Sweden entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden. You must apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate | Tanzanian passport holders need a Schengen visa before traveling to Sweden. Submit your application at the Swedish embassy or visa application center in Tanzania — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. You can apply up to 6 months before your trip.Visit Sweden Migration Agency | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Sweden | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen area — check your passport's expiry date before booking anything. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Swedish border control routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or invitation letter | Carry confirmed hotel reservations for your entire stay in Sweden. If staying with friends or family, bring an invitation letter from your host along with a copy of their residence permit or Swedish ID. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Swedish authorities expect you to have at least 450 SEK per day of your stay. Bank statements from the last 3 months or a sponsor letter with supporting documents work as evidence. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days, especially during summer or holiday seasons. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules apply
A Swedish visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (including France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first entry must be to Sweden unless you're spending the most time there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, bank statements, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application at the Swedish embassy or consulate
You must apply in person at the Swedish embassy in Dar es Salaam or the nearest consulate. Book an appointment online first. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. Pay the fee at submission.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak season. You may be called for an interview. Track your application online if the embassy provides that service.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and conditions carefully. If denied, you'll receive a reason and can appeal.
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 purpose, accommodation, and return plans. Answer honestly and briefly.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1–5 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1–5 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee, allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification.
work visa
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€200 (~$218 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 1 year, renewable)
€150 (~$163 USD) application fee
For full-time students at a Swedish university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Apply family reunification
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For close family members of Swedish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Apply investor visa
Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs starting a business in Sweden. Requires a viable business plan and sufficient funds.
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 service fee (if applicable)Additional fee charged by visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by application center |
| Stay extension costShort-stay Schengen visas cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalties vary; may include deportation and entry ban. | €30–€100 per day (estimated) |
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
Tanzania passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Sweden to a third country, 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
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., Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in summer. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months. Consider annual 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) – Stockholm
Västra Järnvägsgatan 21, 111 64 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
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
Handles visa and permit applications.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.24 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Tanzanian passport holders. You must get a Schengen visa from a Swedish embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days if more documents are needed or during busy periods. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 200,000 TZS), €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. This is paid at the embassy when you submit your application and is non-refundable.
You apply at the Swedish Embassy in Dar es Salaam. If there's no Swedish embassy in your country, you may apply at the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Sweden (often Germany or France). Check the Swedish embassy website for the latest instructions.
You'll receive a written reason for the denial. You can appeal the decision within a specific timeframe (usually 30 days). Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or doubts about returning. You can reapply after addressing the issues.
Generally no. The Schengen visa is for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances like medical emergencies or force majeure. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
Immigration officers may ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your stay. The guideline is at least €45 per day. Have bank statements or a credit card ready. If you're staying with friends/family, a letter of sponsorship can help.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.