Sweden
Northern Europe • SWE
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Sweden is a captivating Scandinavian destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, including vast forests and archipelagos, alongside a blend of historic charm and modern design. Visitors can enjoy a perfect balance of vibrant city life in Stockholm and Gothenburg, and serene outdoor experiences like the Northern Lights or midsummer celebrations.
Visa Requirements
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, allowing citizens of many countries, including the EU, US, and Canada, to enter for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond intended departure
- Proof of travel insurance
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
- Proof of return or onward travel tickets
Popular Attractions
Vasa Museum: This unique maritime museum in Stockholm houses the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world, which sank on its maiden voyage.
Gamla Stan: Stockholm's Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe, featuring narrow cobblestone streets and colorful historic buildings.
Abisko National Park: Located in Swedish Lapland, this park is widely considered one of the best places on Earth to witness the spectacular Northern Lights.
Gothenburg Archipelago: A collection of beautiful islands accessible by ferry, offering scenic boat trips, swimming spots, and traditional Swedish seafood restaurants.
Drottningholm Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the private residence of the Swedish royal family and features magnificent gardens and a historic 18th-century theater.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Fika: Embrace the Swedish coffee break tradition known as fika, which is an essential social ritual for enjoying coffee and a pastry with friends or colleagues.
Punctuality: Swedes highly value punctuality, so make sure to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, or social gatherings.
Queueing: Always respect the queue; Swedes are very orderly and will wait patiently for their turn at shops, bus stops, and offices.
Shoes indoors: It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home to keep the living space clean.
Environmental awareness: Sweden takes recycling and sustainability very seriously, so be sure to sort your trash properly in public bins.
Personal space: Swedes generally appreciate their personal space and tend to avoid loud conversations or intrusive questions in public.
Safety Tips
Emergency Number: Dial 112 for all emergency services including police, ambulance, and fire department support.
Personal belongings: While Sweden is very safe, be vigilant against pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and public transport hubs.
Darkness: During winter months, use reflective strips on your clothing at night to remain visible to motorists in low-light conditions.
Water safety: Only swim in designated areas and be cautious of cold water temperatures, even during the summer months.
Alcohol laws: Be aware that alcohol sales are strictly regulated through the state-owned Systembolaget shops.
Emergency contacts: Keep a digital or physical copy of your passport and travel insurance documents in a secure location separate from the originals.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Seasonal Influenza
Source: Canada_Travel
Verify that your seasonal flu vaccination is current before your trip.
View sourceMeningococcal Disease
Source: Canada_Travel
Check that your meningococcal vaccination is up-to-date prior to traveling.
View sourceVaricella (Chickenpox)
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure your varicella vaccination is current before your trip.
View sourcePolio
Source: Canada_Travel
Confirm that your polio vaccination is up-to-date before traveling.
View sourceDiphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
Source: Canada_Travel
Verify that your DTaP vaccination is current prior to your trip.
View sourceMeasles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure that your routine vaccinations, including MMR, are up-to-date before traveling to Sweden.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Influenza vaccination
Source: ECDC
Recommended annually to protect against seasonal influenza, especially during the autumn and winter months when respiratory infections are prevalent.
Influenza vaccination coverage rates in Europe remain below the 75% target level, with Sweden achieving 68% coverage in the last season. Vaccinating children, in line with national recommendations, protects them from severe infections, particularly among those younger than five years of age.
View sourcePneumococcal vaccination
Source: ECDC
Recommended to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, which causes high rates of hospitalisations and mortality among older individuals.
Pneumococcal pneumonia causes one of the highest rates of hospitalisations and mortality among older individuals. Yet, according to ECDC data, more than 70% of individuals 65 years old and above had an infection preventable by vaccination.
View sourceRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination
Source: ECDC
Recommended to protect against severe RSV infections, which can lead to hospitalisations among older adults.
RSV leads to an estimated 160,000 hospitalisations in older adults each year. Several EU countries are implementing vaccination programmes for RSV in pregnant women and older adults, ensuring protection against severe disease.
View sourceTravel insurance
Source: UK_FCDO
Before traveling
Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
View sourceGlobal Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Source: UK_FCDO
Before traveling
To access medically necessary state healthcare in Sweden.
View sourceRoutine vaccines
Source: CDC
Before every trip
Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines, including chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td), Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Before travel
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
View sourceMeasles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Source: Canada_Travel
Before traveling to Sweden, ensure that your routine vaccinations, including MMR, are up-to-date to protect against these diseases.
Measles cases have been increasing worldwide; it's important to be vaccinated before traveling.
View sourceDiphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
Source: Canada_Travel
Confirm that your DTaP vaccination is current before your trip to Sweden to prevent these diseases.
Routine vaccinations are essential for international travel.
View sourceVaricella (Chickenpox)
Source: Canada_Travel
Check that your varicella vaccination is current before your trip to Sweden to prevent infection.
Chickenpox is highly contagious; vaccination is advised.
View sourceSeasonal Influenza
Source: Canada_Travel
Verify that your seasonal flu vaccination is current before your trip to Sweden to reduce the risk of influenza.
Flu seasons vary; vaccination helps prevent illness.
View sourcePolio
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure your polio vaccination is up-to-date before traveling to Sweden to protect against this disease.
Polio remains a concern in some regions; vaccination is recommended.
View sourceMeningococcal Disease
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure your meningococcal vaccination is up-to-date before traveling to Sweden to protect against this serious infection.
Meningococcal disease can be severe; vaccination is recommended.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccination is up to date before travel.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure Tdap vaccination is up to date every 10 years.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Be cautious with food and water to avoid gastroenteritis.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Vaccinations
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip
Check the latest vaccine recommendations for Sweden and consult the NHS travel vaccinations page for information on where to get vaccines and any associated costs.
View sourceProtection against biting insects and ticks
Source: UK_FCDO
During travel
Be aware of health risks related to insect bites and ticks in Sweden.
View sourceAwareness of mpox
Source: UK_FCDO
During travel
Stay informed about mpox; refer to Sweden’s Public Health Authority website for updates.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccination
Source: CDC
If unvaccinated and under 60 years old
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Sweden. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Sweden.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: CDC
If engaging in higher risk activities
Recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. Also recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers as it can be transmitted through food and water.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use repellents to prevent mosquito and tick bites.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Flu Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended during flu season for additional protection against influenza.
View sourceTick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine
Source: CDC
If engaging in extensive outdoor activities in TBE-endemic areas
Recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary. TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found.
View sourceCOVID-19 Vaccination
Source: CDC
Stay current with COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
View source