Canada entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Swedish citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Swedish passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 4 weeks before travel. Processing times vary — check the IRCC website for current estimates.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Canada. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Canadian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you're flying out of Canada, the airline will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying on arrival. A simple booking confirmation with your name and dates works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Canadian immigration expects roughly CAD $200–$300 per day of your visit. A recent statement from your bank is enough. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Swedish passport holders cannot use the eTA system. You must get a visitor visa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in — no visa means no boarding.
Biometrics appointment in Stockholm
After submitting your online application, you'll need to visit the Visa Application Centre in Stockholm (Birger Jarlsgatan 57) to give fingerprints and a photo. Book your appointment online as soon as you get the biometrics instruction letter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC) and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds), and pay the fee (around CAD 100). Processing takes 2–8 weeks. You may need to give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Stockholm.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, you'll get a confirmation. If biometrics are required, you'll receive a letter — book an appointment at the VAC in Stockholm (address: Birger Jarlsgatan 57). After approval, the visa is stamped in your passport.
3
Prepare for arrival
Before you fly, print or save on your phone: your visa approval letter, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. At the airport in Canada, go to the 'Visitors' queue. The border officer will ask your purpose, length of stay, and may ask to see your documents. Answer honestly and clearly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travellers.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 115) for employer compliance fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Provides pathway to permanent residence.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or Permanent Residence
Varies
Varies
Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees can apply for a Super Visa (if family in Canada) or pursue permanent residence through family sponsorship or other programs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)Required for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada; not applicable for visa-required travellers. | CAD 7 (~USD 5) |
| Stay extension (visitor record)Fee to apply for extending your stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying beyond authorized period. | CAD 200 per day (max CAD 4,000) |
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 Canada
No transit visa needed
Swedish passport holders do not need a transit visa to transit through Canada if they have a valid eTA or visa for Canada, or if they are transiting airside without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Transit without visa is allowed if staying airside and not passing through Canadian immigration.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates; dress warmly and avoid prolonged exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa Office
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing centre; applications by mail or online only.
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
24/7
For immigration inquiries at the airport; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for SE travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.37 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Sweden is not visa-exempt for Canada. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before you travel. There is no eTA option for Swedish citizens.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
The application fee is CAD 100 (about SEK 750). Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85 (about SEK 640). Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is refused.
Yes, most applicants need to provide fingerprints and a photo. You'll do this at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Stockholm after submitting your online application. The address is Birger Jarlsgatan 57.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show you still meet the requirements and have a valid reason. The extension fee is CAD 100. Overstaying without permission can affect future travel.
You'll need: a valid passport (6+ months validity), a digital photo, proof of funds (bank statements, pay slips), travel itinerary, return ticket, accommodation booking, and a letter of invitation if visiting family/friends. Additional documents may be requested.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Sweden, or incomplete documentation. You can reapply after addressing the issues, but the fee is non-refundable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.