Do Swedes need a visa for the UK?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation for Swedish citizens: cost, validity and how to apply.
Short answer
Swedish citizens do not need a visa for a visit to the UK, but they must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. An ETA costs 20 pounds, lasts 2 years or until the passport expires, and allows stays of up to 6 months.
Why
- The UK government's ETA national list includes Sweden among the nationalities that need an ETA, according to GOV.UK.
- Sweden Abroad says Swedish citizens, including children, must apply for an ETA in advance, and from 25 February 2026 travellers without one are not allowed to board.
- GOV.UK says an ETA costs 20 pounds and lasts 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Details
You apply online or in the UK ETA app with the passport you will travel with, an email address, a photo of the passport and a photo of your face. GOV.UK says you usually get a decision within a day but it can take up to 3 working days, and you must wait for the confirmation email before you travel. The ETA is linked to that passport, and it does not guarantee entry.
Tip
Apply only through the official GOV.UK page or the UK ETA app, because other websites may charge more, and wait for the confirmation email before you travel.
What may differ
A Swedish citizen who also holds British citizenship is exempt from the ETA, according to Sweden Abroad. An ETA does not allow work for a UK company or a stay of more than 6 months, so the right permission depends on the reason for the trip.
People also ask
- Do I need a visa for the UK from Sweden?
- Do you need a visa to go to the UK from Sweden?
- How do I apply for a UK visa from Sweden?
Sources
- GOV.UK: apply for an ETAChecked at:
- GOV.UK: ETA national list (Immigration Rules)Checked at:
- Sweden Abroad: travel information for the United KingdomChecked at:
- GOV.UK: what you can and cannot do with an ETAChecked at:
- GOV.UK: electronic travel authorisationChecked at:
Prices and fees change, so check GOV.UK before you apply.
Related questions
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Can you bring prescription medicines into Sweden?
You can bring prescription medicines into Sweden if you can show they are yours, for example with a prescription, a pharmacy label or a doctor's certificate.
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Can you bring food, meat and dairy into Sweden?
From other EU countries you may bring any type of food for personal use, but meat and dairy products from outside the EU are generally not allowed.
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How much alcohol and tobacco can you bring into Sweden from outside the EU?
From outside the EU you can bring 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of fortified wine, 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and 200 cigarettes duty free.
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How do I renew a Swedish passport from abroad?
Swedish citizens living abroad can apply for a passport at some Swedish embassies, and most embassies can also hand over a passport applied for elsewhere.