United States entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swedish passport holders don't need a traditional visa for US trips under 90 days — you'll travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. Apply online before you fly; it costs $21 and is valid for two years. For longer stays or work/study, you'll need a different visa.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)Without an approved ESTA, you will not be allowed to board your flight to the US. Visa waiver – apply before departure | Swedish citizens must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding a flight to the US. The application is online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/), costs US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization), and is often approved instantly, but allow up to 72 hours for processing. | Required |
| Passport validityUS immigration requires your passport to be valid well beyond your departure date. Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swedish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US. For a 90-day stay, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and 90 days from your arrival date. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer needs a blank page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. If you have fewer than 1 blank page, you will be denied entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket shows you intend to leave the US within your allowed stay. Not explicitly required, but strongly recommended | While not a formal requirement for ESTA holders, US border officers may ask for proof of onward travel. It is advisable to have a return or onward ticket to avoid any issues at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarrying evidence of sufficient funds can help if questioned about your ability to pay for your trip. Not required, but may be requested | There is no official minimum amount required, but you should be able to show that you can support yourself during your stay if asked by a border officer. This could be bank statements or a credit card. | Optional |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival forms before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Swedish citizens entering the US under ESTA. The ESTA itself serves as your travel authorization. | Not required |
ESTA is not guaranteed
Even if you've traveled to the US before, your ESTA can be denied or revoked at any time. Apply early and check your status before booking non-refundable flights.
Biometrics at entry
All visitors to the US have their fingerprints scanned and photo taken at immigration. This is routine and takes about 30 seconds.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying even by a few hours can trigger a ban from the Visa Waiver Program. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer a few security questions. Pay the $21 fee with a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.
2
Check in and board
At the airport, the airline will verify your ESTA approval and passport validity. Make sure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Board your flight.
3
Arrive at US airport and go to immigration
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Visitors' or 'Non-US Citizens'. Have your passport and ESTA approval ready. You may be asked about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans.
4
Pass through immigration inspection
A CBP officer will review your documents, take your fingerprints (usually index fingers), and take a photo. Answer questions clearly and honestly. If approved, you'll get an entry stamp or an I-94 record. You're now allowed to stay up to 90 days.
5
Collect luggage and clear customs
After immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel. Proceed to customs — you may need to declare food, large amounts of cash, or commercial goods. If you have nothing to declare, use the green lane.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months (typically)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$185
For stays longer than 90 days or if ESTA is not available.
Work Visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1)
Max stayVaries by visa type (e.g., H-1B up to 6 years)
ValidityVaries; often 3 years, extendable
Cost$190 (base fee) + additional fees
Requires employer sponsorship and USCIS approval.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of academic program + optional practical training
ValidityDuration of studies (I-20)
Cost$185 (visa fee) + SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
Requires acceptance at a SEVP-approved school.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$460 USD (approx. 4,600 SEK) + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigrant intent).
Apply student visa
F-1 Academic Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace + OPT up to 12 months
$160 USD (approx. 1,600 SEK) + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time study at accredited US institutions. Allows on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in TEA)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Requires significant capital and a detailed business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (approx. 2,050 SEK) + legal fees
For Swedish nationals engaged in substantial trade between Sweden and the US. Requires majority ownership by Swedish nationals. No maximum stay.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeRequired for all VWP travelers; valid for 2 years or until passport expires. | $21 |
| ESTA authorization (if approved)No additional charge. | Included in $21 fee |
| Visa application fee (for non-VWP visas, e.g., B1/B2)Required for stays over 90 days or if ESTA is denied. | $185 |
| Extension of stay (I-539 application)Only for valid nonimmigrant visa holders; not applicable to ESTA/VWP. | $455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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 United States
No transit visa needed
Swedish citizens transiting through the US are generally eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and must obtain an ESTA before travel, even for airside transit. If you do not have an ESTA, you will need a C-1 transit visa.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are not admissible under the VWP (e.g., prior overstay, criminal record), you must apply for a C-1 transit visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be exempt, but Sweden is not on that list.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in most states; risk is highest from July to October.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food or contaminated produce; practice good food hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539), file by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for in-person queries; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for SE travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You can travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. ESTA costs $21 and is valid for two years. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The 90-day count starts the day you enter. You cannot extend your stay or change your status while in the US under ESTA.
If your ESTA is denied, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa at the US embassy in Stockholm. The visa application fee is $185, and you'll need to attend an in-person interview. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance.
No. ESTA is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study (under 18 hours per week). You cannot accept employment or enroll in a full-time academic program. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Overstaying even one day can result in your ESTA being revoked and you may be barred from future travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You could also face a ban of up to 10 years. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
If you're transiting through a US airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally need an ESTA or visa. If you need to clear immigration to change terminals or collect luggage, you must have an ESTA or visa. There is no transit without a visa for most nationalities.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed or digital ESTA approval, return/onward ticket, and first night's accommodation details. It's also wise to carry proof of sufficient funds (credit card or bank statement) and travel insurance info.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.