Sweden
About
| Sweden is a land of contrasts. While urban Sweden is stylish, modern and sophisticated, the countryside offers many simpler pleasures for those in search of tranquillity. Sweden's scenery generally has a gentler charm than that of neighbouring Norway's rugged coastline and mountains. Much of Sweden is forested, and there are thousands of lakes, notably large stretches of water between Gothenburg and the capital, Stockholm. Boat trips are available from Stockholm city centre among the islands, to Drottningholm Palace. Try to spot Sweden's only herd of musk ox in the Härjedalen Valley, southern Lapland, which also has abundant reindeer, buzzard, beaver and lynx. Explore the historic centre of the capital , with its collection of well-preserved historic buildings lining cobbled streets. These form a large part of Sweden with a mixture of open water, vast lakes, plains and meadows and large areas of wild natural scenery. |
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| Capital: | Stockholm (STO) |
| Currency: | Swedish Krona (SEK) |
| Language: | Swedish. English is generally spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 46 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday in March – last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | Year round |
| Best For: | Historical sites |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin continental plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. It is polite to remove your shoes when entering a home. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Drunk driving is a serious crime. Public nudity is inappropriate anywhere other than designated nude beaches. Smoking is not allowed in indoor establishments. |
| Duty Free: | If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Sweden without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of Kr4,300 for air and sea travellers and Kr3,000 for other travellers. You must be at least 20 years old to import alcohol and 18 years old to import tobacco. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Unlicensed firearms and ammunition, meat and dairy products from outside the EEA, and medicines and narcotics (unless prescribed).. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Unlicensed firearms and ammunition. |
Issuing Authorities
The Embassy of Sweden
iParioli Complex,1166 Park Str, Hatfield, 0083
Tel: 012 426 6400
E-mail: ambassaden.pretoria@gov.se
Web: www.swedenabroad.se
Enquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi by email ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se.
Visa applications are through VFS Global.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Apr 18, 20-21; May 1, 29; Jun 6, 8, 21; Nov 1; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 6; Apr 3, 5-6; May 1, 14, 24; Jun 6, 20; Oct 31; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
Sweden is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Sweden, you must apply at the Embassy of Sweden / Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
Enquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi by email ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se.
Visa applications are through VFS Global.
VFS Global:
Tel: 012 425 3001
Email: info.swza@vfshelpline.com
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/swe/
Cape Town: 8th Floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town
Durban: Unit 409, 4th Floor 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road), Essenwood, Durban
Pretoria: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria
All applicants to appear in person to submit biometrics, unless otherwise exempt.
REQUIREMENTS
See General Schengen Visa Requirements.
In addition:
- Clear photocopy of biodata page in passport
- Proof of sufficient funds: SEK 450 for each day of your visit to Sweden
- All submitted documents must be in English or in Swedish
- Sufficient proof must be shown that you intend to leave Sweden / the Schengen area by the last day of your entry visa’s period of validity
- MINORS: consent form must be included with application
- A booking must be made at VFS to submit biometrics and visa application packs.
Visa Processing Time
Usually 15 days. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended travel. Please note that the days are counted from when the Embassy has received the application and not when the application was submitted at VFS Global. Transport time is generally 3-4 days (check with VFS).
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
Visa Cost
Schengen Visa: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
VFS Service Fee: R318
VFS service fee and Visa fee can be paid at VFS.
SA Representative
South African Embassy
6th Floor, Alsnögatan 7, 116 44, Stockholm
Tel: +46(0) 8 24 39 50
E-mail: Stockholm.Consular@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco.gov.za/sweden/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
