Does Sweden have open borders or border checks?
Schengen travel, Sweden's temporary internal border checks and what to carry.
Short answer
Sweden is in the Schengen area, where checks at internal borders have been abolished, but Sweden has temporary checks at its internal border. The current period runs until 11 November 2026, Sweden has notified the European Commission of a new period until 11 May 2027, and the Swedish Police decide where and how the checks take place.
Why
- According to the European Commission, checks at internal borders between Schengen countries have been abolished.
- According to the Swedish Government, the temporary border control at the internal border applies from 12 May 2026 to 11 November 2026, and the Police Authority decides where and how checks are carried out.
- The Government gives as its reason a serious threat to public order and internal security, and says several other Schengen states, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark, also have internal border controls.
Details
When a country reintroduces temporary border controls, you must show a valid passport or national ID card, according to the EU's Your Europe portal. The Swedish Police are required to check everyone who travels to or from countries outside the Schengen area. The European Commission's list shows a new period for Sweden from 12 November 2026 to 11 May 2027.
Tip
Carry your passport or national ID card on every trip into Sweden, including from Norway, Denmark or Finland, because checks can take place at the internal border.
What may differ
If you arrive from a country outside the Schengen area, a border check always takes place, whatever your citizenship.
Common misconception
Because Sweden is in Schengen, there are never any border checks when you enter from another Schengen country.
What actually happens
Schengen countries can temporarily reintroduce internal border controls, and Sweden has notified checks until 11 May 2027.
People also ask
- Does Sweden have open borders?
- Are there border checks in Sweden?
Sources
- Government Offices of Sweden: Continued internal border controlChecked at:
- European Commission: The Schengen areaChecked at:
- Your Europe: Travel documents for EU nationalsChecked at:
- Swedish Police: Travel to and from SwedenChecked at:
- European Commission: temporary reintroduction of border controlChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Swedish Police and the Government Offices before you travel.
Planning and entry to SwedenRelated 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.