Sweden entry requirements for Kazakhstan passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Kazakh passport holders need a visa to visit Sweden. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply before travel
You need a Schengen visa to enter Sweden. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Kazakhstan — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no later than 6 months and no earlier than 15 days before your trip.Apply for Schengen visaRequired
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 beyond departure, but airlines sometimes enforce it — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration at Swedish border control may ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready.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. Border officers occasionally ask for this during visa checks.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. Swedish immigration expects around SEK 450 per day of stay — have at least that amount accessible.Recommended
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak season. Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules apply
A Swedish visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first point of entry should be Sweden.

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 visa application form. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Book an appointment at the Swedish embassy or consulate
Visit the Swedish embassy in Nur-Sultan (Astana) or the consulate in Almaty. Appointments are booked online through the embassy's website. Slots fill up fast — book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
3
Attend the visa interview
Show up on time with all original documents plus photocopies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and have your fingerprints and photo taken (biometrics). The interview is short — answer honestly.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can stretch to 30–45 days during peak season (summer). You can track your application online with the reference number you receive.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, you'll get a passport with a visa sticker. Check the dates and validity immediately — if there's an error, report it before you travel.
6
Travel to Sweden
At passport control in Sweden (e.g., Stockholm Arlanda Airport), present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return ticket. Keep all documents handy.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 90 days from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard short-stay visa for tourism.

Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-2 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For frequent travellers; requires strong travel history.

National visa (D visa) for work/study
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD) plus additional fees

For long-term stays; requires employer or university sponsorship.

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 meeting salary thresholds.
Apply
student visa
Swedish Student Residence Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable for duration of studies
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students accepted at a Swedish university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Apply
investor visa
Swedish Investor Visa (Self-Employment)
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs starting a business in Sweden. Requires a detailed business plan and proof of investment capital.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adult applicants; reduced for children.€80 (~$87 USD)
Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.€100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €1,000 (~$1,090 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
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

Transit visa required

Kazakhstan passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Sweden, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
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 encephalitis (TBE)Consider
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
Lindhagensgatan 74, 112 18 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Book appointment online.

Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency - Gothenburg
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Gothenburg
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles visa and permit applications for western Sweden.

Practical information for KZ 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
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical112
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

If you're transiting through a Swedish airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you generally do not need a visa for up to 24 hours. But if you need to enter Sweden for any reason — even to switch terminals at some airports — you'll need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date you submit your application. During summer (June–August) it can take 30–45 days. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel.
You fill out the application form online, but you must submit it in person at the Swedish embassy in Nur-Sultan or the consulate in Almaty. There is no fully online visa for Kazakhstan passport holders.
€80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, free for children under 6. The fee is non-refundable. You pay at the embassy when you submit your application.
You'll receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision within 30 days by writing to the Swedish Migration Agency. The appeal is free, but there's no guarantee of reversal. Common reasons for denial: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to Kazakhstan.
No. The Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism or short visits. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in a ban from the Schengen area.
Yes, immigration officers in Sweden may ask for proof of onward or return travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.