Sweden Transit Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Allows airside transit through Swedish airports for non-exempt nationalities
- Essential for passengers connecting to non-Schengen destinations via Stockholm Arlanda
- Valid for short stays within the airport's international zone or for land passage
- Standardised Schengen Area application process and fees apply
- Mandatory for citizens of specific high-risk countries even for airside transfers
- Required for land-based transit between non-Schengen countries via Sweden
Processing time
15 calendar days
Processing may take up to 45 days in complex cases or during peak holiday seasons. Always apply early.
Estimated cost
~$140 (Standard Adult Application)
- Standard Schengen Transit Visa Fee€90 (~$98)
- Reduced fee for children aged 6-12€45 (~$49)
- Children under 6 years old$0
- External service provider service fee~$30 - $45
Requirements
- Valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for 3 months beyond transit date
- Proof of onward journey to a destination outside the Schengen Area
- Evidence of a valid visa for the final destination country, if required
- No prior alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for refusal of entry
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the transit duration (approx. 450 SEK per day)
- Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation up to €30,000
- Biometric data (fingerprints) provided within the last 59 months
- Minor applicants require notarised parental consent and birth certificates
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport or travel document with at least two blank pages
- Completed and signed Schengen Visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO standards
- Proof of onward travel (confirmed airline tickets to final destination)
- Visa for the final destination country (if applicable)
- Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
- Proof of financial means for the duration of the transit stay
- Proof of accommodation if an overnight stay is required during transit
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Check your visa type
Identify if you require an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) or a Short-stay Visa (Type C) based on your flight path and nationality.
- 2
Complete the application form
Complete the harmonised Schengen Visa application form accurately; ensure all information matches your passport exactly.
- 3
Prepare your dossier
Gather all supporting documents, including your flight itinerary, final destination visa, and proof of travel insurance.
- 4
Schedule an appointment
Book an interview at the Swedish Embassy, Consulate, or an authorised visa application centre (like VFS Global).
- 5
Submit and biometrics
Attend your appointment to submit your documents, provide biometric data, and pay the non-refundable visa fee.
- 6
Wait for processing
The embassy will review your application. You can often track the status online via the service provider's portal.
- 7
Passport collection
Once a decision is made, collect your passport. Check the visa sticker immediately for any clerical errors.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your flight itinerary is confirmed before applying; do not provide 'planned' dates that don't match your tickets.
- Your passport must have at least two empty pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.
- Check if your transit involves moving between terminals that require passing through border control.
- Submit your application at least 3 weeks before travel to account for any shipping or administrative delays.
- Verify that your travel insurance is specifically valid in all Schengen Member States, not just Sweden.
- Be honest about previous visa rejections, as these are tracked in the shared Schengen database.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.