Travelling to Sweden
The Swedish Government has decided to suspend non-essential travel to Sweden from countries outside the EU. This ban will apply until December 22. This ban has been introduced to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, and to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The entry ban does not apply to citizens of EU/EEA countries, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, or their families, or for travels to Sweden from the EU/EEA area. Furthermore, the ban does not apply if you or a close relative already live here as a permanent resident or hold a residence permit in Sweden or another EU country, or if you have a national visa to Sweden. More information can be found in frequently asked questions answered by the Swedish Police Authority.
Entry requirements
There is no quarantine requirement for travellers to Sweden. Airline operators may require passengers to show a health statement, but this is no requirement for entering Sweden.
Please pay close attention to the information given by your airline – many airline companies require you to wear a face mask on board. You do not need a health statement or health certificate in order to enter Sweden.
Face masks
There is no national requirement to wear a face mask in normal social situations, in public places, in public transport etc.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden ("Folkhälsomyndigheten") recommends that:
- those who are feeling unwell stay at home
- stay at least an arm's length away from other people
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Protect yourself and others from spread of infection
Testing and travel certificates
Some other countries require a certificate proving that you do not have Covid-19 before entering. This is not the case in Sweden.
In Sweden, anyone with symptoms can get a PCR test which will determine if there is an active Covid-19 infection. If you are interested in doing a PCR test, contact phone number 1177.
An antibody (or a serological) test can show whether you have previously had Covid-19 and developed antibodies against the virus, and thus have protection against the disease. Some companies in Sweden offer foreign citizens such antibody tests (information in Swedish) at a cost, some of which can provide travel certificates. Also check information provided by your embassy.
Travelling in Sweden
Those without symptoms can travel in Sweden. It is important for everyone to maintain distance from other people, both while travelling and at the destination. Before your journey, check with the municipality (”kommunen”) you intend to visit if there are any local restrictions.
Public transportation is operating but services may be limited, both as regards the number of passengers allowed and frequency of departures. For information about services or routes, visit the relevant website or contact the operator on the phone for information in English. If you become ill, you need to be able to make your way home without putting others at risk of infection. Remember to maintain distance from others and avoid places where many people gather.
Minimising the spread of Covid-19
Stay at home if you are feeling ill with symptoms such as nasal congestion, respiratory infection, coughing, or fever, even with mild symptoms.
- Avoid contact with people who are unwell.
- Those aged over 70 are advised to limit contact with other people as far as possible.
- Wash your hands often with hot water and soap.
- Avoid touching your face and eyes. The infection is spread via mucous membranes in your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid going to parties and other social events.
- Keep your distance from other people in public places.
- Avoid travelling in rush hour traffic.
- Avoid unnecessary journeys.
Ban on public gatherings of 8 people or more
Public gatherings and events may have a maximum of 8 participants. The police can cancel or disband a public gathering or event with more than 8 participants. This does not apply to schools, workplaces, or restaurants. Check this link if you are interested in what kinds of gatherings the rule applies to:
Swedish Healthcare
If you are on a visit in Sweden and become ill or get injured, call 1177 for information about illnesses and about Swedish healthcare. In case of emergency, call 112 for an ambulance.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, there may be reductions in healthcare services because of the handling of Covid-19. Do not visit a health centre (“vårdcentral”) if you have any symptoms associated with Covid-19. Instead call 1177 where you will get medical advice from a registered nurse.
Hotels and restaurants
General advice and recommendations regarding minimising the spread of infection apply.
Restaurants, cafés, and bars as well as other venues serving food and drink must:
- Take measures to avoid crowding of people in queues, at tables, buffets or bar counters.
- Ensure that guests can keep at least one meter's distance from other people.
- Only serve food and drink to guests who are seated at a table or a bar counter.
- Guests are permitted to order and pick up food and drink, provided that this does not lead to crowding or queues.
- Offer guests the opportunity to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, or offer them hand sanitiser.
- Inform guests about how they can decrease the risk for spreading infection.
