This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section.  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

Sweden shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.

Please read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas for further information and advice.

Crime

Sweden is generally a risk free country to visit.  Petty crime occurs, but at much lower levels than in most European countries.  Pickpocketing is rife in the summer months in the major cities when tourists are heavily targeted for their passports and cash.

Local Travel

Travelling within Sweden is easy.  Although you may need to cover large distances (especially in Northern Sweden), the country's road and rail networks are efficient and extensive.  Sweden's comfortable, modern trains are designed to deal with all kinds of weather.

Road/Rail Safety

If you are travelling by car you should note that driving conditions during the winter months of November to March can be extremely treacherous due to snow and ice.

From 1 December - 31 March (irrespective of weather conditions) Swedish registered cars are required by law to have either studded tyres or unstudded friction tyres bearing the following mark, M+S, M-s, M.S, M&S, MS or Mud and Snow.

Although foreign registered cars are exempt from this requirement, it would still be advisable to have winter tyres fitted.

For rail travel see www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.

Importation of illegal drugs, including khat, is heavily punished.

Visas are not required to enter Sweden.  As a British passport holder you can stay as a visitor for up to three months.  If you intend to stay for a longer period you should contact a Migration Board office.

You should be in possession of a valid passport.  There is no minimum validity required but you should ensure that your passport is valid for your return journey.  The Embassy in Stockholm has a full passport issuing service, which operates on a 10-day service.

If you are travelling with children other than your own you should be in possession of a letter of consent from the child’s parent/guardian.  For further advice on requirements, please contact: Swedish Representation in the UK.

If you lose your passport in Sweden, you should contact the British Embassy in Stockholm (contact details below).

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.

The Form E111 is no longer valid.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is available free of charge through most UK post offices or through the UK Department of Health via their website at:  www.dh.gov.uk or by telephoning 0845 6062030 (from outside the UK call: +44 191203555).  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Swedish nationals.  You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.

You should be aware of the risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in coastal areas, especially the Stockholm Archipelago.  Advice on TBE, and inoculations, are generally available in the UK.

If you are visiting remote areas, you should consider the relative inaccessibility of the emergency services.  The telephone number for emergencies in Sweden is 112.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on health, check the Department of Health website at:  www.dh.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Swedish authorities have confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in ducks and wild birds at various locations in Sweden.  No domestic birds have been identified as having the virus.  No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poulty and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet, which gives more detailed advice and information.

If things go wrong when overseas, please see:  What We Can Do To Help.

Remember the currency for Sweden is Swedish Krona and not the Euro.

Sweden, and in particular the north of the country, does get affected by severe cold weather during the winter months.  Temperatures can be extremely low, and if you visit in winter you should be prepared for these harsh conditions.

European Union

Information on the EU can be found at: Travelling and Living in the EU (pdf) and Britain in the EU.

Sweden Country Profile