Sweden Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

Also known as the Sweden Schengen tourist visa, this permit is issued for people entering the Kingdom of Sweden for the purpose of tourism. The visa is issued for a maximum stay duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. The exact stay duration granted and the validity depends on the embassy’s decision. The permit can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple-entry types depending on the number of times you would need to visit Sweden. 

The Embassy of Sweden has outsourced the application for the Sweden tourist visa from India to the Sweden VACs (Visa Application Center) situated across India. As a result, you must make your Sweden tourist visa application through them. The application, however, is done offline. Before starting the application, ensure that you are eligible for the tourist category. After this, you may proceed with the application as follows - 

1. Obtain all the documents as per the document checklist for the tourist visa. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC, or the Embassy of Sweden and download the Schengen application form. 
3. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details and then print it. Be sure to mention your purpose of travel as ‘tourism’.
4. Proceed to book your appointment at the VAC or Embassy as per your convenience. Note that the embassy has only limited slots, and will take longer. As a result, it is highly recommended to apply through one of the VACs. 
5. Visit the respective VAC or Embassy with the exact documents, completed application form, and the fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here. 

Keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen permit in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you may send your application through a third party, provided that they carry a letter of authorization signed by you. 

Also, note that you must only submit genuine documents and true information. Providing fake documents or incorrect information can lead to visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for the Swedish permit, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living within the country you are lodging the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding visa issuing authority in that country.
• You must possess a valid passport that meets all the embassy requirements.
• The sole purpose of your visit must be to take part in tourism and related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during the entire stay period in Sweden.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Sweden is your only destination, or
  2. Sweden is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or,
  3. Sweden is your port of entry into the Schengen region.

As per the Sweden tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you must produce - 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should not be older than 10 years.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter - 
  1. This must include the applicant's details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose of tourism, and the duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Sweden.

1. Flight reservation for round trip
2. Detailed travel itinerary
3. Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings/invitation to stay/residence bookings, etc 
4. Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros

• Proof of occupation - 

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc.

• Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc. 

•  Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the application for the Swedish tourist visa is dependent on the validity of the permit, the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. In normal cases, it takes around 15 working days to process it. However, in certain cases, it takes even 30 or 60 days in extreme scenarios.

The application fees for this Swedish tourist permit depends upon the foreign exchange rates, as well as the embassy decision. The embassy has the power to alter the fees without any prior notice. Apart from the application fee, there will be biometric charges, delivery charges, as well as any other service charges levied by the VAC. As a result, you must confirm the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the application at one of the VACs, it is then forwarded to the Embassy of Sweden for processing. Note that even if you have submitted the application at a VAC, the processing is done by the embassy. The VAC has absolutely no influence on the processing. Also, the Consulates of Sweden do not accept or process visa applications. 

If your visa has been approved, you can collect the passport directly from the VAC or embassy, or have it delivered to you by the VAC for an additional charge.

You can do the Sweden tourist visa status tracking by clicking here an entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also check your status by contacting your travel agency and have them track it for you. 

Once you have obtained your permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay - 

• Check the visa expiry date, the duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must not stay longer than the permitted duration.
• Carry all your travel documents while travelling. You will be denied entry into Sweden without this. 
• Ensure that you travel to Sweden within 6 months of the visa issue date, or as mentioned in the Schengen sticker. After this date, your entry permit will become void and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are moving around in Sweden, ensure that you always carry a copy of your travel documents with you.
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in paid work for a Swedish company or establishment. 
• You will not be able to extend the permit under any normal conditions
• This permit allows you to move freely between the Schengen countries.