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Passport and visa information for Sweden

Passport and visa information for your visit to Sweden.

Planning a holiday in Sweden? Find out more about passport and visa information for your visit to Sweden.  Please note that we do not have any visa application service at Visit Sweden and are not able to assist with your visa application.

For UK residents:

Holders of certain British Passports/Travel Documents do not need a visa to travel to Sweden.

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

For information about what happens if the UK leaves the European Union with no deal and any other travel advice or updates please check the FCO website for information

For US residents:

A valid passport entitles United States citizens to a three-month stay in Sweden.

For EU citizens:

Being an EU citizen means that you have the right to work, study or live in Sweden without having a residence permit. You'll need a valid national identity card or passport when entering Sweden from another Schengen EU country. A driving licence don't qualify as a travel document and we recommend that you bring your passport in case you will need to prove your identity. More information about  travelling within the EU  can be found at the European commission's website.

Tourist visas to Sweden for other countries:

If you are visiting Sweden as a tourist and are a citizen of a non-EU country , you may need a visa. A visa is a permit to travel to and stay in a country for a limited period.

More information and requirements for visa applications can be found here  

Countries whose citizens require a visa

Countries where Sweden is represented by another Schengen state

Swedish embassies and consulates-general

To apply for a visa, you must fill in the form Application for Schengen Visa.  

Citizens of other countries can also check with a Swedish  diplomatic representative  in their home country. https://european-union.europa.eu/live-work-study/travelling-eu_en

For UK visitors

Holders of certain  British Passports/Travel Documents  do not need a visa to travel to Sweden.

For all information about what happens if the UK leaves the European Union please check the  FCO website  for the most up to date information

For US visitors

A valid passport entitles North American Citizens to a three-month stay in Sweden. U.S citizens do not need a visa if the visit is 90 days or less. 

More information can be found on the Embassy of Sweden's website

Tourist visas to Sweden for other countries

If you are visiting Sweden as a tourist and are a citizen of a non-EU country, you may need a visa. A visa is a permit to travel to and stay in a country for a limited period.

More information and requirements for  visa applications can be found here  

Citizens of other countries can also check with a Swedish  diplomatic representative  in their home country.

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You are here: Home / Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On this page:

• F, M, and Academic J Visa Processing and Expansion of Interview Waiver During COVID-19
• FAQ - COVID19 Testing

FAQ - General Visa Information

Faq - visa refusals, faq - business/tourist visa, faq - work visa, faq - student visa, faq - exchange visitor visa, faq - transit/ship crew visa, faq - religious worker visa, faq - track my passport, faq - application profile, faq - visa document packets and the modernized immigrant visa, faq - f, m, and academic j visa processing and expansion of interview waiver during covid-19.

• Which student applicants qualify for an interview waiver?
• Who decides who is qualified?
• Where can I apply?
• Do I still need to make an appointment?
• What is the Visa Waiver Program?
• What is an “academic” J visa?
• Does this mean I will be guaranteed a visa?
• Will my spouse and minor children be eligible for interview waiver for their derivative F, M and J visas?
• Where can I find more information?
• Do I need to get my fingerprints taken?
• How long will this policy last?
• What if my prior U.S. visa is expired?
• What if I had a visa refused, but my subsequent visa application was approved?
• I’ve previously been issued a U.S. visa in different category than F, M or academic J. Can I still qualify for the interview waiver program?

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Q.1 Which student applicants qualify for an interview waiver?

If you are applying for an F, M or academic J visa, you may be eligible for an interview waiver if you have previously been issued any type of U.S. visa or traveled to the U.S. on ESTA (Visa Waiver Program). In addition, your most recent visa application cannot have been refused for any reason and there cannot be any indication of a visa ineligibility.

 An applicant who has been denied for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is not eligible for interview waiver.

nterview waiver.

Q.2 Who decides who is qualified?

The decision to allow interview waiver will be made by embassies and consulates on a case-by-case basis.

Q.3 Where can I apply?

An applicant must be a national of the country where he/she is applying.

Q.4 Do I still need to make an appointment?

Please check your local embassy or consulate’s website for more information. In some locations, applicants may need to make an interview waiver appointment to submit their passport, fingerprints, and accompanying documents.

Q.5 What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

Q.6 What is an “academic” J visa?

Academic J visa applicants include students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists who are participating in an approved exchange program. Please see  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html  for more information on approved exchanged programs. Note that au pairs are not academic Js.

Q.7 Does this mean I will be guaranteed a visa?

No. The new policy waives the in-person interview requirement for some F, M and academic J visa applicants. A consular officer will review your visa application and may determine an interview is necessary. All visa applications are adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. The consular officer may deny a visa application if an applicant is found ineligible under the Immigration and Nationality Act or other provisions of U.S. law.

Q.8 Will my spouse and minor children be eligible for interview waiver for their derivative F, M and J visas?

Yes, derivative visa applicants may also qualify for interview waiver if the principal applicant qualifies.

Q.9 Where can I find more information?

Travel.state.gov and the website for your local  U.S. embassy or consulate  will have more information about whether you qualify and how to book an appointment.

Q.10 Do I need to get my fingerprints taken?

If you have previously been issued a U.S. visa, you likely will not be required to provide your biometrics again. In some circumstances, such as if the original visa was issued before the applicant was 14 years old, biometrics may be required. For applicants from VWP countries, fingerprints will not be required prior to the F, M or academic J visa application.

Q.11 How long will this policy last?

This policy is set to expire at 11:59 PM on December 31, 2022.

Q.12 What if my prior U.S. visa is expired?

The new policy applies to those who previously were issued a U.S. visa regardless of whether the prior visa is expired. Those whose most recent visa application was refused do not qualify.

Q.13 What if I had a visa refused, but my subsequent visa application was approved?

If a subsequent visa was approved, and the applicant has no apparent visa ineligibilities, you may still quality for the interview waiver program.

Q.14 I’ve previously been issued a U.S. visa in different category than F, M or academic J. Can I still qualify for the interview waiver program?

F, M and academic J applicants who have been issued any type of U.S. visa in the past may qualify for the interview waiver program, as long as they are not otherwise ineligible.

FAQ – COVID19 Testing

• Is the Department of State going to start requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or test for visa applicants?

Q.1 Is the Department of State going to start requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or test for visa applicants?

We have no changes to visa requirements to announce at this time. Information regarding required vaccinations for immigrant visa applicants may be found on this website

• How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa?
• Do I qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?
• What is the fee for ESTA and who has to pay it?
• If I travel to the United States without ESTA, what happens?
• If I am a foreign national living in Sweden can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Sweden?
• Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the U.S. Embassy for an interview?
• I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again?
• My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
• I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?
• How can I extend my visa?
• Must I submit my visa application form electronically?
• What is "administrative processing?"
• How do I read and understand my visa?
• My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?
• What will happen when I enter the United States?
• I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?
• I have questions on submitting my DS-160 and printing the confirmation page. Where can I go for more information?
• I do not have an internet bank account. Can somebody else pay for me?
• I want to book my travel as far in advance as possible. When should I book my travel tickets for?
• I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?
• What information do I need to provide about social media, while filling the DS 160 form?
• What is the result of the U.S. Presidential Executive Order signed on January 27, 2017?

Q.1 How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa?

Swedish passport holders need only have a passport valid for their intended period of stay in the United States. See this link for a full list of countries whose passports only need to be valid for their intended period of stay. For all countries not listed on the link above, the passport must be valid for six months beyond the intended period of stay. 

Q.2 Do I qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?

You qualify for the Visa Waiver Program if you are a citizen of a  Visa Waiver Program  country, possess a machine-readable passport, are traveling for temporary business or a visit of less than 90 days, meet other program requirements, and have obtained an authorization through the  Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

Please note that Swedish passport holders who have traveled to Iraq, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, or Yemen after March 1, 2011 are NOT eligible to travel on the Visa Waiver Program. 

You must be a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program-eligible country in order to use this program. Permanent residents of VWP-eligible countries do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program unless they are also citizens of VWP-eligible countries. We recommend you visit the Visa Waiver Program  website  before any travel to the United States to determine if you are eligible for the VWP.

Q.3 What is the fee for ESTA and who has to pay it?

ESTA registration  is required for all travelers to the United States under the  Visa Waiver Program . There is a US$21 fee for ESTA registration. The fee can be paid online using a debit card or any of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Third parties (travel agents, family members, etc.) can pay your ESTA fee for you if you do not have the correct type of credit card. If the ESTA registration is denied, the fee is only US$4.

Note:  Applicants who have a valid B1/B2 visa do not need to apply for ESTA.

Q.4 If I travel to the United States without ESTA, what happens?

Visa Waiver Program travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States. If you are allowed to board, you can expect to encounter significant delays and possible denial of admission at the U.S. port of entry (i.e., arrival airport). ESTA registration usually only takes a few minutes to complete, authorization often arrives in seconds, and it is valid for two years, unless the traveler’s passport expires within that two-year period. In those cases, ESTA validity is limited to the passport’s validity.

Q.5 If I am a foreign national living in Sweden, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Sweden?

Applicants are generally advised to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Any person who is legally present in Sweden may apply for a visa in Sweden. However, applicants should decide where to apply based on more than just convenience or delay in getting an appointment in their home district. One thing to consider, for example, is in which consular district the applicant can demonstrate the strongest ties.

There is no guarantee that a visa will be issued, nor is there a guarantee of processing time. If refused, there is no refund of the application fee.

Q.6 Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the U.S. Embassy for an interview?

No. Complete information on interview waiver policies, as well as policies for visa renewal can be found here . 

Q.7 I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again?

You will need to complete another online application. However, you may apply to renew a visa by mail if you are eligible for interview waiver procedure and meet all the criteria. See i nterview waiver criteria .

Q.8 My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?

No.  If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports (old and new), as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel.  (Example: tourist visa, when your principal purpose of travel is tourism).  Also, the name and other personal data should be the same in both passports. Your nationality, as indicated in the new passport, must be the same as that shown in the passport bearing the visa.

Q.9 I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?

If one of your nationalities is not American, you can apply using whichever nationality you prefer, but you must disclose all nationalities to the U.S. Embassy on your application form. U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using a U.S. passport.

Q.10 How can I extend my visa?

The validity of a visa cannot be extended regardless of its type. You must apply for a new visa.

Q.11 Must I submit my visa application form electronically?

Yes, you must complete the  DS-160  and bring a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page with you when you go for your interview at the U.S. Embassy.

Q.12 What is "administrative processing?"

Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after your interview with a consular officer. You are advised of this possibility when they apply. This  web page  on the Consular Affairs website has more information about administrative processing.

Q.13 How do I read and understand my visa?

As soon as you receive your visa, check to make sure all your personal information printed on the visa is correct. If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is otherwise incorrect, please contact the issuing authority (i.e. the Embassy) immediately.

The expiration date of your visa is the last day you may use the visa to enter the United States. It does not indicate how long you may stay in the United States. Your stay is determined by the Department of Homeland Security at your port of entry. As long as you comply with the Department of Homeland Security decision on the conditions of your stay, you should have no problem.

Further information about interpreting your visa can be found at the Department of State's Consular Affairs  website .

Q.14 My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?

No. You may stay in the United States for the period of time and conditions authorized by the Department of Homeland Security officer when you arrived in the United States, which will be stamped in your passport, even if your visa expires during your stay. You can find more information  here .

Q.15 What will happen when I enter the United States?

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, but allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long a traveler may stay. At the port of entry, upon granting entry to the United States, the Customs and Border Protection officer will determine the length of stay permitted. Previously, travelers received a paper I-94 (record of admission) with this information. This process is now automated, with some exceptions. The traveler will be provided with a CBP admission stamp on their travel document that shows the date of admission, class of admission, and admitted-until date. Learn more on the   CBP Website . If a traveler needs a copy of their I-94 for verification of alien registration, immigration status or employment authorization, it can be obtained from  www.cbp.gov/I94 . You can review information about admission on the CBP Website.

Q.16 I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?

Our call center is unable to provide assistance on the application form. Any inquiries on completing the DS-160 can be addressed on the following  website .

Q.17 I have questions on submitting my DS-160 and printing the confirmation page. Where can I go for more information?

Our call center is unable to provide assistance on the application form. Any inquiries on completing the DS-160 can be addressed on the following website .

Q.18 I do not have an internet bank account. Can somebody else pay for me?

If you don’t have internet account you can use another online bank account (For example, your relatives or friends).

Q.19 I want to book my travel as far in advance as possible. When should I book my travel tickets for?

Applicants are strongly advised not to book their travel until after they receive their passport and visa. The best way to avoid the unpleasant circumstance of having bought an airplane ticket only to find out that the visa was refused, or that you will need to go through the costly process of changing your tickets to another travel date, is to wait until after your visa arrives.

Q.20 I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?

If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport. Once you have a new passport, you will need a new visa that matches the name on your passport

Q.21 What information do I need to provide about social media, while filling the DS 160 form?

On May 31 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. For more details please  click here .

Q.20 What is the result of the U.S. Presidential Executive Order signed on January 27, 2017?

Per U.S. Presidential Executive Order signed on January 27, 2017, visa issuance to aliens from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has been suspended effective immediately until further notification.  If you are a national of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time. If you already have an appointment scheduled, please DO NOT ATTEND your appointment as we will not be able to proceed with your visa interview.  Please note that certain travel for official governmental purposes, related to official business at or on behalf of designated international organizations, on behalf of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or by certain officials is not subject to this suspension.  Please contact  [email protected]  to inform them of your appointment time and date and request cancellation. Please continue to monitor www.ustraveldocs.com/se  and travel.state.gov for further updates.

• What is Section 214(b)?
• How can an applicant prove "strong ties?"
• Is a denial under Section 214(b) permanent?
• Who can influence the consular officer to reverse a decision?

The United States is an open society. Unlike many other countries, the United States does not impose internal controls on most visitors, such as registration with local authorities. Our immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise. In order to enjoy the privilege of unencumbered travel in the United States, you have a responsibility to prove you are going to return abroad before a visitor or student visa is issued.

Q.1 What Is Section 214(b)?

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:

(b) Every alien (other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (L) or (V) of section 101(a)(15), and other than a nonimmigrant described in any provision of section 101(a)(15)(H)(i) except subclause (b1) of such section) shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for a visa, and the immigration officers, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15). An alien who is an officer or employee of any foreign government or of any international organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act, or an alien who is the attendant, servant, employee, or member of the immediate family of any such alien shall not be entitled to apply for or receive an immigrant visa, or to enter the United States as an immigrant unless he executes a written waiver in the same form and substance as is prescribed by section 247(b).

Our consular officers have a difficult job. They must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents. To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he or she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.

Q.2 How can an applicant prove "strong ties?"

Ties are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your home country. Strong ties vary from country to country, city to city, and person to person, but examples include:

• Your home; and/or
• Your relationships with family and friends.

While conducting visa interviews, consular officers look at each application individually and consider the applicant's circumstances, travel plans, financial resources, and ties outside of the United States that will ensure the applicant’s departure after a temporary visit.

Q.3 Is a denial under Section 214(b) permanent?

No. A refusal, or ineligibility, under section 214(b) is for that specific application, so once a case is closed, the consular section cannot take any further action. There is no appeal process. If you feel there is additional information that should be considered related to the visa decision, or there are significant changes in your circumstances since your last application, you may reapply for a visa. To reapply, you must complete a new application form, pay the application fee, and schedule an appointment for a new interview. Review the website of the U.S. embassy where you plan to reapply to learn about any reapplication procedures.

Q.4 Who can influence the consular officer to reverse a decision?

Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation, the U.S. Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law, as contrasted to determinations of facts. The question at issue in such denials, whether an applicant possesses the required residence abroad, is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at our Foreign Service posts to resolve. An applicant can influence the post to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties.

For information about visa ineligibilities other than 214(b), please visit the Department of State's Consular Affairs website .

• How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?
• My visitor visa (B-1/B-2) expires after my intended date of arrival in the United States. Do I need to get a new visa before departure?
• My U.S. visa will expire in the next 6 months. Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance?
• My current U.S. visa was issued to me when I was working in my previous job. Now I have changed to a new job at a new company and my new employer wants me to attend a conference in the United States, scheduled for next month. Can I use the same visa or do I have to apply for a new visa?
• My child is studying in the United States. Can I go live with him?

Q.1 How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa grants you permission to travel to a Port of Entry (airport/seaport) in the United States. When you arrive at your destination Port of Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer who processes your entry will determine the length of time that you may remain in the country. You may travel to the Port of Entry during the validity of your nonimmigrant visa up to and including the last day the visa is valid. The visa duration does not determine the length of time that you may legally remain in the United States; only the Customs and Border Protection officer can decide this upon your arrival in the United States.

Q.2 My visitor visa (B-1/B-2) expires after my intended date of arrival in the United States. Do I need to get a new visa before departure?

You can arrive in the United States right up to the last date of validity indicated on the visa. The Customs and Border Protection officer on arrival determines the duration of your stay in the United States. Your visa can expire while you are still in the United States – just be sure that you do not overstay the period of time the officer grants.

Q.3 My U.S. visa will expire in the next 6 months. Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance?

You do not have to wait until your current visa expires. You can apply for a new visa even if your current visa is valid.

Q.4 My current U.S. visa was issued to me when I was working in my previous job. Now I have changed to a new job at a new company and my new employer wants me to attend a conference in the United States, scheduled for next month. Can I use the same visa or do I have to apply for a new visa?

You can travel to the United States on the same visa as long as your visa is valid for business or pleasure.

Q.5 My child is studying in the United States. Can I go live with him?

While you can use your own B-1/B-2 visa (or travel under the Visa Waiver Program , if eligible) to visit your child, you may not live with your child unless you have your own immigrant, work, or student visa.

• What is a petition?
• Can I get a visa to do casual work?
• Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?
• Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?
• When can I enter the United States?
• Who pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and when do they pay it?

Q.1 What is a petition?

Before applying for a temporary worker visa at the U.S. Embassy you must have an approved Form I-129 , Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, from USCIS. This petition must be submitted by your prospective employer no earlier than 6 months prior to your proposed employment start date. Your employer should file the petition as soon as possible within the 6-month period to allow adequate time for processing. Once approved, your employer will be sent Form I-797, Notice of Action. For more information, visit the USCIS Temporary Workers webpage .

Note: To verify your petition's approval the U.S. Embassy needs your I-129 petition receipt number, along with your approved Form I-797. Please bring both of these to your interview.

Q.2 Can I get a visa to do casual work?

No. There is no visa that covers casual work. All applicants who plan to work in the United States must have an approved petition prior to their visa appointment.

Q.3 Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?

Q.4 can my u.s.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa.

No. Only your employer can sponsor you.

Q.5 When can I enter the United States?

You may not enter the United States until 10 days prior to your initial employment start date, as noted on your Form I-797 or on your offer of employment letter.

Q.6 Who pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and when do they pay it?

An applicant for an L-1 visa traveling on a blanket petition must pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee . On individual L, H-1B and H-2B petitions, the U.S. petitioner pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee to USCIS when the petition is filed.

• What is an I-20 and how do I get it?
• How early should I apply for my student visa?
• I received my visa, when should I travel?
• Can a person on a visitor visa change his or her status to student while in the United States if he or she gains admission to a school and gets a Form I-20?
• What if I receive an I-20 to a different school?
• I was working as an H-1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F-1. Do I need to return to my country to apply for a student visa?
• Can an F-1 student work in the United States?
• What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?

Q.1 What is an I-20 and how do I get it?

The Form I-20 is an official U.S. Government form, issued by a certified school, which a prospective nonimmigrant student must have in order to get an F-1 or M-1 visa. Form I-20 acts as proof-of-acceptance and contains the information necessary to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for a visa or change visa status, and be admitted into the United States. The Form I-20 has the student's SEVIS identification number, which starts with the letter N and is followed by nine digits, on the upper right side directly above the barcode.

Q.2 How early should I apply for my student visa?

You are encouraged to apply for your nonimmigrant student visa as soon as you receive your I-20 form. However, a student visa may not be issued more than 365 days prior to the start date mentioned on your I-20 form.

Q.3 I received my visa, when should I travel?

You may only enter the United States within 30 days of the beginning of the course of study stated on your I-20, regardless of when your visa was issued.

Q.4 Can a person on a visitor visa change his or her status to student while in the United States if he or she gains admission to a school and gets a Form I-20?

Yes. In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant visa status if you were lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, if your nonimmigrant status remains valid, if you have not violated the conditions of your status, and you have not committed any actions that would make you ineligible. For more details, please visit the USCIS website .

Q.5 What if I receive an I-20 to a different school?

If you received an I-20 after scheduling your appointment, then you can inform the U.S. consular officer of the new I-20 at the time of the interview.

Q.6 I was working as an H-1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F-1. Do I need to return to my country to apply for a student visa?

No. Once you are in the United States, you do not need to apply for a new visa because the visa is only for entry into the United States. Check with USCIS to determine if you need to adjust status. If you leave the country, however, you'll need to apply for the student visa in order to re-enter the United States.

Q.7 Can an F-1 student work in the United States?

Full-time students on F visas may seek on-campus employment not to exceed 20 hours per week. After the first year in student status, an applicant may apply for employment off campus with authorization from USCIS. Please contact your student advisor for further information.

Q.8 What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program requires schools and exchange programs to verify the enrollment status of all new and continuing foreign students and exchange visitors. Student visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS fee before a visa can be issued. The SEVIS website has more details.

• What is the "two-year rule?"
• Can the two-year rule be waived?

Q.1 I received my visa, when should I travel?

Exchange visitors may only enter the United States 30 days prior to the start of the program, as stated on your Form DS-2019, regardless of when your visa was issued.

Q.2 What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program requires schools and exchange programs to verify the enrollment status of all new and continuing foreign students and exchange visitors. Exchange visitor visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS fee before a visa can be issued. The SEVIS website has more details.

Q.3 What is the "two-year rule?"

The "two-year rule" is the common term used for a section of U.S. immigration law which requires many exchange visitors to return to their home countries and be physically present there for at least two years after the conclusion of their exchange visit before they can return to the U.S. under certain types of visas, specifically H-1, L-1, K-1 and immigrant visas. It is important to note that only a preliminary finding of whether the two-year rule applies to you is made on your DS-2019 when your J-1 visa is issued. The final decision will be made only if you later choose to apply for an H-1, L-1, K-1, or immigrant visa.

J-1 visa holders subject to the two-year rule are not permitted to remain in the United States and apply for an adjustment/change of status to a prohibited nonimmigrant status (for example, from a J-1 visa to an H-1 visa) or to apply for legal permanent resident status (Green Card) without first returning home for two years or obtaining an approved waiver. Whether you are subject to the two-year rule is determined by a number of factors, including your source of funding and your country's "Skills List." It is not determined by the amount of time you spend in the United States.

Q.4 Can the two-year rule be waived?

Possibly. Only the Department of State's Visa Office can grant waivers of the two-year rule. The Visa Office is also the final authority on whether you are subject to the rule, regardless of what is annotated in your passport. If you are subject to the two-year rule, you may be able to obtain a waiver . Even if you are subject to the two-year rule, you may still qualify for a tourist visa or any other nonimmigrant visa except those noted above.

• I plan to stop in the United States for a day and take a flight to another country on the next day. Do I need to apply for C-1 visa or a B-1/B-2 visa?

Q.1 I plan to stop in the United States for a day and take a flight to another country on the next day. Do I need to apply for C-1 visa or a B-1/B-2 visa?

If you seek layover privileges for purposes other than transiting through the United States, such as to visit friends or for sightseeing, then you must qualify for and obtain the type of visa required for that purpose, such as a B-2 visa.

• I am applying for a religious worker visa, but do not have an approved petition. I have been to the United States previously with an R-1 visa and was not required to have the petition. Can I apply for an R-1 visa without the petition since I had an R-1 visa in the past?

Q.1 I am applying for a religious worker visa, but do not have an approved petition. I have been to the United States previously with an R-1 visa and was not required to have the petition. Can I apply for an R-1 visa without the petition since I had an R-1 visa in the past?

The requirement for an approved petition went into effect November 28, 2008. All applicants applying for an R-1 nonimmigrant visa are required to have an approved petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more information, please visit the USCIS website .

• Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts?
• How will I get my passport back after the interview?
• What happens to my passport if I'm not at home when the courier arrives?
• Does my passport have to be delivered to my house?
• Can someone besides me pick-up my passport?
• Do I have to pay any fees for courier services?

Q.1 Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts?

There is no additional charge for the courier to return your passport to you. All costs are included in your visa application fee. The courier’s security and safety rules require separate tracking of every passport.

Q.2 How will I get my passport back after the interview?

You will receive your passport at the designated location you selected at the time you scheduled your interview. If you want to change this location you may do so until 11:59p.m. the day before your appointment. The cost of the courier service is included in the visa application fee.

Q.3 What happens to my passport if I'm not at home when the courier arrives?

The courier will attempt to deliver your passport only at the address you selected or provided when you scheduled your interview. If the courier is unable to deliver the package, for example, because no one is home, the courier will drop-off the package into your mailbox. If the package does not fit the mailbox, you will have to pick up your passport in the post office. You must collect your passport within 14 calendar days. Post Nord will hold your passport for only 14 days, after which it will be returned to the Embassy. During this time period, Post Nord will send you reminders via e-mail/SMS to come and pick-up the passport.

If your passport is not delivered to you within 14 business days, it will be returned to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If this happens, contact the call center for assistance.

Q.4 Does my passport have to be delivered to my house?

No. Your passport can be delivered to your office or to a member of your family. If your passport is delivered to someone other than yourself, the recipient must present a government-issued photo ID for identification in order to accept delivery of your passport.

Q.5 Can someone besides me pick-up my passport?

When you come to the Post Office to pick-up your passport, you need to present a photo ID. If somebody else will pick-up the passport on your behalf, that person will have to submit a power of attorney to Post Nord five days before picking the passport up. The form can be found on the Post Nord website .

Q.6 Do I have to pay any fees for the courier services?

No. The cost of courier services is included in your visa application or immigrant visa fee.

• How do I reset my password?
• What should I do if I move to another country after I have registered my profile on www.ustraveldocs.com and did not apply yet for my visa, or if I want to submit a new visa application in another country than my previous application?

Q.1 How do I reset my password?

Click the Forgot Your Password? link at the bottom of this web page . Enter your email address in the Username field and click Submit . The email address you type must match the email address you used when you began your visa application. A new password will be sent to your email address.

Note: The email with your new password will come from [email protected] . Some email applications have rules which filter unknown senders into a spam or junk mail folder. If you have not received your email notification, please look for the message in your junk and spam email folders.

Q.2 What should I do if I move to another country after I have registered my profile on www.ustraveldocs.com and did not apply yet for my visa, or if I want to submit a new visa application in another country than my previous application?

You do not need to create another profile if it is also serviced by CGI. You can simply contact us through the Contact Us section on this website http://ustraveldocs.com/se/se-main-contactus.asp and share your passport number, UID or email address so we can retrieve and update your profile with the new country where you plan to apply for your US Visa. If you are applying in a country that is not covered by CGI, you will be invited to create a new profile. As a reminder, MRV fee receipts paid in one country are non-transferable to the other country.

• I recently had my immigrant visa interview at the embassy/consulate and received my passport and visa. However, I did not receive a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to take with me on the plane to the United States. My lawyer/petitioner/friends are saying that I can’t fly without one. What should I do?
• I don’t remember if I submitted my civil and financial documents electronically or by mail. Is there another way to determine if my visa was issued under the paperless process?
• I know other people that have received immigrant visas and they had to hand-carry and sealed envelope to the U.S. Port of Entry. Why is the process different for them?

Q.1 I recently had my immigrant visa interview at the embassy/consulate and received my passport and visa. However, I did not receive a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to take with me on the plane to the United States. My lawyer/petitioner/friends are saying that I can’t fly without one. What should I do?

The Department of State has begun electronic processing of some immigrant visa applications. If either the National Visa Center or the embassy/consulate which conducted your visa interview required that you electronically submit your civil and financial supporting documents via the CEAC portal, then your visa was issued under the new electronic process. Unless specifically informed by the embassy/consulate which interviewed you and issued the visa, you are NOT required to hand-carry a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to present at the U.S. Port of Entry. Be assured that your documents were transmitted electronically from the Department of State to the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (DHS/CBP), the agency that inspects all immigrants entering into the country. When you arrive at Immigration Control at the U.S. Port of Entry, the CBP officers will have access to all of the information required to process your entry into the United States. This new electronic process will streamline the processing of your immigrant visa application and entry to the United States.

Q.2 I don’t remember if I submitted my civil and financial documents electronically or by mail. Is there another way to determine if my visa was issued under the paperless process?

Yes. Look at your visa. If you do not need a packet of papers, your visa will have an annotation by the bottom right corner of your picture that says “IV DOCS in CCD”.

Q.3 I know other people that have received immigrant visas and they had to hand-carry and sealed envelope to the U.S. Port of Entry. Why is the process different for them?

The electronic processing of some immigrant visa applications began in 2018. To convert all the different types of immigrant visas to electronic processing will take several years. Until the process is complete, some immigrant visa holders will still need to hand-carry a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to the U.S. Port of Entry. These individuals will not have the annotation “IV DOCS in CCD” printed in the lower right hand corner of their visa.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.   Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC),  you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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Visit Sweden for more than 90 days

If you want to visit Sweden for more than 90 days, you must apply for a visitor’s permit. If you are in Sweden and want to extend your visit so that it will be more than 90 days in total, you must also apply for a visitor’s permit.

Before you apply for a visi­tor’s permit

If you already have an on-going application for a residence permit at the Swedish Migration Agency, you cannot be granted two permits at the same time. You will only receive a decision in the application considered to be most advantageous for you, which most often is an application for a residence and work permit as it gives you the right to settle in Sweden. If the application for a visitor’s permit is made while you are in Sweden, you are at risk of having your application for a residence and work permit rejected. If you are outside Sweden, you must wait until a decision is made in the application that is most advantageous for you. This may mean that the dates that you apply for a visitor’s permit may have passed when the decision is made. The Swedish Migration Agency therefore recommends that you do not apply for a visitor’s permit in these cases.

Requi­re­ments for a visi­tor's permit

To be eligible for a visitor’s permit, you must

• intend to stay in Sweden for visiting purposes only
• have an intention to return to your home country or your country of residence after your stay in Sweden
• be able to support yourself during the time you will be in Sweden (read more about the requirements under the headings below)
• have a valid passport (the passport must be valid for at least three months after the end date of the visit)
• have a medical travel insurance

Condi­tions for your visit and what you must enclose with your appli­ca­tion

What you must enclose with your application and what terms apply for your visit depend on the reason for your visit. Choose the heading that suits you.

Visiting a relative, friend or partner

If you plan to visit close relatives such as siblings, children or grandchildren, you can be granted a residence permit for visits so that the total stay amounts to six months. If there are special reasons, a total stay of up to nine months can be granted.

Parents who are no longer able to work (for example pensioners), and who plan to visit their children in Sweden, can be granted a residence permit for visits so that the total stay amounts to one year.

If you plan to visit a partner in Sweden, a residence permit for visits can be granted so that the total stay amounts to six months.

The duration of the permit will be based on the circumstances of each individual case.

You may not work

The visitor’s permit is only valid for a visit and not for you to work or settle in Sweden.

You are not registered as a resident

You are not registered as a resident in Sweden and are not entitled to social welfare benefits. You must therefore have an individual medical travel insurance to be granted a residence permit for visits. The Swedish Migration Agency recommends that the insurance covers costs of at least EUR 30,000, that it is valid in all Schengen countries and that it covers emergency medical assistance, urgent hospital care or transport to your home country for medical reasons.

In the application, you must enclose:

• a copy of your home country passport that shows personal information and all pages in the passport that show entry and exit stamps and visas ( read more about making correct passport copies )
• an account statement or other document that shows that you have money for the time you will visit Sweden, you need to have at least SEK 450 for each day that the visit to Sweden lasts
• a copy of your medical travel insurance
• a copy of a valid residence permit in another Schengen country if you already have one

• a copy of the ID card of the person you are visiting
• if you have a sponsor, you must also enclose a copy of the sponsor’s ID card.

If the application concerns a child under the age of 18 travelling without a parent/legal guardian, you who represent the applicant must enclose:

• birth certificate stating the parents' names
• copy of parent/legal guardian's passport.

Visiting Sweden as a tourist

If want to visit Sweden as a tourist for longer than 90 days you can be granted a residence permit for visits so that your total stay amounts to a maximum of six months. The duration of the permit will be based on the circumstances of each individual case.

In the application, you must enclose the following:

Business or conference visits.

For business or conference visits, a residence permit for visits can in exceptional cases be granted if your stay will exceed 90 days. The duration of the permit will be based on the circumstances of each individual case.

• certificate from company/organisation about the purpose of the visit and how long it is expected to last.

Medical treatment

If you want to visit Sweden to undergo medical treatment, a residence permit for visits can be granted for the estimated period of treatment, provided it is less than one year.

• doctor’s certificate (the certificate must include the doctor's name, department, care facility, diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, time for treatment, cost, payment for the planned treatment and post-treatment)
• receipt of paid treatment or other support for the treatment.

Studies or research (exchange doctoral student)

If you will visit Sweden for studies or research, you can apply for a permit for up to 1 year. If you have been admitted to a university, you must instead apply for a residence permit for studies.

Read more about applying for a residence permit for doctoral studies

You are not registered as a resident in Sweden and are not entitled to social welfare benefits. You must therefore have an individual medical travel insurance to be granted a residence permit for visits. It is sufficient that you are covered by insurance from your university/institution in Sweden or in your home country.

The Swedish Migration Agency recommends that the insurance covers costs of at least EUR 30,000, that it is valid in all Schengen countries and that it covers emergency medical assistance, urgent hospital care or transport to your home country for medical reasons.

• appendix for support (own funds or scholarship)
• invitation from the university in Sweden (the invitation must state how long the visit is expected to last)
• certificate or admission letter from your home university

Religious purposes (monks, nuns or missionaries)

If you are going to stay in Sweden as a missionary with a mission from a parish or a religious community, you can be granted a residence permit for up to a total of three years. Permits are then granted for one year at a time. If your stay will be longer than one year, the permit must be granted before you travel to Sweden.

Monks and nuns can apply for permits for as long as the monastery period runs although initially a maximum of one to two years. If your stay will be longer than one year, the permit must be granted before you travel to Sweden. After four years you can apply for a permanent residence permit in conjunction with an application to extend your residence permit. If you are not granted a permanent residence permit you can instead be granted an extension of your temporary residence permit. After another two years you can apply for a permanent residence permit again.

If you work for a religious organization and are invited to Sweden to participate in activities covered by your regular duties, such as providing visiting sermons and lectures, you must have a work permit to be permitted to conduct the activities in Sweden.

Read more about how to apply for a work permit

If you are granted a permit for a period of less than one year, you will not be registered as a resident and then are not entitled to social welfare benefits. You must therefore have an individual medical travel insurance to be granted a residence permit for visits. The Swedish Migration Agency recommends that the insurance covers costs of at least EUR 30,000, that it is valid in all Schengen countries and that it covers emergency medical assistance, urgent hospital care or transport to your home country for medical reasons.

If you are granted a permit for longer than one year, you must visit the Swedish Tax Agency to be registered as a resident.

• appendix for support
• a copy of your medical travel insurance (not needed if you are registered as a resident in Sweden)
• certificate from the religious organisation (the certificate must include the purpose of the visit and how long it is expected to last)

Volunteer or trainee

If you will visit Sweden as a volunteer or trainee, you can apply for a permit for up to one year.

If you are paid for your trainee work, different rules apply:

Traineeship through international exchange

Traineeship with ties to higher education

If you are applying within the scope of the European Solidarity Corps, different rules apply:

Residence permit for volunteers - Migrationsverket

• an account statement or other document that shows that you have money for the time you will visit Sweden (if you are a volunteer you need to have at least SEK 450 for each day that the visit to Sweden lasts)
• certificate from company or organisation about the purpose of the visit and how long it is expected to last

If you are applying within the scope of the European Solidarity Corps, the following are also required

• comprehensive medical expense insurance
• appendix for support.

Extraordinary event

If you want to extend your visit due to an extraordinary event, you cannot at the same time state other reasons for your visit. You must be prepared to travel home as soon as opportunity allows. An extraordinary event can, for example, be an ash cloud or a pandemic that means that it is temporarily not possible to travel. It is the Swedish Migration Agency that decides that an event is extraordinary and this will then be announced on the website. There is currently no ongoing extraordinary event.

You can only apply for an extension on the basis of an extraordinary event if you are in Sweden.

Shorter processing time for a complete application

In order for the Swedish Migration Agency to be able to make a decision in your matter, it is necessary that all information is entered and all necessary documents are included. The processing time will be shorter if everything required is present from the beginning than if the application needs to be supplemented afterwards. Note that the Swedish Migration Agency in some cases may need to investigate the application further even if all information is filled in and all documents have been included.

Apply for a visi­tor’s permit through the e‑service

If you are staying in Sweden for more than 90 days, you can apply in the e-service. This applies both to people who are currently outside the country and to those who are already in Sweden and wish to extend their visit to more than 90 days in total.

In order to be able to use the e-service, you need to

• be able to pay any fee for the application with a credit card or charge card ( read more about fees for the application ).

When you conclude your application in the e-service, you will need to book an appointment at an embassy or consulate-general to show your passport and show that you are in your home country or country of residence (if you make your application outside Sweden) or in Sweden (if you make your application from Sweden). During the visit, you will also be fingerprinted and photographed. Please note that this also applies if you have previously had a residence permit card. This is because your photo and fingerprints are not saved. If you are abroad, you will also be interviewed at the embassy or the consulate-general.

Find out which Swedish mission abroad you should book an appointment at

If you want to visit Sweden for less than 90 days, you should not apply for a visitor’s permit, but you may need to apply for a visa.

Read more about applying for an entry visa

If you are unable to apply in the e-service and are outside Sweden

If you are outside Sweden, you must submit your application at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general.

How to apply if you are outside Sweden and are not applying in the e-service

Fill in appli­ca­tion forms and atta­ch­ments:

In the application, you enter information about yourself and the person or organisation that you will visit. You must fill out one application per person.

What you must enclose with the application

You need to enclose several documents with your application. What you must enclose depends on the reason for your visit. See the heading Conditions for your visit and what you must enclose with your application .

Submit your appli­ca­tion

You must submit your application at the embassy or consulate general-of the country where you are a citizen or live. Not all Swedish embassies and consulates-general handle migration matters.

Find out which embassy or consulate-general you should contact on the page Embassies responsible for migration matters

You can see the opening hours of the embassies and consulates-general on their websites.

Most people must pay a fee in connection with the application being submitted.

Fees for visas and visitor’s permits

You will need to attend an interview in connection with turning in your application. Contact the embassy or consulate-general for more information as to whether you need to book an appointment for the interview. During the interview, you will answer questions about your visit to Sweden. Children for whom applications are submitted must also attend.

If you are unable to apply in the e-service and are already in Sweden

If you are already in Sweden and wish to extend an ongoing visit to longer than 90 days in total, you must not only submit your application by post, but also book an appointment to complete your application.

To make an appointment, you must first have submitted your application and gotten a confirmation that it has been received. During your visit, you must be able to present your passport. You will also be fingerprinted and photographed. Please note that this also applies if you have previously had a residence permit card. This is because your photo and fingerprints are not saved.

Book an appointment to complete your application

If you want to visit Sweden for less than 90 days, you should not apply for a visitor’s permit, but you may need to apply for an entry visa.

How to apply if you are in Sweden and are not applying in the e service

In your appli­ca­tion, you must enclose

• receipt that you have paid the application fee, for example a printed receipt from your internet bank ( read more about fees for the application ).

Further documents must be enclosed

You need to enclose further documents to your application. What documents are to be enclosed depends on the reason for your visit. See the heading Conditions for your visit and what you must enclose with your application

Pay the appli­ca­tion fee

You pay via bank giro number 5223-7005. The IBAN account number is SE6912000000012810106908 and the BIC/SWIFT code is DABASESX (Danske Bank).

In the box Message to payment recipient you write

• application residence permit visit
• first name and last name of the person the application fee concerns
• first name and last name for everyone if you are paying a fee for several people at the same time.

Send in your appli­ca­tion

The application must be placed in an envelope that you write “ Application for visitor’s permit ” on.

An application for a visitor’s permit is sent in the post to

Swedish Migration Agency Box 3100 903 03 Umeå Sweden

You can also submit the application in a letter-box at any of the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centres.

Swedish Migration Agency’s addresses

Book an appoint­ment to complete your appli­ca­tion

Once we have received your application, we send a receipt and information on simplified service to the address you have provided in Sweden.

You will also be asked to book an appointment to complete your application. You must yourself book the appointment with the Swedish Migration Agency. At the visit, you must be able to present your passport. You must also submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. Note that you will need to submit fingerprints and be photographed even if you previously had a residence permit card. This is because a photograph and your fingerprints are not saved.

After you have sent the application

When we have received your application, when we have received your application from abroad.

If you apply from abroad and have had an interview at the embassy and at the same time submitted your fingerprints and been photographed, your application is sent to the Swedish Migration Agency in Sweden, which processes and makes a decision in the matter.

You will be contacted by the embassy and receive information when the decision is ready.

When we have received your application from within Sweden

If you have applied through the e-service, you receive a receipt with information on the application received and simplified service to the email address you provided when you applied. When you completed your application, you had to book an appointment to submit fingerprints and be photographed. At the visit, you must be able to present your passport. Note that you must do this even if you previously had a residence permit card. This is because a photograph and your fingerprints are not saved.

If you have applied by paper form, we send a receipt and information on simplified service to the address you have provided in Sweden. You will also be asked to book an appointment to complete your application. At the visit, you must be able to present your passport. You must also submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. You must yourself book the appointment with the Swedish Migration Agency. In order to book an appointment, you must first have sent in your application and received a confirmation that it has been received. Note that you will need to submit fingerprints and be photographed even if you previously had a residence permit card. This is because a photograph and your fingerprints are not saved.

If you applied for a residence permit from within Sweden, the decision will be sent home to the address in Sweden you provided in your application. If you have provided any authorisation to represent you, the decision is sent to that person.

If you travel home before receiving a decision

If you have applied from within Sweden and choose to travel home before you have received a decision, you should notify the Swedish Migration Agency if you no longer want to continue with your application. We can then write off your application. The easiest way to contact us is by email: Email us

You need to state your case number when you contact oss. You can find your case number on the top right of the receipt of your application.

If you leave Sweden after your visa, visa-free period or residence permit has expired, we recommend you to take your receipt of the application with you when you leave. The border police are responsible for border controls when entering or leaving Sweden. You should therefore contact them if you have any questions regarding border controls.

Time to a decision

In order to obtain an impression how long you need to wait for your decision, you can visit the page Time to a decision. Note that the average time that is shown on the page is calculated based on previously decided cases in the same category. The time can vary from application to application. The decision can take longer if the case officer must ask you for more information. It is therefore to your advantage that the application is complete so that we do not need to ask you for supplemental information.

If you are granted a permit

Permit card for you if you applied from abroad.

If you are granted a permit, you receive a permit card as evidence that you have the right to be in Sweden. The card is a certification that you have permission to be in Sweden and contains your fingerprints and a photo of you, among other information.

If you come from a country where you need a visa to travel to Sweden, you need the permit card to travel to Sweden. You will therefore be photographed and submit your fingerprints in connection with your application. When the permit card is ready, the embassy or consulate-general will hand out or send it to you. Note that it can take up to four weeks after you have received your decision to manufacture the card and deliver it to the embassy or consulate-general. When you travel into Sweden, you must present the card together with a valid passport.

If you come from a country where you can travel to Sweden without a visa, you must present a copy of your permit decision when you travel. Once you have arrived in Sweden, you must book an appointment to submit fingerprints and be photographed at the Swedish Migration Agency. At the visit, you must be able to present your passport. When the residence permit card is ready, it will be sent to your address in Sweden.

Book an appointment to submit fingerprints and be photographed

Permit card for you if you applied from inside Sweden

If you are granted a permit, you will get a permit card. The card is a certification that you have permission to be in Sweden and contains your fingerprints and a photo of you, among other information. The card is automatically sent to the address you have provided in your application. The card is sent to you within around one week after a decision.

Read more about permit cards

If your application is rejected

If you are in Sweden when your application is denied, you must leave the country within the period of time stated in the decision.

Read more about what applies for those whose application has been denied and are in Sweden

You can appeal the decision within three weeks from the date you received the decision. Information on how to appeal is provided in your decision.

If you have given somebody authorisation to represent you, that person can appeal on your behalf.

Read more about how to appeal

Last updated: 2024-02-15

Home → Apply Visa → Visa Type

Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Organized Tour/tourism

Documents required, photo specifications, processing time, download forms.

The VFS Service fee of $21.69/ Euro 20 is required to be paid in addition to the above-mentioned Visa Application Fee at the time of submission.

Payment can be made via credit/debit card (also demand draft/money order/cashier’s check for postal applications). Personal checks or cash are not accepted at the VFS Center.

Who is exempt from the visa fee?

The visa fee shall be waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories:

• Children under six years
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training
• Researchers travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research or participating in a scientific seminar or conference
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports when travelling for official duties
• Family members of EU/EEA citizens
• Family members of UK Nationals who fall under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement

Family members of citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the EU

Family members of citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the EU do not have to pay an application fee for a visa if they are to move to the family member in Sweden. This also applies to a short journey to prepare for a move together with the family member in Sweden. They must also be able to show proof of their marriage or family ties.

• husband, wife, cohabiting partner or registered partner (cohabiting partners of Swiss citizens are not included)
• children under the age of 21
• children over the age of 21 if they are dependent on their parents for their support
• parents who are financially dependent on their children in Sweden.

Swedish nationals are not included in the group "EU citizens" in this context.

When you submit your application at the Visa Application Center which represents the Consulate General, you must pay the extra service fee stated above. This is in addition to the normal application fee.

All fees are non-refundable.

• Download document checklist
• Download Questionnaire

Important notes:

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

PLEASE SEE BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MINORS.

• Passport, with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and not issued more than 10 years ago as of the date of return from your scheduled trip. The same applies to passports issued more than 10 years ago that have since been extended (when applicant opts for passport collection, then an extra photocopy of passport bio data page needs to be provided).
• Two (2) recent passport photographs with a light background.
• Confirmed flight/travel tickets
• If you are employed, bring proof of your current occupation in the USA, i.e. an original letter from your employer, a solicitor or the Company House
• Notarized copy of U.S. Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R) valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area .
• If you are a student, bring an original letter from your school or university confirming your status/attendance and a recent bank statement.
• Documents must be original and not older than one month
• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay i.e. original bank statements for latest three months
• Approval letter of vacation from work, university etc. is required to be submitted along with the application.
• any emergency medical expenses
• emergency hospital treatment
• repatriation for medical reasons

Minimum coverage must be EUR 30,000 (equivalent USD 37,000) and the coverage has to be valid for the entire duration of the trip. If your insurance company cannot provide such a letter, you must find an international insurance that does.

Note! A copy of your insurance card is not enough. You need to provide proof of the above mentioned items .

• Children under 18 must have their birth certificate with them.
• Notarized copy of U.S. Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R) valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area.
• Application form signed by both parents.
• Passport and US Visa (Original and copy)
• Full version birth certificate (Original and copy). If document is not in English, a notarized copy must be provided.
• Consent letter signed by both parents. If single parent, then sole custody letter/residence/custody order from court or solicitor must be provided.
• Copy of parents ID

NOTE: An entry visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A decision is made every time the traveler passes through a border control, as travelers must have (1) proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay and their return, (2) travel medical insurance, and (3) documents indicating the purpose of their visit.

Note: We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements

**the face profile of 2.8 cm to 3.1 cm is acceptable for applicants.

Please provide one recent photograph (not more than 1 month old) of you. Please be advised that all our VFS Application centers have the facility to take correct photograph as per requirements, the fee for same is $16 (2 photos).

• Taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background]
• Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete.

The processing time for an application for Schengen visa is generally 15 days from the day that the Embassy receives the application. Applications can be submitted up to six months in advance.

Please take into account that it will take a couple of days for VFS to forward an application to the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C. after it has been received by VFS.

Please Note:

The forms are in PDF format.

You will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and download this form.

To download the Application Form:

• Click on the form link
• When the form opens, save the form on your computer.

Visit Other Family/friends

Payment can be made via credit/debit card Personal checks or cash are not accepted at the VFS Center.

Please contact the Sweden Visa Application Centre for any questions.

When you submit your application at the Visa Application Center which represents the Embassy, you must pay the extra service fee stated above. This is in addition to the normal application fee.

• Please click here to download the Visa Application Form for Schengen Visa
• Passport, with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and not issued more than 10 years ago as of the date of return from your scheduled trip.
• Sponsor’s proof of ID- Copy of Swedish ID (can be passport, Identification card or driving license)
• Evidence of accommodation

Minimum coverage must be EUR 30,000 and the coverage has to be valid for the entire duration of the trip. If your insurance company cannot provide such a letter, you must find an international insurance that does.

Note: A copy of your insurance card is not enough. You need to provide proof of the above mentioned items.

• Letter from employer stating that you are employed and have vacation time or have eligible vacation. (If you are self-employed, include a copy of your business license and tax return. If you are a student, include a letter from the school verifying enrollment.)
• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, i.e. original recent bank statement, l. If you are being sponsored, please provide the hosts last three months bank statements. NO Travelers checks or Credit Card statements are acceptable.

Questionnaire:

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU COMPLETE BOTH OF THE ABOVE FORMS IN FULL, AND BRING THEM WITH YOU WHEN ATTENDING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT.

Business/conference/sports

Please submit the following documents:

• A passport/travel document valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area , shall contain two blank pages and been issued within the previous 10 years.
• 1 passport photo, in color, taken from the front. Digital files and photocopies of passport pictures will NOT be accepted.
• A copy of your hotel reservation.
• Business references: letter from U.S. company AND an invitation from the Swedish company stating who will cover the expenses. If the applicant is incurring their own expenses then the latest 3 months bank statement is required to be submitted.
• A copy of your flight itinerary.

NOTE: An entry visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A decision is made every time the traveler passes through a border control, as traveler must have (1) proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay and their return, (2) travel medical insurance, and (3) documents indicating the purpose of their visit.

• National passport or other travel document, valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area, and not issued more than 10 years ago as of the date of return from your scheduled trip. The same applies to passports issued more than 10 years ago that have since been extended. (When applicant opts for passport collection, then an extra photocopy of passport bio data page needs to be provided).
• Copy of airline ticket(s)
• Children travelling alone or with one parent must have letter of consent and proof of ID of both parents and the none travelling parent. In the absence of consent letter only sole custody and residence orders from the courts will be accepted.