Sweden entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden in 2026. Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, so you'll apply for a Schengen visa through the Swedish embassy or consulate. Plan ahead — 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 Saudi Arabia — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no later than 6 months and no earlier than 3 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Sweden. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Swedish border control routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Sweden. Immigration may ask for this at the border — keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing you have at least 450 SEK per day of your stay. Swedish border police can ask for this — have a recent statement ready. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area. A visa for Sweden allows you to travel to 26 other European countries without additional visas. But you must enter Sweden first or spend the most time there.
Visa processing times
Processing can take up to 45 days during busy periods. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Swedish embassy or a visa application center (like VFS Global) in Saudi Arabia. You'll need to book an appointment, pay the fee (around €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can be longer during peak seasons.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, application form, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting documents. Make copies of everything.
3
Attend the visa interview
Go to your appointment at the embassy or center. Bring all original documents plus copies. You'll be asked about your trip purpose, itinerary, and ties to Saudi Arabia. Answer honestly and clearly.
4
Wait for processing
After the interview, your application is processed. You can track it online if the center offers that service. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
5
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 details ready. The border officer may ask a few questions about your stay.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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 3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For one-time visit; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.
National visa (long-stay)
Max stayOver 90 days (e.g., work, study)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD) plus possible additional fees
Requires specific purpose (employment, study, family reunion).
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 several years)
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For full-time students accepted at a Swedish university. Must show sufficient funds and health insurance.
Apply family reunion
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.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adult applicants. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (approx. $30-50 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100-300 per day (estimated, max cap varies) |
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Swedish airports if they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without 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, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in southern and central Sweden; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread 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)
Lindhagensgatan 74, 112 43 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence permit matters; appointments required.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
Södra Hamngatan 35, 411 14 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits.
Practical information for SA 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
Getting to Sweden
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
A standard Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. Your visa will specify the exact validity dates and number of entries (single, double, or multiple).
The visa fee is €80 for adults (about 330 SAR). Children aged 6-12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. There may be additional service fees if you apply through a visa center like VFS Global.
Generally, no. The Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer for work, study, or family reasons, you must apply for a national visa or residence permit before your current visa expires.
Yes, you need to provide a flight itinerary showing your entry and exit from the Schengen Area. It doesn't have to be a fully paid ticket — a reservation from a travel agency is usually accepted.
You'll enter the Schengen Area at your first point of entry (e.g., Frankfurt or Amsterdam). The border officer there will check your visa and documents. After that, you can travel freely within Schengen to Sweden.
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days from the date of application. It can take up to 45 days in some cases, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays). Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
You can fill out the application form online, but you must attend an in-person appointment at the embassy or visa center to submit documents and provide biometrics. Some centers allow you to book appointments online.
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.