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890 mi away
£1 SEK 12.56
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12:25 pm
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Weather & climate
Weather in Sweden
Sweden
15°
Overcast
Sat
7°
15°
Sun
6°
15°
Mon
8°
15°
Tue
6°
10°
Wed
6°
13°
Thu
7°
14°
Fri
6°
17°
SPF level in Sweden
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Sweden
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before your arrival date.
Your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Sweden and the Schengen area.
You can travel to Sweden without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism.
At Swedish border control, you may need to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
You may need to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at the border under the new Entry/Exit System for stays in the Schengen area.
Good to know:
Carry a letter of consent from the parent or guardian of any children aged 17 and under who are travelling with you.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more when entering Sweden.
Safety in Sweden
Tips when travelling
Sweden is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take particular care of your belongings in major cities as pickpockets often target tourists for passports and cash.
Avoid gang-related violent crime areas like Malmö, Stockholm, and Gothenburg where knife crime, shootings, and explosions have been reported.
Paying for sex is illegal.
Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in small quantities, with severe penalties including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Be aware that during winter, snow and ice on roads cause accidents daily, and vehicles must have winter tyres from 1 December to 31 March.
Bonus tips:
Physical punishment of children is illegal.
If you drive, you need a UK driving licence and hire car companies often require a year of driving experience and a minimum age.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Sweden
A valid UK driving license is accepted in Sweden.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.02%
Remember: Sweden drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Sweden
As a UK resident, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will be accepted in Sweden, giving you access to state-provided healthcare at the same cost as a Swedish resident. However, it is still advisable to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC may not cover all medical costs or repatriation.
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into Sweden from the UK. Healthcare facilities are of a high standard. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in Sweden, even for small purchases.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Sweden
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Sweden as it is in some other countries, such as the United States. However, it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service, or rounding up the bill.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is common. A small tip for table service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is customary for good service.
Hotel Porter
10-20 SEK per bag, if they assist you.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping is not typical, but a small token of appreciation for exceptional service is always welcome.
Tour Guide
A tip of 50-100 SEK for a good tour is appreciated.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider regarding roaming charges in Sweden. Many UK providers now offer roaming packages, but it's best to confirm the costs before travelling. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper data rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 200 SEK (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Sweden
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces.
Average speed
100 Mbps
Sweden has excellent internet infrastructure. Free WiFi is common, and mobile data speeds are typically very fast.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Sweden
Country code
+46
To call the British Embassy in Stockholm, which is +46 (0)8 671 3000, you would dial 00 46 8 671 3000 from the UK.
The country code for Sweden is 46. When calling from abroad, drop the leading zero from the local Swedish number.
Language in Sweden
Swedish(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Stockholm
Skarpögatan 6-8, 115 27 Stockholm
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- You may need to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area under EES.
- The advice on no action before arrival at the border has been repositioned within the text.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents in a Schengen country are now exempt from the Entry/Exit System (EES) in all Schengen countries.
Border procedures
- The reminder to get your passport stamped on entry and exit until EES is fully rolled out has been removed.
- The note to show evidence and ask border guards to add stamps if your passport is missing one has been removed.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Passport validity
- The guidance clarifies that a passport renewed before 1 Oct 2018 may be 'invalid for entry' if the issue date is over 10 years ago.
New Schengen entry requirements
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented, not just 'rolled out' with a specific phased date.
- The specific full operation date of 10 April 2026 has been removed from the advice.
Airports in Sweden
Beaches in Sweden
Frequently asked questions
Yes, tap water in Sweden is of very high quality and completely safe to drink throughout the country. You can confidently drink tap water in hotels, restaurants, and public places.
The best time to visit Sweden depends on your interests. Summer (June-August) offers warm weather and long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities. Winter (December-February) is perfect for winter sports and seeing the Northern Lights in the north, but expect cold temperatures and shorter days.
Pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Include waterproof outerwear, comfortable walking shoes, and appropriate clothing for the season. In winter, bring warm layers, hats, gloves, and scarves. If you plan on hiking, sturdy boots are essential.
Sweden is generally a safe country with low crime rates. However, be aware of petty theft, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Watch out for distractions or staged incidents designed to steal your belongings. Also, be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering assistance.
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Sweden for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. For longer stays or other purposes, check the latest visa requirements on the Swedish Migration Agency website.
Swedes value punctuality and politeness. It's customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home. Queuing is common and expected. Avoid loud or boisterous behavior in public places. 'Fika,' a coffee break with pastries, is an important part of Swedish culture.
Sweden has an efficient and reliable public transport system, including buses, trains, trams, and metros, especially in major cities. Consider purchasing a travel card for cost-effective travel. Public transport is generally clean and safe.
Try Swedish meatballs (köttbullar), herring (sill), salmon (lax), and crispbread (knäckebröd). Sample local cheeses and pastries such as cinnamon buns (kanelbullar). Aquavit (snaps) is a traditional spirit often enjoyed during celebrations.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.