This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Sweden in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for Swedish citizens, updated fees in Euros, and visa requirements for non-EU residents. Whether you're a Swedish citizen needing an ETA for a short visit to London or a non-EU national requiring a visa, this guide provides the latest requirements, application process, and expert tips to help you plan your UK journey.
The ties between Sweden and Britain stretch back over a millennium—Viking traders from Birka established some of the earliest commercial links with Britain, while Swedish iron and timber later fueled the British Industrial Revolution. Royal connections deepened when Princess Margaret of Connaught, Queen Victoria's granddaughter, became Queen of Sweden in 1905. Today, the 2023 UK-Sweden Strategic Partnership Agreement and Sweden's 2024 NATO membership (strongly supported by Britain) have brought the two nations closer than ever, with over 90,000 Swedes visiting the UK annually and 1,200+ Swedish companies operating in Britain.
UK Visa from Sweden: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements from Sweden have changed significantly since Brexit. Swedish citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, Swedish citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in Sweden, such as Indian or Pakistani passport holders, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
UK Entry Requirements for Swedish Citizens
Swedish citizens need: (1) a valid passport, (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK within 6 months. No visa is required for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. For work, study, or longer stays, Swedes must apply for the appropriate visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics.
The UK entry requirements for Swedish citizens are straightforward for short visits but have changed since Brexit. Swedish nationals can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through passport control like other non-EU visitors.
What Do Swedish Citizens Need to Enter the UK?
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity requirement)
- Approved ETA: €19, valid for 2 years, apply via UK ETA app
- Return/Onward Travel: Evidence of return flights or onward journey
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host's address in UK
- Sufficient Funds: Ability to support yourself without working
- Genuine Visitor: Intent to leave within 6 months, not live in UK
At the UK border, officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. While detailed questioning is rare for Swedish visitors, having your hotel booking and return flight details accessible on your phone can speed up the process. For comprehensive information about what's allowed during your visit, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
Do I Need a Visa for UK from Sweden?
Swedish citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings). However, from April 2, 2025, all Swedish citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Swedes must apply for the appropriate visa.
The UK introduced the ETA system to improve border security and streamline entry processes. Swedish citizens were among the European nationals included in the April 2025 rollout. According to the official UK government ETA guidance, applications opened on 5 March 2025, and the requirement became mandatory from 2 April 2025.
UK ETA Requirements for Swedish Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Tourist Visa from Sweden
Swedish citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in Sweden (Indian, Pakistani, Chinese passport holders) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Both categories allow tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family. Apply via the UK ETA app (Swedes) or VFS Global Stockholm (non-EU).
The term "UK tourist visa from Sweden" can mean different things depending on your nationality. Swedish passport holders visiting as tourists only need an ETA, while non-EU nationals residing in Sweden must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
UK Visit Visa from Sweden: Who Needs What?
For details on what you can and cannot do during a UK tourist visit, including business meetings and short courses, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors. If you plan multiple visits, consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
UK Visa from Sweden Fees 2026 (in Euros)
UK visa fees from Sweden in 2026 start at €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa. Swedish citizens only pay €19 for an ETA (not a visa). All fees are paid in Euros and are non-refundable. Priority service adds €599, Super Priority adds €1,199.
The UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and converted to Euros for applicants in Sweden and other Eurozone countries. The fees below are current as of January 2026:
Visit Visa Fees from Sweden
Work, Study & Family Visa Fees from Sweden
UK Visa from Sweden for Indian
Indian citizens residing in Sweden pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. Your Swedish residence permit (uppehållstillstånd) does not grant visa-free access to the UK. Applications must be made through VFS Global in Stockholm, and typically take 3 weeks to process. Having Swedish permanent residence can strengthen your application by demonstrating strong ties outside the UK.
The Indian diaspora in Sweden represents a significant and growing community, with many IT professionals, researchers, and students calling Sweden home. Indian nationals residing in Sweden must apply for a UK visa regardless of their Swedish residence status—your uppehållstillstånd (residence permit) or Swedish PUT (permanent residence) does not provide visa-free access to the UK.
UK Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals in Sweden
- Valid Indian Passport: Must be valid for duration of UK stay
- Swedish Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in Sweden (uppehållstillstånd)
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds (Swedish or Indian accounts)
- Employment Proof: Letter from Swedish employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to Sweden: Evidence you will return (employment contract, accommodation, family)
For information about potential refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons. If your visa is refused, our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal explains your options.
UK Work Visa from Sweden
Swedish citizens need a work visa to work in the UK since Brexit. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), requiring sponsorship from a UK employer and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Swedes can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Alternative routes include the Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-35) and Health and Care Worker visa (€364).
Since Brexit, Swedish citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The freedom of movement that previously allowed Swedes to live and work in the UK ended on 31 December 2020. However, Swedish nationals benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Skilled Worker Visa from Sweden
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for Swedish nationals seeking employment in the UK. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Visa Fee: €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years)
- Minimum Salary: £41,700 per year (general threshold from July 2025)
- IHS: £1,035/year (exempt for Health and Care Worker visa)
- Sponsor Required: Yes, employer must have valid sponsor licence
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
Youth Mobility Scheme from Sweden
Swedish citizens aged 18-35 may be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without needing a job offer or sponsor. Places are limited and allocated by ballot. The visa costs €382 plus IHS (discounted rate of £776/year).
Student Visa from Sweden
Swedish nationals who wish to study in the UK for longer than 6 months need a Student visa. Short courses of up to 6 months can be undertaken on an ETA without needing a visa.
- Visa Fee: €628
- CAS Required: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from licensed institution
- IHS: £776/year (discounted student rate)
- Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Post-Study: Graduate visa allows 2 years work after completing degree (reducing to 18 months from January 2027)
Spouse Visa from Sweden
Swedish nationals can apply for a Spouse visa to join their British or settled partner in the UK. The financial requirement is £29,000 minimum annual income (with planned increases to £38,700).
- Visa Fee: €2,323
- Initial Grant: 33 months
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 minimum (planned increases to £38,700)
- IHS: £1,035/year
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years on spouse route
How to Apply for UK Visa from Sweden
The UK visa application from Sweden process differs depending on whether you're a Swedish citizen or a non-EU national residing in Sweden.
For Swedish Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Simply download the UK ETA app and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: Swedish citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in Sweden
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in Sweden are processed through VFS Global. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Stockholm to provide your biometrics.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (Swedes): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at VFS Global Stockholm
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
UK Visa Application Centre in Sweden (VFS Global)
VFS Global operates the UK Visa Application Centre in Stockholm for non-EU nationals. Book your appointment through the VFS Global Sweden website:
UK Visa Processing Time from Sweden
Standard UK visa processing time from Sweden is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
- Swedish citizens need an ETA (€19) — apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- Swedes can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics — no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in Sweden pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- IHS of £1,035/year required for visas over 6 months (students pay £776)
- VFS Global Stockholm serves non-EU nationals for visa applications
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Swedish citizens need a visa to visit the UK in 2026?
Swedish citizens do not need a visa for short visits up to 6 months. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. The ETA requirement has been in effect since 2 April 2025, and is strictly enforced from 25 February 2026—without an approved ETA, Swedish citizens cannot board transport to the UK.
What are the UK entry requirements for Swedish citizens?
Swedish citizens need: (1) a valid passport (no minimum validity required, just valid for duration of stay), (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate genuine visitor intentions. At the border, you may be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, funds, and return journey. Having hotel bookings and return flights accessible on your phone can speed up the process.
How much is a UK visa from Sweden for Indian citizens?
Indian citizens residing in Sweden pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies regardless of your Swedish residence status—your uppehållstillstånd does not grant visa-free access to the UK. Longer-term visitor visas cost €569 (2 years), €1,017 (5 years), or €1,269 (10 years). Applications must be made through VFS Global in Stockholm.
How long can a Swedish citizen stay in the UK?
Swedish citizens with an ETA can stay up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. There is no annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or lengthy stays may raise questions about genuine visitor status. For work, study, or settlement, Swedes must apply for the appropriate visa with its own validity periods.
Can Swedish citizens work in the UK without a visa?
No, since Brexit, Swedish citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), which requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (from July 2025). Swedes aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. Swedes can attend business meetings on an ETA but cannot undertake paid employment.
Can Swedish citizens use the UK Immigration: ID Check app?
Yes, Swedish citizens (and other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) applying for UK work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit their biometrics from home. This means no visit to a Visa Application Centre is required. Simply scan your passport chip using your smartphone's NFC capability and take a selfie to complete the identity verification process.
How long does UK visa processing take from Sweden?
Standard UK visa processing from Sweden takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor and other non-settlement visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599 extra) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability. ETAs are typically processed within 3 working days, often within minutes.
What is the difference between the UK ETA app and UK Immigration: ID Check app?
The UK ETA app is for applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation—used by Swedish citizens for short visits (tourism, family, business) up to 6 months. The UK Immigration: ID Check app is for submitting biometrics when applying for visas (work, study, family visas). Swedes use the ETA app for visits and the ID Check app when they need an actual visa for longer stays or work purposes.