Do Swedish citizens need a visa for the USA?
How the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA work for Swedish citizens.
Short answer
Swedish citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days, but they must have an approved ESTA before they travel to the USA. ESTA is applied for online and requires an e-passport. An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry, and those who do not qualify for ESTA can apply for a visa.
Why
- The US State Department lists Sweden among the Visa Waiver Program countries, which allow stays of 90 days or less without a visa.
- According to the State Department, travellers must have a valid ESTA approval before travel and an e-passport, and an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry.
- Sweden Abroad says Swedish citizens who are not US citizens or residence permit holders need a valid ESTA or a US visa.
Details
US Customs and Border Protection says ESTA approvals are typically granted for two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner, and that a fee is charged for each new application. Under an agreement between Sweden and the USA, a Swedish passport only needs to be valid for the length of the trip, according to Sweden Abroad, whose page was updated on 2 October 2026 and notes that entry rules can change at short notice.
Tip
Apply on the official CBP site (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) as soon as you start planning the trip, and check that your passport is an e-passport.
What may differ
The visa-free rule is for tourist visits of up to 90 days, and Sweden Abroad's wording excludes Swedish citizens who hold US citizenship or a US residence permit.
People also ask
- Can Swedes travel to the USA without a visa?
- Do I need a visa for the USA as a Swedish citizen?
Sources
- US Department of State: Visa Waiver ProgramChecked at:
- US Customs and Border Protection: VWP and ESTA FAQChecked at:
- Sweden Abroad: entry and exit rules for the USAChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check travel.state.gov and CBP before you travel.
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