Canadians planning a trip to Sweden don't usually need a visa for short visits. But, if you're a Canadian resident who isn't a citizen, you might need a Sweden Visit Visa. This visa makes it easier to travel for tourism, family visits, business, or medical reasons. Here’s what you should know before you apply:
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A Sweden Visit Visa functions as a short-stay Schengen visa, enabling non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to enter Sweden for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or medical care. It allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day window. Depending on travel needs and history, it can be issued for single or multiple entries.
This visa allows entry to all Schengen Area countries. Visitors can travel to other participating European nations as long as they follow the 90/180-day rule.
Sweden offers a mix of scenic landscapes, cities, and Nordic traditions. This visa lets you enter all Schengen countries for various activities.
The primary types of Sweden Visit Visas for various purposes and durations are given below.
A Sweden Tourist Visa, categorized as a short-stay Schengen visa (Category C), enables people from countries that need a visa to visit Sweden for tourism or recreation. Stays are limited to 90 days within a 180-day stretch. This visa suits those wanting to see Sweden’s nature, cultural spots, or historical places, or for those who just want a vacation.
With this visa, visitors can also travel to other Schengen countries within the 90-day limit. This visa does not allow work, study, or long-term residence. Applicants have to prove they will return home and that they have enough money for their visit.
The Sweden Family or Friend Visit Visa, a short-term Schengen visa (Category C), enables people from certain countries to visit family or friends in Sweden for up to 90 days every 180 days. It's good for personal visits like family reunions or special events.
Those applying need an invitation letter from their host in Sweden, plus papers verifying their relationship and the host's legal status. Similar to other short-term visas, this one does not allow work or long-term stays, and travelers must prove they plan to go back home after their visit.
A Sweden Business Visa, a short-term Schengen visa (Category C), enables people from countries that need a visa to go to Sweden for business. This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day window. It's for people who will attend meetings, negotiations, trade shows, conferences, or company events in Sweden.
Those applying need to give a formal invitation letter from the Swedish company or group they plan to visit. They should include documents that show the trip's details and length. Note that this visa doesn't allow paid work in Sweden; it's only for brief professional visits.
A Sweden Conference or Event Visa, a type C Schengen visa for short visits, permits people from countries that require a visa to enter Sweden for a maximum of 90 days within a half-year frame. This visa is for taking part in conferences, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, or cultural, scientific, or academic events.
This visa suits those who are attending or presenting at professional or public meetings. Applicants need to submit either an invitation letter or a registration confirmation from the event organizers in Sweden. This visa does not allow for paid work or long stays. Visitors have to show they have enough money, travel insurance, and a solid plan to go back home after the event.
A Sweden Medical Treatment Visa, classified as a short-stay Schengen visa (Category C), allows people who need a visa to enter Sweden for planned medical care or meetings with doctors. It is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day span. It applies to non-emergency situations like scheduled surgeries, specialist meetings, or short-term treatments in Swedish hospitals.
To apply, one must have a referral or confirmation from a Swedish hospital, details of the treatment plan and costs, and proof of funds. Medical travel insurance is needed. This visa does not cover long-term care or public healthcare in Sweden.
A Sweden Airport Transit Visa, a Category A Schengen visa for brief stays, allows travelers from specific countries needing visas to pass through the international area of a Swedish airport on their way to a place outside the Schengen area. It is for those who have a stopover in Sweden but do not plan to enter the country or go through border control.
This visa only works for airport transit; it does not allow entrance into Sweden or any other Schengen country. People applying need to give proof of their confirmed ongoing flight, a valid visa for their final spot (if needed), and proof they can afford their trip.
Canadians with a passport can visit Sweden for up to 90 days without a visa. But, those living in Canada with passports from countries that need a visa must apply for a Sweden Visit Visa. This applies to:
Canadians applying for a Sweden Visit Visa need to meet the eligibility criteria given below.
When applying for a Sweden Visit Visa, ensure you provide the documents given below:
Detailed information about the fees for Sweden Visit Visa is given below.
Visa Category |
Applicant Group |
Fee (Approx. in CAD) |
Short-Stay Schengen Visa |
Adults (18 and above) |
$120 |
Short-Stay Schengen Visa |
Children aged 6–12 years |
$60 |
Short-Stay Schengen Visa |
Children under 6 years |
Free |
Airport Transit Visa |
All eligible applicants |
$120 |
Service/Biometric Charges |
All applicants |
Additional (varies by center) |
Detailed information about the processing time for Sweden Visit Visa is given below.
Application Type |
Estimated Processing Time |
Short-Stay Visit Visa (Tourism, Family, Business, etc.) |
15–30 calendar days |
Airport Transit Visa |
15–30 calendar days |
Medical Treatment Visa |
15–30 calendar days |
Conference or Event Visa |
15–30 calendar days |
Peak Season (Summer, Holidays) Applications |
May take longer than 30 days |
Recommended Application Timeline |
At least 4–6 weeks before travel |
The process to apply for a Sweden Visit Visa is given below.
Step 1: Determine the correct visa for your trip, be it for tourism, family visits, business, or medical care.
Step 2: Complete the Schengen visa application and sign it before submission.
Step 3: Organize the necessary documents.
Step 4: Submit your application and give your biometric data.
Step 5: Get your passport back with the Sweden Visit Visa.
The validity and duration of stay offered by a Sweden Visit Visa are given below.
Visa Type |
Validity Period |
Maximum Duration of Stay |
Entry Type |
Short-Stay Visit Visa |
Up to 180 days (varies by issuance) |
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period |
Single or Multiple Entry |
Tourist / Family / Business |
Same as above |
Up to 90 days per visit |
Single or Multiple Entry |
Airport Transit Visa |
Valid for transit date(s) only |
No stay permitted (airport zone only) |
Transit Only |
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