Sweden entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden. You must apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate before you travel. This requirement remains in effect for 2026.
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 Nigeria — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application at least 3 weeks before your departure date.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Sweden. It also needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Border officers at Swedish airports check for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they may ask to see it at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Sweden. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may need to show you have enough money for your stay — roughly 450 SEK per day. A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit usually satisfies the officer. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing times vary
Visa processing can take 15–30 days, and delays happen. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
Schengen area rules apply
Your Swedish visa lets you travel across all Schengen countries. But you must enter Sweden first if it's your main destination. The 90-day limit counts across the whole Schengen zone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your visa application at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Nigeria. You'll need to book an appointment, fill out the form, and provide your passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and financial documents. Processing usually takes 15–30 days.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries allowed. If rejected, you'll receive a reason and can appeal.
3
Travel to Sweden
When you arrive at a Swedish airport (like Stockholm Arlanda), go to the non-EU passport queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The border officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds.
4
Enter Sweden
After passing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. You're allowed to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Keep your documents handy in case of spot checks.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
ValidityUp to 5 years (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travelers; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
work visa
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
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
Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of studies (up to 5 years)
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students at a Swedish university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification
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 feePaid to visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). | ~€30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €3,000 (~$3,270 USD). | €60 (~$65 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
Transit visa required
Nigeria 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
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia (for certain conditions)
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)
Health & vaccines for Sweden
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Nigeria).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially during summer; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter; 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)
Lindhagensgatan 74, 112 18 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Gothenburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa and permit applications.
Practical information for NG 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
Processing usually takes 15–30 calendar days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to be safe. Peak seasons (summer, Christmas) can take longer.
You fill out the application form online, but you must submit your passport and documents in person at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Nigeria. There is no fully online visa for Nigerian passport holders.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 (about 40,000 Naira) for adults. Children 6–12 pay €40. Fees are paid in local currency at the embassy. Additional service fees may apply.
Extensions are only granted in exceptional cases (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You cannot extend for tourism. If you need to stay longer, apply for a residence permit before your visa expires.
You'll receive a written rejection with the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Swedish Migration Agency. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents.
Immigration may ask. Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. A general guideline is about €50–100 per day.
Yes. A Swedish Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Just enter Sweden first if it's your main destination.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.