Sweden entry requirements for Laos 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
Laotian passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden in 2026. You must apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Plan ahead, as processing can take several 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 Schengen countries.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the whole time you're in Sweden. Schengen rules don't require 6 months beyond departure, but your airline might enforce it — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Swedish airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host ready. Border officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Swedish immigration may ask for bank statements or cash to prove you have at least 450 SEK per day of your stay. A credit card statement showing available credit usually works too. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days. Do not book flights or non-refundable accommodation until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
A Swedish visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries. Your total stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required paperwork: passport, application form, photos, travel insurance, flight booking, accommodation proof, bank statements, and any additional documents requested by the embassy.
2
Submit your application at the embassy
Visit the Swedish Embassy in Vientiane (or the visa application center they use) in person. Submit your form and documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes about 15 calendar days, but can stretch to 30–45 days during peak season. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Collect your passport
Once processed, you'll be notified to pick up your passport. Check the visa sticker carefully — make sure the dates and number of entries are correct.
5
Arrive in Sweden
At Arlanda or any Swedish airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and briefly.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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 (approx. $87 USD)
Must apply at Swedish embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires justification for multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
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.
Apply student visa
Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For full-time students admitted to a Swedish university. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification
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 financial support.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €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 dayNo maximum cap; overstay can lead to entry ban. | €100 per day (approx. $109 USD) |
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
Transit visa required
Laos passport holders need a transit visa to change flights in Sweden unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit for a Schengen country.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit are exempt.
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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 BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in summer; 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 09:00–16:00
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa and permit applications.
Practical information for LA 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
Yes. Laos is not visa-exempt for Sweden or any Schengen country. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Swedish embassy (or a consulate representing Sweden) before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take 30–45 days if the embassy is busy or your application needs extra checks. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
You apply at the Swedish Embassy in Vientiane. They may outsource biometric collection to a visa application center — check the embassy website for the current process.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 1,600,000 LAK at current rates). Children 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are paid in local currency at the embassy's exchange rate.
Extensions are rarely granted for tourism. You'd need a compelling reason like a medical emergency. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from Schengen. It's better to apply for a longer visa upfront.
You'll receive a written refusal letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Swedish Migration Agency. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Laos, or incomplete documents.
If you stay in the international transit zone and don't pass through passport control, you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to change airports or leave the transit area, you'll need a Schengen visa.
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.