Sweden: All non-Swedish travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours upon arrival starting Feb. 6 /update 12

Event

Authorities in Sweden will require all non-Swedish travelers above the age of 18 to present a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours starting Feb. 6 in an attempt to stem the spread of the new variant strains of the disease. Cross-border commuters will reportedly face more eased regulations; however, the specifics of cross-border commuting measures remain unclear. Authorities are also yet to specify the exact type of test required and will likely do so in the coming days.

Officials have also banned all nonessential travel from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland through at least March 31. In line with EU recommendations, authorities permit travelers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay to enter. Exceptions to the ban include students, healthcare workers, cross-border workers, diplomats, freight workers, passengers in transit, and persons traveling on urgent family business. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against all nonessential travel to countries outside the EEA and Switzerland.

Furthermore, authorities have banned travelers from Norway following the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant as of Jan. 24. The ban will remain in effect through at least Feb. 14. Authorities have prohibited travel from the UK and Denmark through at least Feb. 14 over similar concerns. Exceptions to this travel ban include Swedish nationals, transport workers, travel for urgent family reasons, and individuals who live or work in Sweden. Exempted travelers arriving from the UK must possess a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Sweden.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities previously extended a series of domestic restrictions through at least Feb. 7 following a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. Officials have urged all nonessential public services to remain closed through Feb. 7. Bars and restaurants must suspend alcohol sales after 2000. Authorities have also extended distance learning for the upper secondary schools through April 1. Authorities have banned public gatherings and events of more than eight people; funerals can occur with up to 20 attendees. Officials allow a maximum of four people per table at bars or restaurants, though they prohibit alcohol sales from 2000. Nonessential public buildings, including bathhouses, museums, and sports halls, are closed until Feb. 7.

Authorities continue to recommend the use of facemasks on public transport during rush hour. Travel providers have also implemented strict hygiene and social-distancing measures on their services. Shops, catering establishments, and many nonessential businesses are open, though they must limit customer numbers and comply with social-distancing guidelines.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Emergency Information from Swedish Authorities
Public Health Agency of Sweden
World Health Organization (WHO)