Sweden
Northern Europe • SWE
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Sweden is a captivating Scandinavian destination renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, ranging from deep forests to the northern archipelago. The country perfectly balances modern urban design in cities like Stockholm with rich historical traditions and a deep-rooted connection to nature.
Visa Requirements
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, allowing citizens of many countries to enter for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism without a visa.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay
- Travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Evidence of accommodation arrangements
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 in 1628.
Gamla Stan: The historic Old Town of Stockholm features narrow cobblestone streets, colorful medieval buildings, and the impressive Royal Palace.
Abisko National Park: Located in Swedish Lapland, this park is one of the world's best places to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis.
Skansen: As the world's oldest open-air museum, it offers a fascinating look at Swedish history with traditional houses and a Nordic zoo.
Drottningholm Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as the private residence of the Swedish royal family and showcases exquisite 17th-century architecture.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Fika: Embrace the daily tradition of taking a coffee and pastry break with friends or colleagues, which is essential to Swedish social culture.
Punctuality: Swedes highly value punctuality, so make sure to arrive on time for any meetings, reservations, or social gatherings.
Shoes off: Always remove your shoes when entering someone's home to keep the floors clean and respect local cleanliness standards.
Equality: Sweden has a strong focus on gender equality and inclusivity, so avoid making assumptions based on gender roles.
Queueing: Swedes are very diligent about waiting in line, so always look for a ticket machine or join the back of the queue at shops and services.
Safety Tips
General Safety: Sweden is widely considered a very safe country, but remain aware of your belongings in crowded tourist spots to prevent pickpocketing.
Emergency Number: Dial 112 if you require urgent assistance from police, ambulance, or fire services anywhere in the country.
Pedestrian safety: Always use designated crosswalks and obey traffic lights, as vehicles are expected to yield but drivers are not always looking for jaywalkers.
Winter driving: If renting a car during winter months, ensure it is equipped with proper winter tires and exercise extreme caution on icy roads.
Alcohol laws: Be aware that Sweden has strict regulations regarding the purchase of alcohol, which is only available in state-run Systembolaget stores.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Measles-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 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 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 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 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 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