Sweden entry requirements for Latvia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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

Latvian passport holders can travel to Sweden visa-free for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This has been the case since both countries joined the Schengen Area. As of 2026, you just need a valid passport and proof of onward travel.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Latvian passport only needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Sweden. No 6-month rule applies for EU nationals. Carry your passport or national ID card — Sweden accepts both for EU citizens.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from the Schengen area
Immigration at Arlanda and other Swedish airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. This can be a flight, train, or ferry ticket out of the Schengen zone. A bus ticket to Copenhagen works too.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Sweden. Border officers rarely ask EU citizens, but they can — and will if you look unprepared.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Sweden doesn't enforce a fixed minimum for EU citizens, but carrying a bank statement or credit card with a few thousand SEK available covers you. I've never been asked, but a friend was once quizzed on how he'd pay for a month in Stockholm.Recommended
Schengen rules apply
Your 90-day limit is for the entire Schengen Area, not just Sweden. Days spent in France, Germany, etc. count toward the same 90-day total.
Passport validity is critical
Border officers are strict about the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Renew it before you travel.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance certificate. Have them easily accessible on your phone or in a folder.
2
Arrive at Swedish border control
At Arlanda (Stockholm), Landvetter (Gothenburg), or any other entry point, join the 'Non-EU' queue. Hand over your passport. The officer will ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation proof. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp is your proof of legal entry. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags) and then through customs. There are no further checks for EU citizens.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free not suitable; apply at Swedish embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; must still respect 90/180 rule.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.

work visa
Swedish Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Swedish employer. Requires a valid employment contract and salary meeting minimum thresholds.
Apply
student visa
Swedish Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For students accepted into a full-time program at 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 (spouse, partner, child) of a Swedish resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free not applicable; apply at Swedish embassy/consulate.€80 (~$87 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; valid up to 1 year, but stay limited to 90/180 days.€120 (~$130 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying visa-free period may result in fines and future entry bans.€100 per day (~$109 USD), max €1,000 (~$1,090 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds for stay30%
No return or onward 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

Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Swedish airports, as Sweden is part of the Schengen Area and Latvia is an EU member.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)

Health & vaccines for Sweden

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-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 flu vaccine.

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
Fleminggatan 14, 112 26 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

For visa extensions or residence permit applications; book appointment online in advance.

Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg Office
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Handles visa and permit matters; bring all original documents.

Practical information for LV 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
updated May 20
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

You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule. If you stay longer, you risk overstaying and getting a ban.
No. Latvia is in the EU and Schengen Area, so you can travel to Sweden visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days).
You should renew it before travel. Swedish border officers may deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date.
No, not as a tourist. The 90-day limit is strict. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days are up. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) for details.
Your passport, and possibly your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Have them ready. The officer may also ask about your travel plans and funds.
No, it's not required by law for Latvian citizens. But it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sweden are high, and insurance covers emergencies.
You risk a fine, a ban from the Schengen Area (usually 1-5 years), and deportation. The Swedish Police can issue a removal order. Don't overstay.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.