Sweden: Authorities to relax COVID-19-related entry restrictions as of Jan. 21 /update 33

Event

Authorities in Sweden will relax entry restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19. From Jan. 21, all foreign arrivals must possess a negative result from a PCR test no more than 72 hours old regardless of vaccination status; the previous requirement for a test no more than 48 hours old will be lifted.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and services are operating subject to certain limits on capacity and opening hours. A COVID-19 pass is required for indoor events with more than 50 participants. Unvaccinated individuals are advised to limit social contact, and any individual with symptoms of COVID-19 is still required to get tested and avoid social contact while awaiting the result.

Authorities advise individuals to use face masks in crowded public spaces, to practice social, and work from home where possible.

International Travel Restrictions
A general prohibition on non-essential travel from outside the EU/EEA will remain in effect until at least Jan. 31. Exemptions are in place for Swedish and EU citizens and residents in addition to residents of Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macao, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, and Uruguay. Such travelers must possess a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken in the previous 72 hours.

Exemptions are also in place for individuals with an EU Digital COVID Certificate, or a vaccination certificate from certain countries including Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Cabo Verde, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Moldova, Monaco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Vatican City. Permitted unvaccinated travelers must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. For detailed information on entry requirements and exemptions to the entry ban, click here.

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