£1 SEK 12.43
Today
8:15 pm
+2h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Sweden
Sweden
14°
Overcast
Thu
4°
14°
Fri
7°
15°
Sat
5°
15°
Sun
2°
10°
Mon
2°
10°
Tue
3°
15°
Wed
5°
14°
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
You can travel to Sweden without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist.
Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before you arrive and an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Be prepared to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, at the border on your first visit under the new Entry/Exit System.
At border control, you may need to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of travel insurance, and proof of enough money for your stay.
If staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you must meet the Swedish government's entry requirements for a visa or work permit.
Good to know:
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more when entering Sweden.
Carry a letter of consent from the parent or guardian for children aged 17 and under travelling with you.
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.
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.
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
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
UK Embassy
British Embassy Stockholm
Skarpögatan 6-8, 115 27 Stockholm
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
6 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.