Sweden Visa Requirements for US Citizens: 90-Day Schengen Entry 2026

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Sweden?

No, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Sweden for tourism or business purposes. Sweden is a member of the Schengen Agreement, which allows US passport holders to enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, starting in Q4 2026, travelers will need to complete an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) online application before arrival. This is not a visa — it's a travel authorization similar to the US ESTA system.

How Long Can Americans Stay in Sweden?

US citizens can stay in Sweden for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This is called the Schengen 90/180 rule.

Here's how it works:

• You can spend 90 days total across ALL Schengen countries
• The 180-day period is a rolling window — it looks back from today's date
• Time spent in Sweden counts toward your total Schengen allowance
• You cannot "reset" the count by leaving and re-entering the Schengen Area

Important: The Nordic Passport Union allows free movement between Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland — but these days still count toward your 90-day Schengen limit. You're not getting extra time by moving between Nordic countries.

Entry Requirements for Sweden

To enter Sweden as a US citizen, you need:

• Valid US passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area
• Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statements or credit cards showing you can support yourself
• Return or onward ticket: Evidence that you plan to leave the Schengen Area within 90 days
• ETIAS authorization (from Q4 2026): Pre-travel online application, valid for 3 years

Swedish immigration officials may ask to see these documents at the border, though checks are typically minimal for US citizens.

What Counts Toward Your 90 Days?

Any time spent in the 27 Schengen countries counts toward your 90-day limit:

Schengen Countries (27): Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland (plus Liechtenstein).

Days are counted as:

• Day of entry counts as day 1
• Day of exit counts as a full day
• Partial days count as full days

Use a Schengen calculator to track your days accurately — overstaying can result in serious consequences.

Overstay Consequences

Overstaying your 90-day Schengen limit in Sweden can lead to:

• Fines (amount varies, can be substantial)
• Deportation and a ban from the Schengen Area (typically 1-5 years)
• A permanent mark on your immigration record
• Difficulty obtaining future Schengen visas or ETIAS authorizations
• Detention until deportation arrangements are made

Swedish authorities take overstays seriously. If you realize you've overstayed, contact Swedish immigration immediately — voluntary disclosure may reduce penalties.

ETIAS: What You Need to Know

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launches in Q4 2026. Here's what changes:

• Pre-travel authorization required: Must apply online before traveling to any Schengen country
• Cost: €7 (approximately $8 USD)
• Validity: 3 years or until passport expires, whichever comes first
• Processing: Usually approved within minutes, can take up to 30 days in some cases
• Multiple entries: Use it for multiple trips within the 3-year validity period

Apply at the official ETIAS website before your trip. Third-party services charge extra fees unnecessarily.

Sweden-Specific Gotchas

Here are important Sweden-specific considerations US travelers should know:

Nordic Passport Union: Sweden is part of a separate Nordic agreement with Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. While you can travel freely between these countries without passport checks, all time spent still counts toward your Schengen 90 days. You cannot extend your stay by moving between Nordic countries.

Cash-free society: Sweden is almost entirely cashless. Many businesses don't accept cash at all — you'll need a credit or debit card for nearly everything. Some remote areas and small shops may still take cash, but it's rare.

Midnight sun / Polar night: Above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn't set for weeks in summer (midnight sun) and doesn't rise for weeks in winter (polar night). Plan accordingly for sleep schedules and outdoor activities.

High cost of living: Sweden is expensive compared to the US. Budget for higher prices on accommodation, food, and alcohol. Alcohol is sold through state-run Systembolaget stores with limited hours.

Zero tolerance for drugs: Sweden has extremely strict drug laws. All forms of marijuana, including CBD products, are illegal. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Driving: Headlights must be on 24/7, even in summer. Blood-alcohol limit is 0.02% (much lower than the US). Snow tires are mandatory December 1 to March 31.

FAQs

Last verified: February 15, 2026 from travel.state.gov