Sweden entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
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
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden in 2026. Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, so you'll apply for a Schengen visa through the Swedish embassy or consulate. Plan ahead — processing can take 2–4 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Sweden. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Sweden. Schengen rules do not require 6 months of validity beyond departure, but some airlines enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen | Immigration officers at Swedish airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return flight or a ticket to a non-Schengen country ready — a bus or train booking also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Sweden. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Swedish border police may ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you can cover your stay. A general rule is 450 SEK per day — have a recent statement or credit card ready. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill up fast
Embassy appointments in Bahrain can be limited, especially during summer. Book your appointment at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
Schengen visa covers all 27 countries
Once you have a Swedish Schengen visa, you can travel to any other Schengen country (France, Germany, Italy, etc.) for up to 90 days. Just make sure Sweden is your main destination or first point of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and the completed application form.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Bahrain (or the visa application center they use). Appointments can fill up, so book early.
3
Submit your application in person
Go to your appointment with all documents. You'll submit the form, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the fee.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. You can track your application online if the embassy provides that service.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be returned. Check the visa dates and conditions immediately.
6
Travel and enter Sweden
At the border, present your passport with the visa. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Swedish Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Sweden. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
Apply student visa
Swedish Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Duration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students admitted to a Swedish university. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification
Swedish Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For close family members of Swedish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; overstay may also lead to entry ban. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Bahraini passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Swedish airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in southern and central Sweden; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
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
Sveavägen 90, 113 59 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg Office
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles visa and permit applications.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.28 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
If you're staying in the international transit area and not entering the Schengen zone, you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to pass through passport control (e.g., changing airports or terminals), you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa will specify the exact validity dates.
Extensions are rarely granted and only for exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You cannot extend for tourism. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for children under 6. Fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable.
You apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Bahrain, or at the visa application center they designate. Check the embassy's website for the exact location and appointment booking.
Typically 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your travel date. During peak season (summer), it can take longer.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision within a specified period (usually 30 days). Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Bahrain.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.