Sweden
Northern Europe • SWE
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Sweden offers a captivating blend of historic charm, modern design, and stunning natural landscapes, ranging from vibrant urban centers to the serene wilderness of the Arctic Circle. It is a highly developed, safe, and welcoming destination known for its efficient public transport and high quality of life.
Visa Requirements
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, allowing citizens from many countries to visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for tourism.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Travel insurance covering the duration of stay
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
Popular Attractions
Vasa Museum: Located in Stockholm, this museum houses the world's only preserved 17th-century ship, offering a fascinating glimpse into maritime history.
Gamla Stan: The historic heart of Stockholm, characterized by cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the Royal Palace.
Abisko National Park: Famous for being one of the best places globally to view the Northern Lights, it also offers stunning Arctic hiking.
Skansen: The world's oldest open-air museum, showcasing Swedish history and native wildlife in a picturesque park setting.
Gothenburg Archipelago: A stunning collection of car-free islands perfect for kayaking, cycling, and enjoying fresh seafood by the sea.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Fika: Embrace the tradition of taking a coffee break, usually accompanied by a cinnamon bun, as it is a fundamental part of Swedish social life.
Punctuality: Swedes highly value being on time; arriving late to meetings or social gatherings is generally considered disrespectful.
Personal Space: Locals generally value personal space and quiet; avoid loud conversations in public places like buses or trains.
Jantelagen: Keep a humble attitude; Swedish culture discourages boasting or drawing excessive attention to oneself.
Recycling: Sweden is very environmentally conscious, so ensure you separate your trash and follow local recycling rules strictly.
Safety Tips
Emergency Services: Dial 112 for any emergency situation, including police, fire, or ambulance services.
Darkness: During winter, daylight hours are very short; carry reflective gear if walking at night to be visible to drivers.
Emergency Preparedness: Be aware of extreme cold in winter and dress in layers to prevent hypothermia when exploring nature.
Alcohol Laws: Keep in mind that alcohol is sold in state-run Systembolaget stores, which have specific operating hours.
Emergency Numbers: Keep a list of your embassy's contact details in case of lost documents or legal issues.
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
Food and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Be cautious with food and water to avoid gastroenteritis.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure Tdap vaccination is up to date every 10 years.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccination is up to date before travel.
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 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 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 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 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 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 sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Before travel
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
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 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 sourceTravel insurance
Source: UK_FCDO
Before traveling
Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
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 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 sourceInfluenza 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 sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use repellents to prevent mosquito and tick bites.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers as it can be transmitted through food and water.
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 sourceAwareness of mpox
Source: UK_FCDO
During travel
Stay informed about mpox; refer to Sweden’s Public Health Authority website for updates.
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 sourceVaccinations
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 sourceItinerary-Specific
COVID-19 Vaccination
Source: CDC
Stay current with COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
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 sourceFlu Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended during flu season for additional protection against influenza.
View source