According to new travel policy regulations introduced by the European Commission, travelers from visa-free countries coming to Schengen Europe from 2024 will require Sweden ETIAS before they can enter the country.
This policy change is not limited to Sweden alone but to all 27 Schengen countries, micro States, and non Schengen countries in Europe. Unlike when such travelers only needed to show their valid passports at the airport, they now had to apply for ETIAS visa waiver approval before making the trip.
This article contains information about the new policy, the requirements, and which set of visitors are eligible for it. Keep reading to learn more.
Sweden ETIAS: What Is It For?
Sweden ETIAS is the European Travel and Information Authorization System, and it is a visa waiver, and security vetting system put in place by the European Commission to strengthen the border security of Schengen countries in Europe.
This program is not for citizens of the European Union, as they can still freely travel within the continent with a valid passport or an ID card.
The system is for foreigners from selected countries who visit Sweden and any other Schengen country for a short time.
Is ETIAS A Visa?
ETIAS is not a visa but a visa waiver and security vetting system. The plan was introduced to the European Parliament years back, and work started in 2016 as the Commission set to strengthen border security of European countries in light of terrorist attacks and migration of criminal perpetrators across several countries on the continent.
The Commission launched the program to ensure that only visitors with a clean record are allowed into the Schengen Area. The new travel authorization system applies to Sweden and all countries in the Schengen region.
That means if you get a Sweden ETIAS, you can still use the same permit to enter any other Schengen country as long as it remains valid. The authorization or permit will allow visitors to love freely within the Schengen zone for 90 days.
Who Is Eligible For Sweden ETIAS?
This authorization is not for all visitors coming to Sweden or the Schengen area, and ETIAS is only for visitors from visa-waiver countries. That is to say that if you were eligible for visa-free entry before now, you are eligible for ETIAS.
The system is open to visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and a few other countries. You are not eligible for this program if you require a visa to visit Schengen Europe before now.
How Will ETIAS Work?
ETIAS is a security vetting system that checks the information an interested traveler provides. When the applicant fills out the ETIAS form and submits it for approval, the system will run the information across several security databases for red flags or Criminal history.
The authorization will be denied if the information triggers an alteration on any of the databases. Only applications that do not trigger security alerts will be approved.
Traveling To Sweden
Sweden is a Northern European country, among the list of Scandinavian countries, which includes Denmark, Norway, and Finland. The capital is Stockholm, and the national language is Swedish, while the official currency is Krona. The Euro is not an acceptable legal tender in the country even though Sweden is part of the European Union.
The Kingdom of Sweden officially became a member of the European Union in 1995 and the Schengen zone in 2001. Due to its Schengen membership, any traveler coming to the country from a visa-exempt country like the US and others must apply for an Etias approval; otherwise, they will be denied entry.
However it is important to note that holding this document is not a guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Sweden. The decision to grant visitors entry rests with the immigration and border control agents. Hence visitors are advised to provide only accurate information in their application.
ETIAS Requirements
You will need the following to apply for ETIAS Sweden:
A valid passport
Passport information
Nationality
Criminal record, if any
Previous visits to war zones or virus-infected zones
Brief medical history
Application fee
Applicants are advised to provide only accurate information; otherwise, their application may be rejected. Minors may apply for ETIAS with the help of their parents.
How To Apply For ETIAS
You can apply for this approval by visiting VisaHQ to do the following:
Log onto VisaHQ
Choose Sweden as your destination
Choose your country
Select ETIAS
Complete the form
Upload the bio page of your passport
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
The check takes only a few minutes, and if approved, the approval document will be forwarded to your email.
To apply for Sweden ETIAS, visit VisaHQ now to complete the application.