Sweden Visitor Visa Guide
Sweden, renowned for its high standards of living and diverse immigrant population, is a sought-after destination for those looking to connect with family and friends. With the Sweden visitor visa, you can now embark on a journey to reunite with your loved ones in this Scandinavian nation.
What is Sweden Visitor Visa? The Sweden Schengen Visitor Visa, often referred to as the Sweden visitor visa, is issued to individuals planning to visit their family members or friends residing in Sweden. This Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. The precise duration and validity of the visa are determined during the application process. The visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry permit.
How to Apply for Sweden Visitor Visa? To apply for the Sweden visitor visa, you must follow these steps:
Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents as per the visitor visa document checklist.
Download Application Form: Visit the website of the Visa Application Center (VAC) or the Embassy of Sweden to download the Schengen application form.
Complete Application Form: Accurately fill out the application form, specifying your purpose of travel as ‘visiting family/friends,’ and then print it.
Book Appointment: Schedule a visa appointment at either the VAC or the Embassy. Note that embassy appointment slots may be limited, so applying through a VAC is advisable.
Attend VAC or Embassy: Visit the chosen VAC or Embassy with the required documents, the completed application form, and the requisite fees. Biometric data will also be collected during this visit.
Important Note: If you have provided biometrics for a Schengen permit within the last 5 years, you are not required to submit them again. In such cases, a third party can submit your application on your behalf with a letter of authorization signed by you.
It is crucial to emphasize that only genuine documents and accurate information should be submitted to avoid the risk of visa rejection.
Eligibility for Sweden Visitor Visa: To be eligible for a Swedish visitor visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You should be residing in the country where you are applying for the visa. If you hold a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply at the corresponding visa authority in that country.
- Valid Indian Passport: Possess a valid Indian passport that adheres to all regulations.
- Purpose of Visit: Your primary reason for visiting Sweden must be to reunite with family or friends residing there.
- Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate adequate financial means to cover all expenses during your entire stay in Sweden.
- Formal Invitation: You should be formally invited by your relatives or friends residing in Sweden.
- Apply for the permit only if Sweden is:
- Your sole destination.
- One of your primary Schengen destinations, where you will spend the majority of your time.
- Your port of entry into the Schengen region.
Documents Required for Sweden Visitor Visa: As per the requirements, the following documents are typically required for a Sweden visitor visa:
- Valid passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages, not older than 10 years, and valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended travel date. Include previous passports, if applicable.
- Invitation letter from your family or friends living in Sweden, providing comprehensive travel details.
- Residence proof of your family or friend (residence permit, copy of visa, etc.).
- Proof of sponsorship (if applicable).
- A covering letter, including the visitor’s basic details and source of funds, clearly stating the purpose and duration of the visit. Address the letter to the Embassy of Sweden.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitations, residence bookings, etc.).
- Round-trip flight bookings.
- Medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of occupation (employment letter, copy of business license, etc.).
- Financial documents (bank statements for the past 3 months, passbook copies, ITR, etc.).
Photo Specification for Sweden Visitor Visa:
- Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
- Color: Colored.
- Head must occupy the central position.
- Taken within the last 3 months.
- Background: Solid, plain white or grey.
- Face should cover 80% of the photograph.
- Neutral expression.
- Non-thick framed prescription glasses allowed.
- Headgear allowed for religious reasons.
- Facial hair is permitted.
Processing Time for Sweden Visitor Visa: The processing time for a Swedish visitor visa application depends on factors such as the visa’s validity, number of entries, embassy workload, and your previous travel history. Normally, it takes about 15 working days. However, in exceptional cases, it may extend to 30 or even 60 days. Therefore, applying well in advance is recommended.
Sweden Visitor Visa Fees: The application fees for the Sweden visitor visa depend on foreign exchange rates and embassy decisions. The embassy has the authority to change fees without prior notice. In addition to the visa application fee, there may be biometric charges, delivery fees, and service charges levied by the VAC. It is essential to confirm the exact fee amounts before commencing your application.
After Submission: After submitting your visitor visa application for Sweden at one of the VACs, it is forwarded to the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi for processing. Note that even if you applied at a VAC, the processing is solely handled by the embassy, and the VAC has no influence on it. Additionally, consulates of Sweden do not accept visa applications.
If your visa application is approved, you can collect your passport in person at the VAC or have it delivered to you for an additional charge.
How to Check Visa Status: You can track the status of your visitor visa application by visiting the official website and entering your reference number and date of birth. Alternatively, your travel agency can assist in tracking your application.
While Holding a Visitor Visa: Once you possess the visitor visa, consider the following points to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit:
- Verify the exact expiry date, duration of stay, and number of entries as indicated on the Schengen visa sticker. Adhere strictly to these during your travels.
- Always carry all your travel documents while traveling, as they are required at the port of entry. Entry into Sweden is not possible without them.
- Travel to Sweden within six months of the visa issue date or as specified on the Schengen sticker. After this period, your permit becomes invalid, necessitating a new one for entry.
- Keep copies of your travel documents with you while traveling in Sweden.
- While under the visitor category, refrain from engaging in any paid work. However, you may be allowed to participate in unpaid charity or voluntary work.
- Under normal conditions, visitor visas are not extendable.
- The visitor permit allows you to move freely within the Schengen zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, Swedish Visitor Visas cannot be extended under standard conditions, as they fall under the Schengen C category. However, in exceptional cases, such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons, an extension may be granted. In all other cases, it is essential to leave Sweden before the visa’s expiry.
There is no exact specified amount of funds required for a Swedish visitor permit. Instead, you must demonstrate a stable bank account and sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Sweden for the duration of your stay. This includes basic expenses like food, accommodation, and travel.
Staying in Sweden after your Swedish visitor visa expires is considered an offense. It can result in deportation and, in some cases, a ban from re-entering the Schengen zone.
Medical tests are typically not required for short-term Swedish visitor permits. However, it is advisable to undergo a medical checkup before traveling to ensure your health. Long-term D visas may have different requirements depending on the purpose of the visa.
It is not possible to convert a Swedish Schengen visitor permit into another visa type. Additionally, engaging in paid work while on this permit is generally prohibited. If you intend to work, you must apply for a Swedish work permit from your home country.
Yes, a Sweden Visitor Visa allows you to travel to other Schengen countries. Sweden is part of the Schengen zone, and the visa is valid for all Schengen member states. However, it does not permit travel to non-Schengen European countries, except in specific cases, such as Croatia.
The typical processing time for a Swedish Visitor Visa is around 15 working days, excluding the time it takes for the application to reach the respective Swedish mission. To ensure a smooth application process, it is advisable to apply at least 15 days before your planned travel date. However, the embassy does not accept applications more than three months before the travel date as per its regulations.
