Approval is more likely if you have a good immigration record, enough money, and clear travel plans. Poor paperwork, weak connections to your home country, or unclear travel plans could cause your application to be denied. To increase your chances of approval, make sure your documents are organized and your travel purpose is clear, backed by evidence like hotel reservations and a cover letter.

When holding a Swedish tourist visa, it's important to observe several key regulations:

• Your stay in Sweden or any Schengen country is limited to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
• This visa is specifically for tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends; work or study is not permitted.
• If Sweden is your main destination or first point of entry into the Schengen area, you must enter through Sweden.
• Valid travel insurance, confirmed accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds are necessities.
• Overstaying or not following visa conditions can lead to fines, entry bans, or rejection of future visa applications.
• You are required to exit the Schengen zone before your visa expires, as extensions are typically not granted.
• It is advised to keep a copy of your visa and identification with you while traveling in the Schengen area.