Sweden: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for travelers from the US, as of Sept. 8 /update 24

Event

Authorities in Sweden have tightened entry restrictions imposed on travelers from the US as part of measures designed to combat COVID-19, as of Sept. 8. Nonresident foreign nationals are now prohibited from entering Sweden directly from locations in the US. Permitted travelers are required to present proof of a negative result to a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 48 hours and must have an accepted urgent reason for travel.

Authorities previously extended all international entry restrictions through Oct. 31. Nonessential travel from outside the EU/EEA remains prohibited. Residents of Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, and Ukraine are exempt from the entry ban. Exemptions are also in place for EU/EEA citizens and residents, passengers in transit, and students, as well as for limited other essential purposes.

There are no entry restrictions in place for travel from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. Travelers from all other EU/EEA countries must present an EU Digital COVID Certificate or an equivalent, which displays a persons vaccination status, or COVID-19 test results no more than 72 hours old, or evidence of recovery from infection within the previous 180 days.

Permitted travelers from all other locations must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before arrival. Authorities also recommend that all travelers arriving from outside the EU/EEA self-isolate for seven days and take a COVID-19 test on the day of arrival and five days later.

Domestic Restrictions
Most nonessential businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to hygiene, capacity, and social distancing requirements. Private indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people; outdoor events of up to 3,000 people are permitted.

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)