Sweden entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
If you hold an Indian passport, you'll need a Schengen visa to enter Sweden. As of 2026, you must apply at the Swedish embassy, consulate, or an authorized visa center like VFS Global before you travel. Give yourself plenty of time — processing usually takes about 15 calendar days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Swedish embassy or visa application centre | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Sweden. Apply at the Swedish embassy or a VFS Global centre in India. Submit your application at least 15 days before your trip — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. The visa costs €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Sweden | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — your passport must be valid for 3 months after you leave Sweden. Airlines check this at check-in, so verify your passport dates before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Swedish airports ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country also works. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Norwegian check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Sweden ready. The invitation letter must include the host's name, address, and a copy of their Swedish residence permit or passport. Immigration may call your host to verify. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least €45 per day of your stay. A credit card with a sufficient limit also works. Swedish immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you're not working illegally. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
India is not part of the visa-waiver program for Sweden. You must secure a Schengen visa before travel – no visa on arrival or e-visa option exists.
VFS Global handles all applications in India
You cannot walk into the Swedish embassy directly. All applications go through VFS Global centers. Appointments are mandatory and slots fill fast, especially in summer – book early.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying even one day can result in a fine of up to SEK 4,000 (approximately ₹32,000), an entry ban, and difficulty getting future visas. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Determine where to apply
You must apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction. In India, all applications go through VFS Global centers in major cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and more. Check the VFS website for the nearest center.
2
Book an appointment
Visit the VFS Global website for Sweden, create an account, and schedule an appointment. Slots can fill up weeks in advance — book as early as you can. Appointments are mandatory; no walk-ins accepted.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, travel insurance, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, bank statements, and any supporting papers (e.g., employment letter, leave approval, tax returns). Make photocopies of everything — the center will keep copies and return originals.
4
Attend the appointment
Arrive at the VFS center on time. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. The staff will check them, collect the visa fee (approx. €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under 6), and take your biometrics — fingerprints and photo. The whole visit usually takes 30-45 minutes.
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the day the embassy receives your application. In peak season or if extra checks are needed, it can take up to 45 days. You can track your application online via VFS.
6
Collect your passport
Once processed, VFS will notify you to collect your passport or have it couriered. If approved, check the visa sticker carefully — validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay. If rejected, you'll get a reason and can appeal within 15 days.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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 within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa; must apply at Swedish embassy or VFS.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
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. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of study program, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For full-time students at a Swedish university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Apply family reunification
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For close family members of a Swedish resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and financial support.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults; non-refundable. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional fee for processing through VFS Global centers in India. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap varies; may lead to deportation and entry ban. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Sweden, even if staying airside, unless exempted.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Japan, or Australia (for certain conditions)
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)
Health & vaccines for Sweden
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Recommended
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.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; consider vaccination.
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
Sturegatan 12, 114 36 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg
Östra Hamngatan 16, 411 09 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles visa and permit issues; bring all original documents.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.4 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
Getting to Sweden
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
A Schengen visa allows you to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen area, including Sweden. The exact duration will be printed on your visa sticker.
No. You must apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time. If Sweden is the main destination, apply in Sweden. If you are staying equal time in multiple countries, apply at the first country of entry.
As of 2026, the fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid at the time of application in INR at the current exchange rate, plus a VFS service charge (approximately ₹1,200–1,500).
Apply no earlier than 6 months before your trip and no later than 15 working days before departure. The embassy recommends applying at least 3-4 weeks ahead to allow for processing time and possible delays.
You will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision within 15 days to the Swedish Migration Agency. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to India. Fix the issues and reapply.
Technically, you only need a flight reservation for your visa application. But Swedish border police can ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a copy of your return ticket (or itinerary) just in case.
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, like force majeure (natural disaster, serious illness) or humanitarian reasons. A normal tourist cannot extend. You must leave the Schengen area by the visa expiry date.
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.