Sweden: Authorities to ease COVID-19-related domestic measures from Feb. 9 /update 35

Event

Sweden will lift many domestic measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 from Feb. 9. Limits on the capacity of gatherings and businesses, as well as operating hours, will be lifted. Individuals will no longer be required to present vaccine certificates to enter various events or establishments. Authorities will no longer advise individuals to social distance or wear face masks in public.

Domestic Measures
Up until Feb. 9, most businesses and services will continue to operate subject to certain limits on capacity and opening hours. A COVID-19 pass is required for indoor events with more than 50 participants. Individuals are advised to use face masks and practice social distance in crowded public spaces. Employers should ensure employees work from home where possible.

Beyond Feb. 9, authorities will continue to advise unvaccinated individuals to limit social contact and require any individual with symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested and avoid social contact while awaiting the result.

International Travel Restrictions
Nonessential travel is permitted from EU/EEA countries, and for residents of Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macao, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, UAE, and Uruguay. Such travelers must have a certificate of vaccination or recovery issued by authorities linked to the EU Digital COVID Certificate gateway, or a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry.

Nonessential travel is also permitted for individuals with vaccine certificates issued by authorities in certain countries including Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Cabo Verde, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay US, and Vatican City. Such travelers do not need additional testing or isolation requirements.

Measures applying to travel from the EU or EEA are in effect through Feb. 28 while measures applying to travel from outside this bloc are in effect through March 31.

Nonessential travel to Sweden in other circumstances is generally prohibited with limited exceptions. Permitted excepted travelers must possess a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry. 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