Sweden entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can travel to Sweden visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as of 2026. No visa is needed for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay in Sweden | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your trip. Sweden does not require 6 months of remaining validity for EU nationals, but your passport must not expire before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Swedish airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. A bus, train, or ferry ticket to a non-Schengen country works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your Swedish host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, not having one can delay your entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Sweden does not enforce a fixed daily minimum, but carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for accommodation and expenses. Around 450 SEK per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Sweden, not the day you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it before your trip.
90-day limit applies to the whole Schengen area
Your 90-day visa-free stay is for all 27 Schengen countries combined, not just Sweden. If you've already spent time in France or Germany, that counts toward your total.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at a Swedish airport
At Stockholm Arlanda, Gothenburg Landvetter, or other airports, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (non-EU queue). Have your passport and supporting documents ready.
3
Present your passport
Hand over your passport to the border officer. They may ask about your travel purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period. Keep it safe.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Sweden.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free not applicable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Swedish Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Sweden. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply student visa
Swedish Residence Permit for Studies
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For full-time students accepted at a Swedish university. Requires proof of tuition payment and living expenses.
Apply family reunification
Swedish Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For close family members of Swedish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sufficient housing.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period; enforced at departure. | €50 per day (approx. $54 USD), max €500 (approx. $545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sweden
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Sweden, as Bulgaria is an EU member and part of the Schengen area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)
Health & vaccines for Sweden
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in central and southern Sweden; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; vaccination advised for vulnerable individuals.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Stockholm
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) – Stockholm Office
Lindhagensgatan 74, 112 18 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions or residence permit applications; book appointment online.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg Office
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Gothenburg
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa and permit matters; appointments recommended.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.31 SEK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Sweden.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't. Bulgarians can enter Sweden visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. This applies in 2026.
You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The count starts from your first day of entry into the Schengen area. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
Generally, no. The visa-free stay is not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer (e.g., for work or study), you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days expire.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's address), and travel insurance. Immigration may ask for any of these.
Yes, you need a ticket out of the Schengen area. It can be a flight to a non-Schengen country or a train/bus ticket. Immigration wants to see you'll leave before your 90 days are up.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel. Otherwise, you may be denied boarding or entry.
Not strictly mandatory for Bulgarian passport holders, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sweden are high, and insurance covers emergencies. Some airlines may ask for proof.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.