Do you need a passport to travel from Sweden to Germany?
Which travel documents Swedish citizens can use for Germany, and why to carry them.
Short answer
No, a passport is not required: a valid Swedish national ID card is enough for travel to Germany, though a passport also works. Carry one of them anyway, because Germany has temporary border controls and identity checks take place inside the country and on ferries. A driving licence is not a valid travel document.
Why
- According to the Swedish Police, a national ID card issued by the Police Authority can be used for travel within the EU and Schengen area.
- Sweden Abroad says travellers should carry valid travel documents, a passport or a national ID card, for Germany, because identity checks take place in the country and on the ferries between Germany, Denmark and Sweden.
- The European Commission's list shows that Germany has temporary border controls at its land borders from 16 September 2026 to 15 March 2027.
Details
Sweden Abroad's page on Germany, updated on 27 July 2026, says a driving licence or another ID card, such as one from a bank or Skatteverket, is not valid as a travel document, and that a provisional passport is accepted. Your Europe says that when a Schengen country applies temporary border controls, you must show a valid passport or ID card.
Tip
Take your passport or national ID card on every trip to Germany, and check that it is still valid on the day you travel.
What may differ
This answer is for Swedish citizens. Citizens of other countries living in Sweden should check the rules for their own nationality.
Common misconception
A Swedish driving licence works as ID for travel to Germany.
What actually happens
Sweden Abroad says a driving licence is not valid as a travel document for Germany.
People also ask
- Do I need a passport to go to Germany from Sweden?
- Do you have to have a passport to go to Germany?
- Can you travel to Germany without a passport?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Swedish Police and Sweden Abroad before you travel.
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