travel warning to sweden

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Sweden due to the threat of terrorism.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sweden.

See  Safety

• Swedish authorities assess that Sweden is a prioritised target for terrorist attacks, with increasing threats by violent Islamist groups. The current threat level is 'high threat' or level 4 out of 5, meaning the probability of an attack is high. 

Terrorist attacks can occur at any time. Maintain high vigilance in public spaces and take official warnings seriously. Avoid crowds, be aware of your surroundings, and stay i nformed . 

• Petty crime is common. Take care in hotels and restaurants. Violent crime is rare. However, gangs and organised crime do occur. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• Winter is extremely cold, with heavy snowfall and severe transport delays. Public facilities can also be interrupted. Check the media, emergency information from Swedish authorities and other local sources for the latest details.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Australia has a healthcare agreement with Sweden. You'll still need private travel health insurance and a valid Medicare card.
• Ticks are very common outside city areas from March to November. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are risks. Check your body and remove any ticks as soon as you can. 

You can bring a 3-month supply of medicine for personal use to Sweden.

• Swedish medical facilities are similar to Australia. However, emergency services are limited in remote areas.

Full travel advice:  Health

• It's illegal to use physical punishment on children, including threatening a child with physical punishment. If you do, local authorities can take custody of your child and prosecute you.
• Penalties for drug offences include heavy fines and jail. This applies even to small amounts.
• Sweden recognises dual nationality. If you're a dual Australian-Swedish national, check your military service obligations with the  Swedish Defence Conscription and Assessment Agency .

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Sweden has abolished passport and border controls within the Schengen area. Schengen visa rules apply. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Sweden for the latest details.

Sweden's official currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK).

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy, Stockholm .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Swedish authorities assess that Sweden is a prioritised target for terrorist attacks, with threats by violent Islamist groups increasing in the past year. Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Sweden. 

Sweden's  deterioration in the security situation  has led the Swedish Government to raise the threat from 'elevated threat' to 'high threat', equivalent to a threat level of 4 out of 5, meaning the probability of an attack is high. This is a long-term assessment and not a temporary increase. 

Gathering sites, such as places of worship, could be targeted. Use caution when in and around any diplomatic facilities. Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

​In recent years, terrorists have attacked some European cities. Targets have included:

• Airports 
• public transport and transport hubs
• places of worship
• sporting venues
• restaurants, bars and clubs
• shopping centres
• other sites frequented by tourists

European security services have also stopped several planned attacks.

Areas attracting large groups of people are also targets. These include places popular with foreigners, such as Christmas markets. 

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• avoid places that could be terrorist targets
• consider the level of security around you
• avoid visiting at peak times
• have a clear exit plan if there's a security incident
• report any suspicious actions or items to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

More information:

• Swedish Police
• Emergency Information

Civil unrest and political tension

Monitor local media for updates and other sources for possible unrest.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself in periods of unrest:

• avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
• Demonstrations and civil unrest
• Major cultural events

Violent and other serious crimes are rare. However, gang and organised crime do occur, mainly in the three largest cities:

While violent incidents are rare in tourist locations, you should still be cautious. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. In Gothenburg and Malmö, gang-related violence does occur more frequently in the city centre, especially at night. 

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common and on the rise in Stockholm. 

Criminals may work in teams. One distracts the victim while the other carries out the theft.

Take care in hotels and restaurants. Thieves steal bags and purses when you're distracted. 

More information

• theft and robbery

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Winter can be extremely cold, depending on where you are. There's heavy snowfall, including in major cities. There can also be severe transport delays and temporary closures of public facilities, including roads, train and air services.

Sweden experiences  severe weather , including:

• forest fires

If conditions are extreme or there's a  natural disaster :

• check the media, emergency information from Swedish authorities  and other local sources for updates

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

• Floods and fires

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Check the status of your medicine with the  Swedish Medical Products Agency .

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Health risks in Sweden are similar to those in Australia.

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis  and  Lyme disease  are risks. Ticks are very common in country areas, especially in some coastal regions and around major lakes. They're active from March to November.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• always use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

To reduce your risk of tick-borne disease:

• check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests 
• remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
• monitor the tick bite for any signs of infection
• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Swedish medical facilities have standards similar to those in Australia.

Emergency services are limited in remote areas.

The main hospitals are located in the Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö regions. English is widely spoken.

Australia has a healthcare agreement with Sweden. It's called the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA). If you're in Sweden for less than 90 days, you can access emergency medical services for free.

It doesn't give you the same coverage as Medicare in Australia and doesn't cover the following:

• ongoing treatment of pre-existing health conditions
• medical evacuation
• prescription medicine
• elective surgery

Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You must present an Australian passport and a valid Medicare card to get emergency treatment. You may also need to refer to the RHCA.

If you can't show your passport and Medicare card, you may need to pay the same costs that apply to non-residents.

The RHCA does not replace the need for private travel health insurance.

• Medicare Australia

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter , but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

It's illegal to use physical punishment against children in Sweden, including threatening a child with physical punishment.

If you use or threaten physical punishment against your child, local authorities can take custody of your child and prosecute you.

Penalties for drug offences, even for small amounts, include heavy fines and jail.

• Carrying or using drugs
• Partying safely

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Sweden recognises dual nationality.

The Swedish Government has reinstated compulsory military service for citizens who are 18 years of age, starting  with those born between 1999 and 2000.

If you're a dual Australian-Swedish national, check your military service obligations with the  Swedish Defence Conscription and Assessment Agency .

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Sweden is part of the European Union (EU) and the  Schengen area  and has abolished passport and border controls within the Schengen area.

When you first enter the Schengen area, get an entry stamp from border control on your passport.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy of Sweden  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Check with  Swedish authorities  for the latest advice. 

• Swedish Migration Agency
• Arlanda Airport departures 
• Swedish Police 

Other formalities

Carry a valid passport to enter or leave Sweden. Do this even if you're travelling from another Schengen country.

Always carry your passport. If you have one, carry your Swedish residency permit. Authorities may ask for proof of identity.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

Declare amounts over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Sweden and any non-European Union (EU) country. This includes all forms of currency, not just cash.

You'll be fined if you don't declare it or give the wrong information on entry or exit.

You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Local travel

Road travel.

Sweden's roads are usually in very good condition.

Roads can be dangerous in winter due to ice. Long periods of darkness can make it hard to see. Every year, approximately 60,000 wildlife road accidents are reported in Sweden.

Get details on road conditions from the  Swedish Transport Agency (Swedish).

Vehicle headlights must always be on.

Winter tyres must be fitted:

• from 1 December or when it first snows
• until 31 March or later if roads are still icy

The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.02%. Penalties for drink driving are severe and can lead to a prison sentence. Note that the police may give you a fine even if the alcohol limit in your blood is lower than 0.02%, depending on your capability to control your vehicle.

• Driving or riding
• Transport styrelsen: Vägtrafik

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike or quad bike.

Always wear a helmet.

Public transport

Public transport, including buses and trains, is generally reliable and safe.

Use officially marked taxis.

• Transport and getting around safely

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Sweden's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact:

Australian Embassy, Stockholm

Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor 111 64 Stockholm, Sweden Phone: (+460) 8613 2900 Email:  [email protected] Website:  sweden.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Sweden Embassy Facebook X:  @AusAmbSE

Check the Embassy website or its Facebook page for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Sweden?

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Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

• Experience Guide (sv, dk, no, eng)
• Corporate (in Swedish)
• Press & Media
• Travel Trade
• About Sweden

Information for travellers in regards to Covid-19

Here you will find restrictions and recommendations about travelling to and staying in Sweden. As this kind of information may be due to change quickly, you need to check what applies with relevant authorities before travelling to Sweden.

Travelling restrictions for Sweden

As of 1 April 2022, there is no longer an entry ban to Sweden.

Recommendations and regulations when in Sweden

There are no longer any restrictions in Sweden due to Covid-19.

Read more at krisinformation.se: “Current rules and recommendations” .

Travelling from Sweden

Please keep yourself informed of the different regulations that may apply in different countries for travelling from Sweden.

Please note This page is based on information from the Swedish authorities. We strive to keep it updated with the latest changes, but as this kind of information may be due to change quickly and may also differ for parts of the country, you need to check what applies by visiting the links of this page as well as the relevant authorities in the country you are travelling from. Please note that Visit Sweden accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

Archipelago

Stockholm archipelago.

Photo : Henrik Trygg/imagebank.sweden.se

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International travel

It is a good idea to find out before you travel if the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (“Utrikesdepartementet” or “UD”) has issued a travel advisory for your destination.

Travel and health insurance

In Sweden, travel cover for 45 days is usually included in your home insurance. Please check with your insurance company for terms and conditions.

You may also have some insurance cover if you have purchased your trip with a bank card. Check with the card issuer for details.

If you are travelling within the EU/EEA, you must bring your European health insurance card. Order EU cards via the Försäkringskassan website.

Your passport

Please note that some countries require your passport to be valid for six months on your return trip. Passports and national ID cards are the only valid documents that can prove your identity and your citizenship. Driving licences are not considered as travel documents. Apply to the police for a passport or national ID card if you are a Swedish citizen or to your country’s embassy if you have a citizenship other than Swedish.

If you lose your passport during your trip, please contact your country’s embassy or consulate where you happen to be.

Read up on your destination

Find out as much as you can about the country you are travelling to. Sweden’s embassies have travel information in Swedish on Sweden Abroad. You can also get travel information via the UD Resklar app.

Follow news reports about the country to which you are travelling.

If you are travelling to a country outside Europe, you should also find out if you need any vaccinations.

Remember, it is the destination country's legislation that applies. It may look very different from Swedish law, for example, with regard to criminal law and child custody. In some countries there may be special rules for outbound travel for children, such as a requirement for consent from one or both parents to leave the country.

Travel advisories

The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD) advises against travel to a country, or parts of a country, where the security situation is deemed to be very dangerous, unpredictable or rapidly changing.

If you choose to travel despite the Ministry's advice, your ordinary travel insurance does not usually apply. Check with your insurance company for particulars.

An advisory against travel often means that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies have limited opportunities to provide consular support.

Sign up for the Swedish list and download the UD Resklar app

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD) recommends that all Swedes who are abroad register their stay on what is known as the 'Swedish list'. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Swedish Embassy can then contact you if a major crisis situation should arise.

In an emergency situation abroad

After events where many people affected or feared to be, it is crucial that relatives or friends in Sweden be informed.

Call home or notify via social media. Use one of the electronic services available for this purpose, such as the Facebook Safety Check. Certain services also allow relatives to register and search for named persons.

Register on the Swedish list so that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs or the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate can contact you if necessary.

In the event of extensive crisis events, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs can open special telephone lines for affected Swedes and relatives.

Stay informed about and follow the local authorities’ advice

Follow the development of events through the media and the embassy’s travel information.

Follow the advice of the national and local authorities.

Krisinformation.se publishes confirmed information about events abroad that affect Swedish citizens and people connected to Sweden.

If you need medical care or other practical help

Contact your insurance company’s emergency centre if you need medical care or other practical help.

Contact your local embassy for specific advice on how to solve problems. In the event of an emergency, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs may also be contacted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on-call is staffed around the clock every day of the year and handles urgent matters outside the embassy’s office hours.

Contact airlines or other travel operators to rebook tickets.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Sweden travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: August 7, 2024 12:27 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, sweden - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sweden due to the threat of terrorism.

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Petty crime

Petty crime like pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs. Thieves work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings.

Thieves are especially active in crowded areas, such as:

• airports, train stations and public transportation hubs
• hotel lobbies
• concerts and music festivals
• restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
• tourist attractions

Always keep your belongings in a safe place, including your passport and other travel documents.

Violent crime

Gang and organized crime-related violence occurs mainly in the three largest cities in Sweden:

Stockholm County has experienced an increase in gun violence and homicides linked to gang rivalries. Recent incidents suggest retaliatory killings. In certain situations, criminals have used bombs, hand grenades or improvised explosive devices. Violent incidents have occurred in public areas, including bars and restaurants.

While violent incidents have not typically occurred in areas frequented by tourists, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

• Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings
• Do not touch or move suspicious items or unattended packages

Heightened threat of terrorism

There is a heightened threat of terrorism in Sweden.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• major political events, such as demonstrations
• other public celebrations

Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Government of Sweden maintains a public alert system on terrorism. On August 17, 2023, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) raised the national terrorist threat level from 3 (elevated) to 4 (high) on a 5-step scale. The threat level is based on the assessment that the threat posed by violent extremists will remain heightened. The Government communicates threat level changes online and through local media.

Local terrorism threat level –  Swedish Crisis Information

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure and arctic tourism

Adventure tourism may lead to serious safety concerns if not well-organized. Weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

In winter, heavy snowfall can make it difficult to reach certain areas. Roads may become impassable. There is also a risk of avalanches, some of which can be fatal.

If you undertake adventure tourism or trekking, especially in the arctic provinces and remote areas of Sweden:

• never do so alone
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• don’t venture off marked trails
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• ensure that you’re well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are excellent. Some roads may be closed in winter, particularly in northern areas.

Wildlife road accidents are common. Be particularly vigilant if driving at nighttime. Road signs indicating risks posed by the presence of particular animals display the animal’s silhouette on an orange triangle with red borders.

Public transportation

Public transportation services are efficient and reliable.

Trains and buses

Sweden has an extensive high-speed railway network that connects main cities and rural areas. Stockholm also has a metro (subway) rail service, and a regional commuter rail network serves the Southern part of the country.

Most cities have good public bus systems. Long-distance bus lines are also available.

Taxis are widely available but may be expensive. Use only officially marked taxis and don’t share them with strangers.

Taxi fares in Sweden are not regulated. Fares may vary and have no upper limit. Always confirm the rates before your journey or pre-negotiate fares.

There are daily ferry connections with Denmark, Germany, Finland and the Baltic countries.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Swedish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

• Schengen area

Sweden is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Temporary border controls

The Swedish government has reintroduced internal border controls at all ports of entry. You may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Sweden, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Business visa: not required Student resident permit: not required for stays up to 90 days Work permit: required

• Visas requirements - The Swedish Migration Agency
• Studying in Sweden - Study in Sweden

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

English is widely spoken in the main hospitals, particularly in the urban centres of Stockholm, Malmö, and Gothenburg.

Emergency services may be limited in remote areas.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Sweden are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Sweden to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Sweden authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Sweden.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Sweden, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Sweden.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Sweden, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Swedish court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Sweden to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Compulsory military service

Swedish citizens of 18 years of age are subject to compulsory military service. Dual Canadian-Swedish citizens may be subject to this requirement.

Military service - Swedish Defence Recruitment Agency (in Swedish)

Physical punishment of children

Physical punishment of children, including the threat of physical punishment, is illegal in Sweden. The law applies to all adults regardless of relation and in all settings, including at home. Swedish authorities can take custody of children and prosecute adults in situations where physical punishment occurs.

Use of public land

Movement and camping on public land in Sweden is permitted under the “Allemansrätten” or “Freedom to Roam” law. Camping is not permitted within 70m of a dwelling or cultivated land. There are certain restrictions for specific areas, times of year, and uses.

The right of public access – Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

A Canadian driver’s licence can be used to drive in Sweden for up to one year. You should also carry an international driving permit.

Congestion charges

A congestion tax is imposed for vehicles entering and exiting Stockholm and Gothenburg. Consult the website of the Swedish Transport Agency to confirm the current hours and amounts for congestion taxes.

Congestion taxes in Stockholm and Gothenburg  - Swedish Transport Agency

Vehicles must be equipped with winter tires from December 1 to March 31. Winter tires may also be required outside of these dates when the Swedish police consider local weather conditions to be similar to the winter season. This could reflect snow, ice, or frost on the roads.

Children below 135 cm must sit in an approved car seat designed for their height and weight, either a baby car seat, child car seat, booster seat or booster cushion.

• More information about driving in Sweden - European Commission
• More about the International Driving Permit

The currency of Sweden is the Swedish krona (SEK).

Many shops and restaurants no longer accept cash.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Sweden is prone to severe winter weather. Floods and windstorms could occur. The risk of flooding is greatest in the South of the country.

Weather warnings and advisories – Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI)

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Sweden. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans.

In mountainous regions, avalanches and landslides present a risk.

• Monitor local media and weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities

Avalanche forecasts - Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket)

Forest fires may occur in summer months, and fire bans during the summer are common. Respect all fire bans to avoid a heavy fine. Whether or not a fire ban is in place, you may face arrest if you cause a forest fire.

If you plan on camping or cooking outdoors in Sweden during the summer:

• use a camping stove instead of an open fire
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Map of fire bans – Swedish Crisis Information

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Sweden, in Stockholm, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Sweden Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Sweden.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Sweden. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Sweden.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Sweden.

If rabies exposures occur while in Sweden, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Sweden, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Sweden is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Sweden include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Sweden’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Sweden, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Sweden for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Is Sweden Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Sweden : Safety by City

Sweden, the largest of the Nordic countries, is located in northern Europe, on the Scandinavian Peninsula.

It shares borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark via the bridge of Öresund (Öresundsbron).

To the east of Sweden lies the Baltic Sea, along with the Gulf of Bothnia, which separates Sweden from the biggest part of Finland.

The interesting fact, when it comes to Sweden’s geography is that its northernmost part belongs to the Arctic.

It is a country with a population of about 10 million yet its pride isn’t the modern cities and contemporary architecture, but its gorgeous natural beauty.

Leaving the city behind means really appreciating what this country has to offer.

Tourists can choose from a variety of options: sailing across an archipelago, visiting a lonely island, trekking along Sweden’s northern wilderness… these are just some of the options you can enjoy when visiting this breathtaking country.

Skiing, skating, hiking fishing, and foraging for mushrooms and berries are popular Swedish pastimes and hobbies, and you won’t be able to resist joining them in these activities.

• Warnings & Dangers in Sweden

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Sweden is a very safe country to visit, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down: crime has been on the rise since the '80s and petty crime exists in most countries in the world, so exercise caution at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis and other means of transportation are very safe and reliable in Sweden.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is some risk of pickpockets, mostly around tourist landmarks and crowded places such as bus and train stations, airports or shopping centers. Avoid flashing your valuables in public, or leaving them in plain sight and that should minimize the risk of someone stealing from you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to natural disasters, there are some risks, mostly connected to the fact that, during winter, this country is below freezing point. Dress accordingly and expect snowstorms and extremely cold temperatures.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Mugging is uncommon in Sweden, and so is kidnapping. However, as in any country, it is recommended that you remain vigilant at all times. Be wary of people trying to distract you, as it might be a trick to try to steal from you.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Sweden's recent history. However, in the light of recent events and terrorist attacks in Europe, they shouldn't be ruled out, so remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As in most countries of the world, there will always be people trying to scam unsuspecting tourists. The risk of scammers is not too high, but you should still double-check everything. Be wary of people offering you help with anything or giving you unsolicited advice or directions.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Sweden is generally safe for women traveling solo, except in some parts of it, such as Rinkeby in Stockholm, after dark. Just follow the rules of common sense such as avoiding deserted and poorly lit streets and areas, and your trip should go smoothly.

• So... How Safe Is Sweden Really?

Sweden is generally very safe to visit, even though since the ’80s crime rates have steadily been on the rise, so watch out when walking the streets of Sweden especially at night and during weekends.

There are also areas to be avoided such as Rinkeby in Stockholm, with violent crimes and robberies being more and more common.

Bear in mind that in the rural areas of Norrland, the nearest patrol car might be a hundred kilometers away, and the majority of Sweden is actually quite weakly policed.

If you see a street fight, just keep a safe distance and never get involved in one.

There have been reports of young people being injured or even killed after trying to intervene in a street fight.

Young people, usually when drunk or otherwise intoxicated are a real threat in this country, so it is best to avoid them.

Never argue with security guards or bouncers since they are legally allowed to use force if needed and they will use that legal power against you.

Generally, Swedes are known to avoid eye contact, especially in dangerous or uncomfortable situations, so avoid looking them directly in the eyes as it might provoke them if such a situation presents itself.

As for pickpockets, they do operate, but it isn’t a serious issue in this country.

They usually operate in tourist-frequented areas and crowded places such as airports, bus and train stations, and shopping areas.

Most Swedes feel comfortable carrying their cash with them but still exercise caution.

Also, if you’re using bicycles, lock them safely before moving away.

• How Does Sweden Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries do not need a visa in order to enter Sweden, for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Swedish Krona is the official currency in Sweden. Like most Scandinavian countries, Sweden is expensive so plan on spending around 130 euro per day. ATMs are widely available throughout the country and credit cards are accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Tipping is rare.

Sweden generally has a relatively mild climate compared to other Scandinavian countries. Temperatures in July are between 13 and 17°C. February is usually Sweden's coldest month, with temperatures dropping as low as - 22°C. In northern Sweden, winters are freezing, with temperatures that often drop to -30°C, sometimes even lower.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden's busiest airport located in the Sigtuna Municipality of Sweden, around 37 kilometers north of Stockholm.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Sweden, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Sweden Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Sweden - Safety by City

Explore sweden.

• 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Sweden
• From Stockholm to Lapland: A Whirlwind Adventure in Sweden
• 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Sweden
• 11 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Sweden
• 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Sweden
• 10 Best Flea Markets in Sweden
• 10 Safest Cities in Sweden
• 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Sweden
• Where to Next?

55 Reviews on Sweden

Not safe for women

not safe for women

Ask the locals, when staying in the sweden.

Unfortunately the city of Malmö is not safe anymore. There are also lots of more areas than Rinkeby in Stockholm, which are not safe, like Rosengård in Malmö and Söder in Helsingborg – but all is relativ. In Malmö there have been a lot of shootings in the city and other areas throughout the last three years. There has been a terroristattack in Stockholm in 2017, anyway one can everywhere be at the wrong time at the wrong place. I do not feel less safe as a woman.

Bullshit Sweden is super safe I have never felt unsafe

I'm a local who never feels threatened

I live in Malmö and can say that it feels super safe here, as opposed to some areas of Stockholm. Plus that in general, while gangs do exist in Sweden, they target themselves most of the times. So unless you happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, nothing is gonna happen.

Sweden is a generally safe country compared to USA

I don’t know what “Anonynous” based his/her opinion upon. Stockholm is one of the safest places I have ever lived (compared to many big cities in USA). I moved to Stockholm from USA about 10 years ago, and yes, crime has increased since then, but if you are not involved in criminal gangs or their activities, you should not be so concerned. As a woman, I generally feel safe in Sweden.

Lots of prostitutes and gangs in Stockholm at nighttime. A barber told me he was assaulted by an illegal immigrant.

I agree I fell safer in Sweden than the USA

This is a bullsh*t article. Sweden is a VERY safe country to visit. I don’t trust any of these articles ….

LOOL, ever been there?

The article never said Sweden was dangerous?

Rape statistics ignored.

i can totally see that in global rape statistics

Not safe, full of n*****s who stole my purse. I think Somalia is safer, there are fewer n*****s than in Sweden.

who wrote this article ? they must be very naive

SWEDEN IS NOT SAFE FOR WOMEN

whoever write this article is very naive

there are regular bomb attacks and as a female with blond hair and white skin it it horrible being chased by the Muslim men.

Whoever wrote this comment is very delusional…

Sweden is as safe for women as any country, although that doesn’t mean that it’s “safer” for women than men.

No “bomb attacks” at all and no “Muslim” men are chasing women here, at least not more than the “Swedish” men. As another commenter said – if you are not involved in criminal gangs or their activities, the odds of being the victim of a crime are extremely rare, even in the larger cities.

Don’t let people like “Mia” and this somewhat strange and “over-stereotyped” article discourage you from visiting Sweden. It’s a very safe and nice place to visit in general, most people are welcoming and glad to help you if you ask nicely (but I don’t know about Mia thou…). But of course, there are no guarantees, as with everything here in the world. Try to be as respectful as possible and you’ll be fine.

I get constant death threats. And I live here, so I should know.

Sweden is not safe anymore. Safer than Africa sure. But not safe.

“no “Muslim” men are chasing women here, at least not more than the “Swedish” men” – Ahahahha. Good joke. I lived here all my life and 95% gang rapes, 93% of assault rapes and 65% of all rapes are commited by migrant men, even tho they are a small minority in comparison. You should indeed be careful in Sweden night-time especially as a woman. Don’t walk alone.

There have also been many brutal murders by migrants and two terrorist-attacks. Last being Tommie Lindh, where a somali stabbed him to death and raped his friend in his blood. A mother with her kid was stabbed to death in Ikea by another african. A guy named Stefan was stabbed to death also by an african just out taking an evening walk, it happens all the time..

Police doesn’t come as well so be aware, they might not come if you call.

If you visit day time it’s no problem generally, but be aware.

Not that safe

Aw please, I guess you live in a rich swedish area and not in the suburbs like most people.

Sweden is not safe in cities with a high percentage of immigrants, and almost all cities have a lot of immigrants.

How can you normalize murders and gang activities? It is not normal at all and it should not be tolerated. No one has a right to shoot anyone in the street.

You are hella cringe fr get a life like seriously and what does any of those have anything to do with muslims ,huh?

Every day in Swedish news we read about small children being threatened with knives to their throats to Hand over smartphones or shoes, older people getting attacked and robbed, explosions in people’s homes, women getting raped. The polices officers are outnumbered and its getting worse every day, this article would be more accurate if it was written in the 80s.

Which sweden is true the fairytail or the nightmare?

At this point your government is openly hostile to you swedes and sides with monsters proudly.Revolutions have been started for less.

Welcome to Norrland!

If you want a safe and peaceful journey, Västerbotten/Lapland might be for you: -outdoor recreations, nature and other activities are never far away -we also have nice spas, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, etc. (Do some research in advance to make sure that you visit the best places)

The most dangerous things I’ve experienced here are mosquitos and cold temperatures… 😉

i have been to sweden and i must say that theres nearly more immigrants than local people.

Sweden WAS fantastic

I’ve lived 40+ years in Sweden and it has changed A LOT to the worse the last 10-20 years. The prior isolated problems with criminal immigrants has spread from certain areas to nearly everywhere, even small cities has problems with criminal gangs nowadays and they don’t about bystanders when shooting each others. Even children has been hit and killed by gunfire.

I’m sorry to say it but our naive and deillusional politicians has created a huge mess which will be hard or Impossible to revert. And the left-wing is doing its best to use smoke and mirrors to deny reality.

Mugging and rape and murder have skyrocketed lately. I speak from experience. I live here. My neighbor got shot by an imported immigrant.

Very bad place

A young boy got molested by an old man. Just round the corner here. Don’t stay up late if you are a victim. Lots of guns and drugs. But you are safe as long as you keep to yourself and don’t do stupid things. You might get robbed otherwise. Go in groups or don’t go at all. Comon sense.

Will Muhammad. You doing like an neurotic paranoid overachiever. You better lock yourself in for the saké of others. What a wanker.

Beware of desinformation

Sweden has a bad reputation on the internet for a few very dumb reasons. First one is that Sweden has a high number of reported rape cases. That is not because rape is more common in Sweden, but because more crimes count as rape than in almost any other country. Many things that would count as molesting in USA count as rape in Sweden for example. On top of that there are many so called “troll factories” spreading desinformation about Sweden for political gains. Russians do it because Sweden is a Nato candidate for example. Even Donald Trump has been exposed spreading desinformation about Sweden, only because of his dislike of socialism. There are literally zero dangerous areas to go to in Swedish cities. Due to the government basically handing out free money to unemployed citizens, true poverty doesn’t exist. There are gangs but they are only hostile towards other gangs, they have never done anything to a tourist ever.

You are delusional. I’m Swedish, lived here all my life and it’s not safe. Watch out for migrant criminals. You can walk everywhere until something happens of course. Including Syria. Most days you won’t get killed.

Russia spreading misinformation? Allow me to laugh.. LOL

Sweden is VERY safe

Absolutely! There are so many disinformed people on the web, and the media loves to slurp up anything going slightly wrong in Sweden as “trouble in paradise”.

Sweden has unfortunately changed to the worse the last 5-10 years from a safety point of view. Aggressive Arabic and African Muslim immigrants makes life difficult. There are several no-go zones in the major cities but even the smalles city is affected and you should be aware. For me as a long time Swede I do not recognize my own country and it’s sad for such a great country.

You’re American so you never visited Sweden.

High risk of encountering danger during evening/night

gangs of men with foreign background from middle east and africa are everywhere in Sweden except in the archipelago or upper-class areas.

women don’t dare to go out during evenings in many areas so don’t go to Sweden if you’re a woman or a smaller man as you’ll be an easy target.

gangs that consists of mostly men with foreign background from middle east and africa are everywhere in Sweden except in the archipelago or upper-class areas.

Sweden is very safe

Shocked by the absurd amount of fake statistics and blatant racism in the comments! I used to live in Denmark and not surprisingly everyone who I heard commenting negative things about Sweden were white, middle to high middle class, racist nationalists who were terrified of seeing their country become more mixed. The ppl who weren’t like that loved Sweden and thought of it as incredibly safe! My experience in the country was also very positive!

Usually, very left people write as you do. You have no idea. I’m Swedish and we have the highest shooting in Europe. Trust me, it’s not native Swedish people behind those statistics. Our government gives away our country to the immigrants.

Sweden is comitting suicide

So you’re a tourist. Gotcha. Very informative.

Stop lying.

Sweden is very safe.

There are better European countries to visit

Rapes are increasing at an alarming rate. If you’re a woman, don’t come alone. // Swede

Somewhere inbetween.

To say Sweden has no problems is very naive. But I don’t think it’s as bad as some people claim. However, there are a few things we should address.

Sweden is going through a pretty extreme racist anti-immigration propaganda campaign led by the Swedish right wing sector and media, right-wing even for a western neoliberal country. Exacerbated by proven bot and misinformation campaigns from Russia attempting to decrease public opinion about the country and keep it from joining the EU.

The way these “people” want Sweden to seem seems even more dangerous than the immigrants’ countries of origin which are actual conflict zones, although somehow other countries with similar numbers of migrants don’t have these issues. What gives?

I’ve never been there, but this has been proven to be true and vast amounts of crime statistics have been shown to be misconstrued or to be straight up fabrication. Take these comments with a massive grain of salt.

LOL don’t trust your lying eyes it’s just misinformation and Russia definitely don’t look or pay attention to those racist statistics just bury your head in the sand just make sure it’s not in a no go zone.

Sweden is the gun violence capital of Europe. It becomes worse and worse every year and the politicians don’t dare to do anything about it and our news papers hide this as much as they can to keep the truth away from people. Today for example we had 6 shootings and one grenade attack ONLY in Stockholm. If you want to travel here, avoid the cities as much as you can and always stay alert of your surroundings if you still happen to visit a city (Uppsala, Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm). This applies especially after dark when you could get killed by simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The gangs don’t give a ****. Avoid lonely streets and dark alleys!

Don't come alone

I live here, it’s not safe if you come alone. Especially at night in bigger cities.

05/06/23 – Can we please get dates on these comments? What is the current situation in Stockholm?

Lots of trolls for sure

I mean you have to be ether dumb or naive if you think Sweden is an unsafe country. I personally don’t agree with Sweden migration policy and I hope it will change for the better. But let’s be clear, you are very safe in Sweden as long as you use normal common sense. Having visited and lived in many parts of the world I can say this with confidence.

Lots of trolls here indeed

I appreciate someone else’s honesty! There are way too many trolls here.

Sweden 24/june 2023

Lived in sweden my entier life . It is definetly safe . I been to USA i been to The United arab Emirates to. Stockholm is safter then Malmö. But most cities has areas to avoid and most turist never get to those places anyway. But no place in The world is safe if being critic. And me as a woman no i am not as other mentioned being chased by muslim men. No idea where that person been. And yes i am blonde blue eyes. Read more sites And gather more info And drag conclusions.

Lets be fair!

Let’s not exaggerate the risks here. – Pickpockets are everywhere, but it’s not very common in Sweden. – The risk for natural disasters certainly cannot be rated on the fact that it gets cold in the winter and that it can be icy or snowy. Hardly counts as a natural disaster, does it. – Everything is relative, but let’s face it. Terrorist attact a so rare, so the risk is dangerously LOW. – If you don’t count internet scams, which usually is performed by people outside of Sweden, then there really isn’t many scams that will affect tourism, at all.

If one is looking for trouble, or goes into places one know is a bit more troublesome, one is going to run into trouble. But let’s make a fair rating here. Except for a few areas in the bigger cities, there really isn’t anything to worry about. And I wouldn’t worry too much about bad areas anyway. Just be observant and choose the time of day. Also, most tourist attractions isn’t found in those areas anyway.

And as the cities are super safe, generally, let’s not talk about how safe it is outside of the city.

Every category in the list should be at “Low”, nothing else. The rating I would expect to be more in line with that of Denmark (and that applies for Norway too).

Don't be afraid

A little biased since I was born and grew up here. But having travelled and lived in many places around the world I can sincerely say there is no place I feel safer than here. Right now there violent crimes get a lot of attention in the headlines, which has a lot to do with drug related crimes and a too far gone liberalisation of everything, breaking down the social welfare and negleting the importance of integration when receiving a huge amount of immigrants. But that does not mean it is perfectly safe almost everywhere, bith daytime and night time. I can not say there are any areas I would stay away from my self. I lived in Gottsunda, which is one of the “no go” zones in Uppsala. Real life is very different from the picture social media and media outlets give you. People are nice and helpful everywhere, but won’t come engage with you unless you explicitly seek their attention. That is how Swedes are. The “socially challenged” zones (as I prefer to call the “no go” zones them) are different in that a minority is Swedish, and it is hard to generalise what these are like. In any case, you should not be naive anywhere in the world, but the risk of something bad happening to you in Sweden is a lot lower than most places I can think of on this earth.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
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When it comes to Scandinavian countries, among the first things that come into mind are seafaring people known as Vikings, whose histories have survived over time, making the Nordic countries very popular worldwide.

In Sweden, there have been found about 60 Viking settlements, proving that many Vikings lived in Swedish territories as well, according to the Swedish Genealogist. However, if you haven’t heard about Vikings or Swedish iconic ice hotels that make this country so unique, you sure have heard about ABBA.

Besides its history, Sweden is also known for its music, including famous groups such as ABBA, Roxette, and Swedish House Mafia. International visitors are also attracted by Sweden’s green spaces, making this territory a dreamy place for nature lovers. The country is also known for its tasty traditional food.

The Scandinavian country has registered a total of 1,161,933 COVID-19 infection cases and 14,956 deaths since the start of the pandemic, based on the figures provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Travellers are urged to follow the entry rules and other restrictions when planning to enter  Sweden.

Who Can Enter Sweden Amid COVID-19?

At present, a large number of travellers from other countries are permitted to enter Sweden. However, they will be required to follow Sweden’s entry rules as well as take into account the epidemiological situation in their country of origin before planning to head to Sweden.

According to the Swedish National Police Board, international travellers from age 18 and above are required to prove that they have not been previously infected by the Coronavirus in order to be permitted to enter the country or present the EU COVID-19 Certificate launched in order to ease the travel process for EU citizens amid the ongoing pandemic, or another equivalent document.

However, authorities in Sweden have clarified that all persons from other Nordic countries, such as those from Norway, Denmark, Finland or Iceland, will not be affected by such entry rules.

The same source shows that authorities in Sweden continue to keep in place an entry ban for international travellers who plan to enter Sweden from non-EU countries that will remain effective until October 31. As a result, travellers from non-EEA territories are obliged to present a negative result of the Coronavirus test, not older than 72 hours, when reaching the country.

Travellers from EU & EEA countries

Travellers from the European Union, as well as those from the European Economic Area, are permitted to enter Sweden; however, they will be required to present valid proof of their immunisation or prove that they have recovered from the virus. 

“Arrivals from EEA countries need to present the EU covid certificate in the form of certificate documenting that they have been vaccinated against covid-19 (vaccine certificate), or present a negative test result from testing for ongoing covid-19 infection taken within 72 hours from the time of border crossing, or have recovered from covid-19 (recovery certificate), or present an equivalent certificate.No further entry bans are enforced,” the statement published by the National Police Board reads.

Authorities in Sweden have clarified that travellers from Denmark, Finland, Norway or Iceland are exempted from the entry ban, while they are also excluded from negative test requirements or recovery proof.

What About Vaccinated Travellers?

The Swedish National Police Board has clarified that travellers who have completely finalised their immunisation process and hold a vaccine certificate issued in the following countries, called as approved countries, are permitted to enter Sweden without being required to present a negative result of the Coronavirus test upon their entry.

• New Zealand
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Faroe Islands
• North Macedonia
• The Vatican

Authorities in Sweden lifted their restrictions imposed on travellers from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, regardless of their vaccination status, after confirming that the COVID-19 situation permitted such a decision to be taken.

Sweden’s Ministry of Justice recent decision was taken following the recommendations of the Council of the European Union, which urged EU countries to lift the ban imposed on arrivals from both territories. 

Which COVID-19 Vaccines Are Recognised for Travel?

Previously Sweden’s Policy clarified that the country accepts as valid proof of vaccinations all the COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or belong to the World Health Organization List.

Therefore, the following vaccines are approved by authorities in Sweden as proof of immunity;

• Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty)
• AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
• Moderna (Spikevax)
• AstraZeneca-SK Bio (Vaxzevria)
• AstraZeneca-Serum Institute of India (Covishield)
• Sinopharm BIBP
• CoronaVac by Sinovac Life Sciences

Last month, authorities in Sweden announced that citizens from the following territories would be permitted to enter the country under the same rules as EU countries’ citizens as the Nordic country decided to recognise their vaccination certificates; Andorra, Albania, Israel, the Faroe Island, Monaco, Morocco and Panama.

Travel Insurance

When heading to the Nordic country, travellers are encouraged to purchase travel insurance packages.

Travel insurance will cover all costs in case of illnesses or accidents during their trip. In addition, it will also help them save their money if the trip gets cancelled due to COVID-19 or other emergency reasons.

Travellers are able to find reasonably priced travel insurance from or  Europ Assistance .

What to Expect When Visiting Sweden?

Since the start of the pandemic, authorities in Sweden have kept in place less strict preventive measures in the fight against the deadly virus.

However, recently, Sweden’s government has abolished some of their preventive measures, such as public gatherings. In addition, bars and restaurants are no longer obliged to keep their tables at least 1.5m apart and can welcome a larger number of customers.

Furthermore, besides easing COVID-19 restrictions that affect bars and restaurants, the country also relaxed their entry rules on other public venues such as theatres and stadiums. Anyway, such a decision was not welcomed by some officials, as according to them, it could lead to another increase in the number of COVID-19 infections.

In this regard, the state epidemiologist Andres Tengell stressed that if COVID-19 infection cases continue to increase, he does not expect them to rise by that much or have an “adverse impact on health care” due to the vaccination rate in this country, as reported by Sveriges Radio.

Current COVID-19 Situation in Sweden

According to the figures provided by the World Health Organization, Sweden has recently marked a decrease in the number of COVID-19 infections; therefore, authorities in this country decided to ease some of their preventive measures.

Based on the figures provided by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, at present, a total of 85.2 per cent of the population in Sweden are vaccinated against the virus. 

NOTE : This article was originally published on September 1. Since then, the same has been continuously updated with the most recent changes. The last changes to the article were made on October 20, in line with the most recent updates of the Swedish authorities.

• Sweden Travel Restrictions Due To Coronavirus

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Last verified: Tuesday, 13. August 2024 at 08:21 AM

Sweden Travel Advisory

• Northern Europe
• Sweden Travel Advice

We advise caution when travelling to Sweden

Local situation: 3.5 / 5.

We advise caution when travelling to Sweden. We detected travel advisories from 6 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 3.1 / 5

Sweden shares land borders with Finland and Finland . For these countries, the individual warning index is 3 (Finland) and 2.8 (Norway).

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Sweden

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Sweden. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Sweden.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Sweden

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Sweden.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Sweden from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.5 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/sweden

Advisory issued by: United States

Reissued after periodic review without changes Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sweden. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, ...

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/sweden-travel-advisory.html

Advisory issued by: Finland

Iaktta normal försiktighet - Enligt svenska Säkerhetspolisen Säpo har terrorhotnivån för Sverige höjts till nivå fyra på en femgradig skala. Detta innebär i praktiken att Säkerhetspolisen anser att det i Sverige finns ett konkret hot om terrorattentat. Höjningen av nivån baserar sig på myndigheternas helhetsbedömning av läget. Det rekommenderas ...

Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/SE

Advisory issued by: Canada

The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution.

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/sweden

Individual rating changes for Sweden

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Sweden. Most recent events first.

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for Sweden changed from 3.5 to 4.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for Sweden to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from April 9th 2020

The total rating for Sweden changed from 3.2 to 3.5 . Here are the influencing details:

The Austrian government issued a new warning for Sweden with a rating of 5.0.

Changes from March 23rd 2020

The total rating for Sweden changed from 3.0 to 3.2 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government issued a new warning for Sweden with a rating of 4.0.

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for Sweden changed from 2.5 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for Sweden to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Sweden to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 15th 2020

The total rating for Sweden changed from 2.0 to 2.5 . Here are the influencing details:

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Sweden to 3.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +2.0).

Changes from March 14th 2020

The total rating for Sweden changed from 1.3 to 2.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for Sweden with a rating of 4.0.

Changes from February 18th 2020

The total rating for Sweden changed from 1.5 to 1.3 . Here are the influencing details:

The New Zealand government removed their warning for Sweden with a previous rating of 0.0.

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for Sweden changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government issued a new warning for Sweden with a rating of 1.0.

The New Zealand government issued a new warning for Sweden with a rating of 2.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for Sweden with a rating of 1.0.

The Finnish government issued a new warning for Sweden with a rating of 2.0.

About Sweden

Sweden with its capital Stockholm is a country in Europe (Northern Europe), slightly larger than California (449,964 km²). The country is located Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway. The climate can be described as temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north. The landscape is mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west. With a population of about 9.05 million citizens.

Swedish flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Sweden is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• acid rain damage to soils and lakes
• pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Natural hazzards

• ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Sweden. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• motor vehicles
• paper products
• precision equipment
• processed foods
• telephone parts

Agriculture products

• sugar beets

Swedish Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Sweden.

Export products

• steel products

Import products

• petroleum products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for sweden.

Sweden is currently rated at 3,5 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 6 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to Sweden.

Is it safe to travel Sweden in 2024?

Visiting the country Sweden is usually fine. The score is at 3,5 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.

How many travel advisories do you know for Sweden?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 6 individual sources for Sweden.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Sweden?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Sweden. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Sweden.

What is the size of Sweden?

Sweden has a size of 449,964 km² or 173,732 mi² which is slightly larger than California.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Sweden and bordering countries.

If you want to embed Sweden travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Sweden safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Sweden?
• Are there security warnings for Sweden?

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Is It Safe in Sweden?

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Sweden is considered one of the safest countries in the world for both residents and tourists alike. In fact, most travelers don't have to consider any safety issues in Sweden as long as they're taking basic precautions and using common sense to avoid scammers, petty criminals, and thieves. Depending on where you're going in Sweden—whether it's a trip to Stockholm or if you're heading out to a farm for a vacation in the countryside—you should research your specific destination before you travel to make sure there aren't any unexpected hazards to your health or safety.

Travel Advisories

• Due to COVID-19, Sweden has banned U.S. citizens from entering and the U.S. State Department is discouraging Americans to travel internationally.  
• Before COVID-19, the State Department simply advised practicing normal precautions.

Is Sweden Dangerous?

Crime rates in Sweden are much lower than in most other European countries, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare yourself  for the possibility of a confrontation or accident on your trip. Violent crime is extremely rare, but tourists do fall victim to petty crime and scams every so often.  

In large cities, pickpockets in crowded areas pose the biggest hazard for tourists, but if you are traveling through rural Sweden, you should be wary of varying weather conditions that might impact your safety on the road . The roads in Sweden are typically well-paved, but the weather is unpredictable in this Arctic country and headlights must be turned on at all hours. Additionally, snow tires are mandatory between December 1 and March 31. Wildlife, like moose, also poses a threat on the road, especially if you're driving at night.

Is Sweden Safe for Solo Travelers?

Sweden is a very progressive country and incredibly safe for solo travel, and cities like Stockholm are easy to explore on your own. If going out in the city, solo travelers should abide by their common sense, avoid drinking too much, and have a plan for how they should get home.

Home to many beautiful national parks, you may want to go on a solo hike in a beautiful locale like the King's Trail or the Sörmlandsleden Trail . If so, be sure you stick to the well-marked trails and national parks, so you don't get lost in the woods, which is the natural habitat of Sweden's predatory bears .

Is Sweden Safe for Female Travelers?

Women should feel safe traveling in Sweden, a country where the government defines itself as "a feminist government."   This term simply means that the Swedes govern with gender equality as a top priority. While this makes Sweden a progressive place to live, female travelers should still use their common sense as crimes against women do occur. Among other European countries, Sweden does have higher rates of sexual assaults , however, this statistic is commonly attributed to the fact that Sweden has tougher legislation and a wider definition of sexual assault.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

According to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index , Sweden is the safest country in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers and it has a long history of LGBTQ+ rights that dates back to the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1944.   LGBTQ+ travelers can feel very comfortable traveling in Sweden and showing their affection in public, as incidents of homophobia are rare. There is a lively LGBTQ+ club scene in Stockholm and events like Stockholm Pride and the Cinema Queer International Film Festival take place annually.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

BIPOC tourists can generally feel safe while visiting Sweden, and even though racist and xenophobic incidents do occur from time to time, they are rarely violent. Sweden is very homogenous with over 80 percent of the population being white, but there are some immigrant communities that typically hail from Africa and the Middle East.   Generally, BIPOC travelers in Sweden staying for short trips and frequenting popular tourist routes do not report issues, and incidents of hate speech more typically victimize immigrants and refugees residing permanently in Sweden.  

Safety Tips for Travelers

• Stockholm may be one of the safest capital cities in the world, known for its friendly residents and relatively crime-free neighborhoods. However, while there are no "bad" districts of the city, it is recommended that you avoid the Stockholm Central Station at night as vagrants do tend to congregate around this transportation hub.
• If you get lost in the city, you'll quickly find out that most Swedes speak English and are happy to help you on your way.
• While driving, keep your headlights on at all times and check for possible ice and snow forecasts before you leave.
• At dawn and dusk, moose tend to run across rural roads, and might even charge at pedestrians, so drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled for moose during these times of the day.

U.S. Embassy in Sweden. " COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information ." October 19, 2020.

OSAC.gov. "Sweden 2020 Crime & Safety Report." Retrieved December 31, 2020.

Government Offices of Sweden. " A Feminist Government ."

Government of Sweden. " Chronological Overview of LGBT Persons Rights in Sweden ." July 12, 2018.

Index Mundi. " Sweden Demographics Profile 2019 ." December 7, 2019.

European Network of Equality Bodies. " Sweden: Racist and Xenophobic Hate Speech on the Rise Despite Considerable Preventive Efforts. " February 20, 2019.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Should travelers worry about mpox? Not necessarily, health expert says.

• Mpox cases are on the rise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries.
• The first case outside Africa was detected in Sweden last week.
• Travelers don’t need to be too concerned yet, but experts recommend getting vaccinated before going to African countries where the virus has been circulating.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here . 

With mpox cases on the move following a surge in cases in Africa, travelers may fear risks to their health.

The disease – formerly monkeypox – has been on the rise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries. The first case outside Africa was detected in Sweden last week.

The type circulating there known as clade I is different from clade II, which has been in the U.S. following a global outbreak in 2022. A new variant, clade Ib, appears to be more transmissible and deadly. The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.

But travelers don’t need to be too concerned yet.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“I think they ought to note this,” Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told USA TODAY. “I don’t know that they should be worried about it.”

What is mpox?

Mpox is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“People usually get mpox through contact with the skin lesions or bodily fluids of infected wild animals in Africa (alive or dead) or humans, including respiratory secretions, or through contact with materials contaminated with the virus such as bedding clothing, and sex toys,” the health agency said on its website . The virus can also be contracted during sex or other close contact.

Headache, muscle aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever are among the common symptoms.

At least a dozen African countries with outbreaks have seen more than 2,800 confirmed cases this year and over 500 deaths, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention . Suspected cases measure more than 17,000 across the continent.

Should travelers be worried about mpox?

Schaffner recommended travelers going to African countries where the virus has been circulating get vaccinated before they go given the “highly communicable” nature of the new strain. The CDC has a Level 2 advisory in place for the DRC and neighboring countries, warning travelers to “practice enhanced precautions.”

“I think if you’re traveling to other countries at the moment, there’s essentially no risk,” Schaffner added.

Thailand has detected an mpox case in a European man who arrived from Africa last week and is awaiting test results to determine the strain, a disease control official said on Wednesday.

While clade II cases in the U.S. have primarily been seen among men who have sex with men – though anyone can become infected – Schaffner said the clade I cases circulating in Africa appear to be “more generally distributed.”

How can travelers protect their health?

Travelers who got vaccinated for mpox in the wake of the 2022 outbreak don’t need a booster at the moment, according to Schaffner. “It looks as though your protection will still be viable, and so that's a very good thing,” he said.

The CDC also recommended travelers to the DRC or neighboring countries avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of mpox and wild animals such as rats, squirrels and monkeys – living or dead.

Visitors should also steer clear of meat or products derived from wild animals, including lotions, creams and powders, and avoid contaminated materials. Schaffner said hotel bedding and other linens are safe, provided they’re “appropriately laundered.”

Travelers who get a “new, unexplained skin rash” should immediately seek medical care.

Schaffner said infectious disease experts expect further spread of mpox to other countries and recommended travelers stay tuned for developments.

“The world is a very small place,” he said. “These viruses travel with us. They don't need passports.”

Contributing: Pararat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um, Reuters

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Mpox Case in Sweden Sets Off Concerns of Wider Spread in Europe

Experts expect more cases to surface in European countries because of frequent travel to and from Africa, with the threat of contracting the disease raised from “very low” to “low.”

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By Lynsey Chutel Jenny Gross and Christina Anderson

Lynsey Chutel reported from London, Jenny Gross from Brussels and Christina Anderson from Geilo, Norway.

The announcement that a new version of mpox had been discovered in Sweden this week was the first indication that the disease had slipped out of Africa, where it has caused an escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The announcement on Thursday about the disease formerly known as monkeypox came just a day after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency, and it confirmed fears that a further spread was inevitable.

The person with the disease in Sweden had traveled to an area affected by the disease.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said it was “highly likely” that more imported cases would be confirmed, in large part because of frequent travel between Europe and Africa. The center advised member countries to increase preparedness and to issue travel advisories recommending that people traveling to affected areas see if they are eligible for vaccination.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner, the E.C.D.C. director, warned that as long as the outbreak in Africa was not under control, cases would continue to appear in Europe and North America too.

“We have to be concerned, even outside Africa, because with the increasing number and the fast spread, the likelihood of the introduction of cases in Europe and the U.S. will increase,” Dr. Rendi-Wagner said in an interview on Friday.

The E.C.D.C. on Friday raised the risk of people in the European Union contracting the new version from “very low” to “low,” but emphasized that people traveling to and from the affected areas in Africa need to take precautions and are at a high risk.

What do we know about the case in Sweden?

The new version of the disease that is dominant in Congo is known as Clade I. The older version, a form of which caused a global outbreak in 2022, is known as Clade II. (A clade is a genetically and clinically distinct group of viruses.)

The Swedish patient was the first Clade I case diagnosed outside of Africa.

The person was quickly diagnosed, treated and isolated in the Stockholm area, while health workers began contact tracing, according to Magnus Gisslen, a state epidemiologist with the Public Health Agency of Sweden. While Dr. Gisslen said no new cases have been identified, fears of a wider transmission remain.

“People are afraid. There are flashbacks to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dr. Gisslen said, adding that his office had fielded concerned calls from people who had planned to travel to the affected region.

Sweden, Italy and Britain have all issued public health warnings and preparedness strategies.

Is this outbreak different from the one in 2022?

The short answer is: Yes.

Dr. Paul Hunter, an epidemiologist at Norwich University in England, notes that “we’ve got two epidemics going on.”

The 2022 outbreak was driven by a version called Clade IIb, which is predominantly spread through sexual contact. Men who had sex with men proved to be the most at-risk population , but behavioral changes and vaccinations curbed the spread. New infections are still occurring, and the W.H.O. reported 100 new cases in Europe in June and 175 in the Americas.

The deadlier Clade I version has caused 15,600 infections and 537 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to African health authorities.

Clade I is further differentiated by how it is transmitted, and who is most vulnerable. Clade Ia is spread through household contact and exposure to affected animals, in addition to sexual contact. So far, it is young children who are most vulnerable to this subtype. It is unclear if children on other continents will be as susceptible because it’s not yet certain how the children in Africa are contracting the disease.

So far, Clade Ib appears to spread mainly through heterosexual sex. Swedish doctors confirmed that the patient in Stockholm has this subtype.

Mpox may resemble ordinary respiratory illnesses at first but later manifests as a raised rash in the mouth, hands, feet or genitals. The virus spreads mainly through close contact — directly with the skin or fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated bed linens and other items.

Two doses of the mpox vaccine Jynneos, made by the Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic and used against the 2022 version, should protect against all versions of the virus, experts said.

As with many other infections, most people with healthy immune systems are unlikely to become severely ill with mpox.

Has this new version spread elsewhere?

So far, Sweden is the only country outside of Africa that has identified a case of the new version.

Pakistan announced a new case of mpox Thursday, but health workers were still trying to figure out which form of mpox the patient has. A senior health official in Peshawar said the infected person was a 34-year-old who had recently traveled from a Persian Gulf state and was the first case reported in the country since the beginning of the year.

For the moment, Dr. Giovanni Rezza, Italy’s former director general for prevention, and now a public health professor at San Raffaele University in Milan, considers the latest mpox outbreak a “regional emergency” in Africa, but says other places need to prepare now.

“It’s clear that Europe needs to keep its eyes open,” Dr. Rezza said.

What can Europe do to slow the spread of mpox?

Besides trying to stop the spread in Europe by raising awareness among health professionals, by treating patients promptly and by testing close contacts, European countries can also try to help stem the disease in Africa.

The European Union said on Wednesday that it would donate more than 175,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to countries in Africa, Bavarian Nordic will donate 40,000 doses that will be distributed by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States is donating 50,000 doses. France also said it would donate vaccine doses to the affected countries in Africa.

Reporting was contributed by Apoorva Mandavilli , Emma Bubola , Zia ur-Rehman Rachel Chaundler and Ségolène Le Stradic.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

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Is It Safe to Travel to Sweden?

In this article

Is Sweden Safe to Visit? The Country's Crime Rates and Most Common Crimes

Political situation and civil unrest, is sweden dangerous the risk of terrorist attacks, road safety, public transportation, and local customs, relevant local laws and customs, alcohol policy and laws on illegal substances, sweden covid-19 restrictions and preventative measures, climate and natural disasters to be mindful of, arctic tourism - travel advice.

• Avoid solo tours
• Ensure you’re in good physical condition before embarking on any activity
• Be well prepared, and come with the right equipment
• Stick to marked trails
• Check for extreme weather conditions and potential hazards and set off only when it is safe to do so
• Keep your family or close friends informed of your itinerary
• Get travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and emergency rescue

In the End: Do You Need a Visa to Go to Sweden?

The verdict: how safe is sweden, written by: fikayomi abisola, 1. is it safe to travel to sweden during the ukraine war, 2. is it safe to travel to stockholm, sweden, 3. is it safe to travel alone in sweden, 4. is it safe for americans to travel to sweden.

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Current travel advisories for Sweden

Hinweis: der Gesamtscore für dieses Land gibt aktuell einen falschen Wert aus. Bitte prüft die Quellen. Note: the total score for this country shows a wrong value. Please check the sources.

Last Update: Tuesday, 13. August 2024 at 08:21

• World Overview
• Northern Europe

Please reconsider your need to travel to Sweden.

Current situation : 3.5 / 5, bordering countries: 2.9 / 5.

Sweden shares land borders with Finland and Norway . For these countries, the individual warning index is 3.0 (Finland) and 2.8 (Norway). See danger map of the region.

Current informationen on Covid-19

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control currently reports of no cases of COVID-19 (infection with SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus).

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Single advisories / travel warnings

New zealand government.

Quelle: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/sweden

National warning: This advisory covers the whole country.

Brief summary: Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Danger level: 2

Exercise increased caution / Some Risk.

US American government

Quelle: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/sweden-travel-advisory.html

Brief summary: Reissued after periodic review without changes Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sweden. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Sweden.

Finnish government

Quelle: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/SE

Brief summary: Iaktta normal försiktighet - Enligt svenska Säkerhetspolisen Säpo har terrorhotnivån för Sverige höjts till nivå fyra på en femgradig skala. Detta innebär i praktiken att Säkerhetspolisen anser att det i Sverige finns ett konkret hot om terrorattentat. Höjningen av nivån baserar sig på myndigheternas helhetsbedömning av läget. Det rekommenderas att resenärerna följer de svenska myndigheternas anvisningar och rekommendationer.https://sakerhetspolisen.se/ovriga-sidor/nyheter/nyheter/2023-08-17-hojning-av-terrorhotnivan-till-hogt-hot.html(Länk till en annan webbplats.)

Travel is usually safe. .

Canadian government

Quelle: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/sweden

Brief summary: The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution.

Danger level: 3

Exercise a high degree of caution.

If there is more than one advisory/message of a single government for a given country, it indicates regional differences in means of security for your personal health and well-being. Single messages can indicate specific regions to be safer or less safe as mentioned in the main advisory. In these cases it's advisable to consult your own governments information. Additional Disclaimer: Since the evaluation is an automated process, it can only provide first steps for your own research. Please make sure to consult the sources.

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Frequently asked questions

This section gives some brief answers to common questions regarding travel safety in Sweden.

Is Sweden safe to travel in 2020?

We see a slighty raised risk with traveling to Sweden. The risk index is at 3.5 (out of 5). We recommend you check the single sources.

How many countries have issued advisories for Sweden?

We currently know of 6 countries having issued advisories for Sweden.

What countries does Sweden share land borders with?

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Clade I mpox virus infection

Urgent public health message to all NHS service providers regarding Clade I mpox virus (MPXV) infection.

Actions for the NHS

Providers to ensure that relevant clinical services – including primary care, urgent care, sexual health services, paediatrics, obstetrics and emergency departments – are aware of the information in this public health message and that a differential diagnosis of Clade I mpox virus (MPXV) infection is considered in any patient who meets the operational case definition below.

Providers to ensure that they have adequate stocks of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and relevant staff are trained in its use for the assessment and treatment of patients presenting with suspected Clade I MPXV infection.

Providers to ensure there is a clinical pathway for isolation and management of suspected Clade I MPXV cases within their setting. This should include isolation of the patient, liaison with local infection prevention and control (IPC) teams, and arrangements for discussion of the case with local infectious disease, microbiology or virology consultants if a diagnosis of Clade I MPXV is being considered so that appropriate clinical management, including testing and infection control measures, can be implemented.

All samples from all individuals testing positive for mpox must be sent to the UKHSA Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) for clade differentiating tests.

Providers to note the information below for the clinical assessment and testing of patients with potential Clade I MPXV infection.

MPXV is a virus from the same family as smallpox, that presents with a rash illness which may be mild and localised, or severe and disseminated. There are 2 distinct clades of the virus: Clade I and Clade II. Clade II MPXV is responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022. Clade I MPXV is currently considered more severe than Clade II MPXV , leading to its classification as a high consequence infectious disease ( HCID ).

Historically, Clade I MPXV has been reported only in 5 Central African countries. However, recent cases in additional countries within Central and East Africa mark the first known expansion of its geographical range, heightening the risk of spread beyond the region. Evidence of sustained sexual transmission of Clade I MPXV has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ). Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for Clade I MPXV , including in sexually acquired mpox cases, and should obtain comprehensive travel histories from patients.

The symptoms of mpox begin 5 to 21 days (average 6 to 16 days) after exposure with initial clinical presentation of fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy and headache. Within 1 to 5 days after the appearance of fever, a rash develops, often beginning on the face or genital area and it may then spread to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab which later falls off. Treatment for MPXV is mainly supportive.

Clinical assessment and operational mpox HCID case definition

The following patients should be managed as HCID cases (pending confirmation of clade type where appropriate):

• confirmed mpox where Clade I MPXV has been confirmed  
• there is a travel history to the  DRC  or  specified countries  where there may be a risk of Clade I exposure
• or a link to a suspected case from those countries (listed below), within 21 days of symptom onset
• or there is an epidemiological link to a case of Clade I mpox within 21 days of symptom onset

The countries where Clade I cases have been reported, as well as countries bordering those with ongoing Clade I transmission are currently:

• Republic of Congo
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan

Given the rapid spread of Clade I in the African region, please check the UKHSA mpox pages regularly for any updates to the countries included.

Mpox is not considered an HCID in the following circumstances:

• a case has a laboratory confirmed Clade II mpox virus ( MPXV ) infection
• a confirmed or clinically suspected mpox case of an unknown clade and none of the epidemiological characteristics listed above in the operational HCID case definition apply

Management of possible cases

Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of Clade I MPXV infection in patients presenting with suspected mpox where there is a link to the specified countries in the African region (as listed above). Clinicians treating patients with suspected mpox who may meet the operational case definition of an HCID (as outlined above) should discuss this with local infection specialists.

Infection Specialists should discuss all possible Clade I MPXV cases with the UKHSA Imported Fever Service ( IFS ) on 0844 778 8990 so that testing can be expedited. Patients with severe disease (who do not meet the operational case definition) should also be discussed with the IFS .  

Individuals with clinically suspected mpox presenting to acute care settings who meet the case definition for possible Clade I MPXV infection should be isolated and managed as a HCID as outlined in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual .

In outpatient settings, individuals presenting with clinically suspected mpox who meet the case definition for possible Clade I MPXV infection should be isolated appropriately (single room, closed door) and clinical staff should wear face fit tested FFP3 masks, eye protection, long-sleeved splash resistant gowns and gloves to provide care if immediately required.

Where suspected cases meeting the operational case definition present in primary care, General Practitioners should isolate the patient in a single room and contact their local infection service for advice, including appropriate arrangements for transfer into secondary care and immediate precautions in the setting.

All samples from all individuals testing positive for MPXV (regardless of whether there are potential links to Clade I or travel from the African region) must be sent to the UKHSA RIPL for clade differentiating tests.  UKHSA will contact Trusts for samples for any mpox cases for which samples have not been received for clade typing.  

Cases of confirmed Clade I MPXV infection will be managed through the specialist network of HCID centres.

UKHSA ’s mpox resource collection  will be kept up to date with information on affected areas for the duration of the outbreak to assist NHS clinicians in diagnosis.

Additional information

• HCID status of mpox
• Mpox (monkeypox): diagnostic testing
• Imported fever service

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Updates to management of possible cases section.

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Travel Advice for Sweden

Going to Sweden and need to know about the latest government travel advice for Sweden? Find the updated travel advice and travel warnings for Sweden from governments around the world, here.

General Travel Advice and Warnings for Sweden

The decision to take a trip to Sweden is your choice and you are accountable for your personal safety and security whilst in Sweden.

The content on this page is provided for information only and gathered from travel advice and warnings for Sweden by governments around the globe to their citizens.

While we make every effort to offer you accurate travel advice details, it is supplied on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.

This operators of this web site does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information supplied.

General Cautions Travellers Need to Keep in Mind Whilst Taking a Trip in Sweden

Crime – Petty criminal offenses such as pick pocketing in a crowded surrounding to sexual assault and muggings do occur in larger cities of Sweden. Make sure that all your personal possessions, such as passports and other traveling documents, are secure at all times.

Terrorism – Constantly be aware of your surroundings whenever in public areas. Be particularly alert if going to sporting events and throughout religious holidays and other public events, as terrorists often use such celebrations to mount attacks.

Demonstrations and Protests – Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any moment. They can also result in disruptions to traffic and public transportation. It is in your interest of safety and security to avoid locations where demonstrations and big events are taking place and adhere to the directions of local authorities. Monitor local media in Sweden for information on on-going demonstrations in Sweden.

Scams – Take care in crowded tourist areas in Sweden, where scammers target travellers. If you have actually been scammed in Sweden, get to a safe area quickly; make note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; alert the cops in Sweden and acquire a report and if your credit card is used by the scammer call your credit card provider to inform the fraud; they will likely ask for a copy of the police report to cancel the financial transaction.

Spiked Food and Beverages – Never ever leave food or beverages unattended or in the care of strangers whilst travelling in Sweden or anywhere else. Watch out for accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from unknown acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you in danger of sexual assault and mugging.

What is the entry/exit conditions for Sweden?

Every country or territory chooses who can enter or exit through its borders, in the same manner Sweden decides exactly who enter its borders. The Government of your home country cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not fulfill your Sweden’s entry or exit requirements.

To find out more regarding the entry/exit requirement for Sweden see visa requirements for Sweden or obtain the current information with the visa office at the Swedish embassy in your home country.

Travel insurance coverage for Sweden

Health cover is just one of the primary factors travellers obtain travel insurance policy. It will not avoid you getting sick or hurt, though it can prevent you suffering financially. Medical help overseas can be very expensive.

You must shell out for all medical care you receive overseas. You can not expect to get free or subsidised treatment through your Sweden’s public health system, like you would in your home country.

If you can not pay, local authorities can jail you. The government from your home country can’t pay you health care costs for you, loan you money or get you out of jail.

You require travel insurance for travelling to Sweden . You also need to make sure you select a plan that is right for you.

Read the small print of your travel insurance policy.

Declare all pre-existing conditions to your travel insurance provider upfront. If you do not, you might void your travel insurance plan.

Inform your travel insurance provider the activities you plan to do, before you go. Many common activities like snowboarding are left out in basic policies. You may need to pay extra.

Check if you have free credit card travel insurance. Some cards include travel insurance policy cover. Nonetheless, they often have various conditions than paid plans. Understand the differences.

If you’re visiting Sweden from a country that has a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you still need travel health insurance. Agreements are limited in what they’ll will cover.

If you have an incurable health problem, you might not be able to get basic travel insurance policy. Nonetheless you may be able to find a specialised insurer that covers you for health, accidents or property issues unrelated to your health problem. Speak with your insurer to learn.

Discover more about getting international travel insurance policy for Sweden prior to you go.

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This Country Was Just Rated Best in the World for Quality of Life

Sweden's residents live longer and have free health care and education.

xbrchx/GETTY IMAGES

There's more to Sweden than Ikea , fika , and Abba. The country regularly ranks among the top 10 happiest in the world and is known as a champion of sustainability and green living .

In a recent U.S. News report , Sweden was rated the best country in the world for quality of life, ahead of Norway and Canada, which were second and third, respectively.

The website considered factors such as economic stability, safety, the quality of its public education system, health care, and family friendliness — and Sweden scored a perfect 100. Quality of life was one of 10 categories U.S. News assessed to rank the best countries in the world, where Sweden was third. It was also among the top 10 countries for social purpose, business, entrepreneurship, and agility.

"Sweden operates under a model similar to those of other Nordic nations: heavily capitalistic with a large percent of spending going toward public service," U.S. News notes, adding that Swedes benefit from free universal health care and higher education.

The report also states that Swedish people are among the most generous in the world, donating about one percent of the gross domestic product to humanitarian aid programs each year.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which releases its Better Life Index comparing well-being across nations, reported that Sweden currently "outperforms the average in income, jobs, education, health, environmental quality, social connections, civic engagement, safety, and life satisfaction."

The country's life expectancy is 83, two years higher than the OECD average. The population also has a high level of literacy and education.

Earlier this year, the European Union announced the results of a survey that evaluated the quality of life in European cities and Stockholm, Sweden's capital, ranked among the top 10 to live for LGBTIQ people, ease of finding a job, and had the lowest score for people using their cars to commute daily with about 60 percent of the city's residents using public transportation instead.

The United States ranked 23rd for quality of life and fifth in the general list of best countries.

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/live-map-track-the-path-of-tropical-storm-ernesto

Live map: Track the path of Hurricane Ernesto

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto barreled toward Bermuda on Thursday after leaving hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico without power or water as sweltering heat enveloped the U.S. territory, raising concerns about people’s health.

Track the storm with the live map below.

A hurricane warning was in effect for Bermuda, with Ernesto expected to pass near or over the island on Saturday.

The Category 1 storm was located about 495 miles (795 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda on Thursday afternoon. It had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and was moving north at 13 mph (20 kph) over open waters.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for every resident to use this time to prepare. We have seen in the past the devastating effects of complacency,” said National Security Minister Michael Weeks.

Ernesto was forecast to near Category 3 hurricane status on Friday and then decrease in strength as it approaches Bermuda, where it is expected to drop between 6-12 inches of rain, with up to 15 inches in isolated areas.

“All of the guidance show this system as a large hurricane near Bermuda,” said the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Ernesto is then expected to pass near or east of Atlantic Canada on Monday.

Meanwhile, the spinning storm on Thursday was generating southern winds in Puerto Rico, which have a heating effect as opposed to the typical cooling trade winds that blow from the east.

READ MORE: Hurricane forecasters still predict highly active Atlantic season in updated outlook

“We know a lot of people don’t have power,” said Ernesto Morales with the National Weather Service as he warned of extreme heat and urged people to stay hydrated.

More than 380,000 of 1.4 million customers remained in the dark more than a day after Ernesto swiped past Puerto Rico late Tuesday as a tropical storm before strengthening into a hurricane. A maximum of 735,000 clients were without power on Wednesday.

Hundreds of thousands also were without water as many questioned the widespread power outage given that Ernesto was only a tropical storm when it spun past the island.

“I haven’t slept at all,” said Ramón Mercedes Paredes, a 41-year-old construction worker who planned to sleep outdoors on Thursday night to beat the heat. “I haven’t even been able to take a shower.”

At a small park in the Santurce neighborhood of the San Juan capital, Alexander Reyna, a 32-year-old construction worker, sipped on a bright red sports drink that friends provided as roosters crowed nearby above the slap of dominoes.

He had no water or power and planned to spend all day at the park as he lamented the lack of breeze, a slight film of sweat already forming on his forehead: “I have to come here because I cannot stand to be at home.”

The situation worried many who lived through Hurricane Maria, a powerful Category 4 storm that hit Puerto Rico in September 2017 and was blamed for at least 2,975 deaths in its sweltering aftermath. It also razed the island’s power grid, which is still being rebuilt.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory on Thursday warning of “dangerously hot and humid conditions.”

Faustino Peguero, 50, said he was concerned about his wife, who has fibromyalgia, heart failure and other health conditions and needs electricity. He has a small generator at home, but he is running out of gasoline and cannot afford to buy more because he hasn’t found work.

“It’s chaos,” he said.

Officials said they don’t know when power will be fully restored as concerns grow about the health of many in Puerto Rico who cannot afford generators or solar panels on the island of 3.2 million people with a more than 40% poverty rate.

Crews have flown more than 540 miles (870 kilometers) across Puerto Rico and identified 400 power line failures, with 150 of them already fixed, said Juan Saca, president of Luma Energy, a private company that operates the transmission and distribution of power in Puerto Rico. The remaining failures will take more time to fix because they involve fallen trees, he added.

“We haven’t seen anything catastrophic,” he said.

When pressed for an estimate of when power would be restored, Alejandro González, Luma’s operations director, declined to say.

“It would be irresponsible to provide an exact date,” he said.

At least 250,000 customers across Puerto Rico also were without water given the power outages, down from a maximum of 350,000. Among them was 65-year-old Gisela Pérez, who was starting to sweat as she cooked sweet plantains, pork, chicken and spaghetti at a street-side diner. After her shift, she planned to buy gallons of water, since she was especially concerned about her two small dogs: Mini and Lazy.

“They cannot go without it,” she said. “They come first.”

— Danica Coto, Associated Press

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UK weather: Met Office issues yellow wind warning as 60mph gusts could bring 'dangerous conditions'

Forecasters said the weather could cause difficult driving conditions, travel disruption, flooding, and power cuts and urged people to "stay safe", particularly in coastal areas.

Wednesday 21 August 2024 13:51, UK

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds as gusts of 60mph could bring "dangerous conditions" to parts of the UK.

Areas in northern Wales, northern England and southern Scotland can expect the severe conditions on Thursday from 1am until 9am.

There is already another yellow warning for heavy rain in western Scotland, which came into force on Wednesday morning and will run until 8am on Thursday.

Forecasters said some places, including Glasgow, could see 75-100mm (3-4in) of rain in 24 hours, with "as much as 150mm (6in)" on the hills.

This could cause difficult driving conditions, travel disruption and flooding in places.

Five-day forecast for where you live

Thursday's high winds will further complicate the conditions with the Met Office warning "gusts will be strong enough to blow over a few trees, given that they are currently in full leaf".

In an update on its website, the Met Office added: "A spell of very strong southwesterly winds will occur during the early hours of Thursday, easing from the west during the morning.

"Gusts of 50mph are likely fairly widely with some gusts of 60mph in exposed locations, including roads and bridges in north Wales, as well as roads passing over high ground in northern England and southern Scotland."

People on coastlines were urged to "stay safe" and to be "aware of large waves" while forecasters said the winds could bring travel disruption and power cuts.

The Met Office said remnants of Hurricane Ernesto, which ripped through the North Atlantic last week, will play a role in the rain and windy weather.

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Chief meteorologist at the Met Office Jason Kelly said the rain in Scotland will be "slow moving" before the winds bring worsening conditions.

"Gusty winds will accompany the rain, with 50-60mph possible near Irish Sea coasts and the west of Scotland," he said.

"Coupled with spring tides, this could lead to some dangerous coastal conditions before winds gradually ease later on Thursday."

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The bank holiday weekend is forecast to get off to an unsettled start as rain slowly clears, but should then be calm and dry in most areas.

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