Sweden entry requirements for Pakistan 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

Pakistan passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden in 2026. Apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. 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 your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Book an appointment early, slots fill up fast.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years. Airlines check this at check-in.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Schengen area
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Budget airlines at Arlanda check this before letting you board.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 ready. Immigration may ask to see it at passport control.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least 450 SEK per day of your stay. Border officers rarely ask, but they can if they suspect you're short on cash.Recommended
Apply early — slots fill fast
Visa appointment slots at VFS Global in Pakistan can book out weeks in advance, especially before summer and holidays. Don't wait until the last minute.
Schengen zone rules apply
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area. Your visa allows you to stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Overstaying can lead to bans.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Swedish embassy or a visa application centre (like VFS Global) in Pakistan. Slots can fill up weeks ahead, so book early.
3
Submit your application in person
Go to your appointment with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your passport, pay the visa fee, and possibly have a short interview. Processing takes 15-30 days.
4
Collect your passport
Once processed, you'll be notified to pick up your passport. If approved, the visa sticker will be inside. Check the dates and validity immediately.
5
Arrive in Sweden
At the airport, go to the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your trip — have your return ticket and hotel address ready.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)

Standard Schengen visa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $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 from a Swedish employer. Requires a valid employment contract and salary meeting minimum thresholds.
Apply
student visa
Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of study program (up to several years)
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For full-time students accepted at a Swedish university. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds for living expenses.
Apply
family reunification
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For close family members (spouse, children) of a Swedish resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
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)
Visa application service feePaid to visa application center (e.g., VFS Global).Varies by location (approx. $30-40 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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

Pakistan passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to transit through Sweden's Schengen airports, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
  • Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from an EU/EEA country, Canada, Japan, or the USA
  • Holders of a valid UK visa (with 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. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.

Lyme diseaseModerate risk

Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective.

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 (by appointment)

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

Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00 (by appointment)

Handles visa and permit matters for western Sweden.

Practical information for PK 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

No. Pakistan passport holders must get a Schengen visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Sweden.
Processing usually takes 15-30 days. In busy periods (summer, holidays) it can take longer. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 24,000 PKR as of 2026). Children 6-12 pay €40, under 6 are free. Service charges from VFS Global may add extra.
You apply at the Swedish embassy in Islamabad or through VFS Global visa application centres in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Check the embassy website for the exact location.
Yes. A Swedish Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, etc.) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. The appeal goes to the Migration Court in Sweden. Alternatively, reapply with stronger documents — address the reason for rejection in your new application.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.

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.