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Sweden
Difficulty rating
₹7,264

Visa Application Channels

Visa on Arrival
E-Visa
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Processing Time

Upto 15 working days

Platforms to Apply

Online

Sweden Tourist Visa for Indians

A Complete Guide to Visa Types, Fees, and the Process

Dreaming of visiting Sweden? If you’re an Indian citizen, you’ll need a tourist visa to make it happen. This simple guide breaks down everything you need to know—from visa types and fees to the step-by-step process. Whether you're planning to explore Sweden's vibrant cities or its breathtaking natural wonders, this guide has you covered to help make your trip a reality!

What is a Sweden Short Stay or Visa for Indians?

When planning a short stay in Sweden (up to 90 days), you’ll need a Sweden C visa. This visa, also known as a Schengen visa, applies to various purposes and allows you to explore not only Sweden but the entire Schengen Area. Here’s how to determine the right visa type based on your travel purpose. It’s a great option if you’re visiting Sweden for any of the following:

  • Tourism: Exploring Sweden’s beautiful sights, culture, and natural attractions.
  • Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or training sessions.
  • Family/Friends: Visiting relatives or friends living in Sweden.
  • Short Study: Enrolling in brief academic or training courses.
  • Medical: Seeking private medical treatment in Sweden.

The Sweden C visa is generally valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, giving you flexibility for your travel plans.

This visa allows you to stay in Sweden for up to 90 days consecutively, based on the visa type and consulate’s approval.

The C visa can be issued as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on the purpose of your trip. A multiple-entry visa lets you visit Sweden and other Schengen countries multiple times within its validity.

Visa application center in India for Sweden - VFS

22, Gopalan Innovation Mall, 22, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076

Sweden Consulate General Details

The Consulate is temporarily closed until further notice.

Embassy Of Sweden

4-5, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021

011 4419 7100

Online Application Form (Short stay visa or TYPE C Schengen visa)

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

To begin, fill out the Sweden Schengen visa application form. This form can be accessed online via the Sweden Visa Application Centre (typically through VFS Global) or downloaded and filled out manually. Accuracy is critical—any errors or discrepancies could delay or even lead to a rejection of your application.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

After completing the form, schedule an appointment at your nearest Sweden Visa Application Centre in India (usually VFS Global). Appointments can be booked online on the VFS Global website. Make sure to select a date and time that works for you, as appointment slots fill up quickly.

Important Information to Include:

  • Full name, date of birth, nationality
  • Passport details
  • Travel history for the last 10 years
  • Purpose of visit, travel dates, and accommodations
  • Financial support during your trip (bank statements)

Pro Tip: Double-check for accuracy, as any discrepancies in information could lead to delays or rejection.

Step 3: Gather Required documents for the Schengen visa

The next step is preparing all the documents needed to support your visa application. Here’s a checklist:

  • Completed Visa Application Form: Make sure it’s signed and dated.
  • Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay, with at least two blank pages.
  • Recent Passport-sized Photos: Meet Schengen standards for size and background.
  • Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000, covering all Schengen countries, including emergency and medical expenses.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Reservation for hotels or a letter from your host.
  • Flight Itinerary: Round-trip flight details showing your travel dates.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements or salary slips demonstrating your financial stability.
  • Cover Letter: Briefly explaining your trip purpose, itinerary, and intended stay duration.
  • Employment Proof: If employed, a No Objection Certificate from your employer; if self-employed, business registration documents.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment at the Visa Application Center (VFS Global)

  • Schedule an appointment online with the nearest VFS Global or embassy/consulate office.
  • Bring all your documents and application forms to the appointment.

Step 5: Attend Your Appointment

  • Submit your documents in person at the embassy or VFS centre.
  • Provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). Ensure your hands are clean and free from cuts.

Pro Tip: Bring digital and physical copies of your documents and ensure you have correct, refundable travel bookings.

Step 6: Processing Time

Once submitted, the visa processing time is usually around 15-21 working days, although it may take longer during peak seasons or if additional documents are requested. You can track the progress of your application on the VFS Global website using your application reference number.

Step 7: Track Your Application

After processing, you will be notified to pick up your passport from the VFS centre or have it couriered if you choose this option. Make sure to verify the visa details on your passport to ensure everything is accurate and aligns with your planned trip.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport from the visa centre, or it will be couriered to you.


If you have a sponsor (a person supporting your stay), follow the standard visa process, but include additional details and documents about your sponsor. This helps the consulate understand your purpose and the support you’ll receive during your stay.

Required Sponsor Information:

  • Proof of Relationship: Documentation proving your relationship (for instance, a family registry or a personal invitation letter).
  • Financial Support: Evidence that your sponsor can financially support you during your stay, such as bank statements or a letter of financial responsibility.
  • Accommodation Proof: Details of where you will stay, especially if you are staying with your sponsor.
  • Invitation Letter: An official invitation from your sponsor, explaining the nature of your visit and details of your stay.

For travellers who are being sponsored by a family member, friend, or an organization in a Schengen country, the process follows the same general steps with some additional documentation requirements.

Step 1: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Complete the same Schengen Visa Application Form, ensuring to indicate the sponsor's details under the financial support section.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents (with Sponsor's Information)

Along with the standard documents, you will need:

  • Invitation Letter: From the sponsor explaining the relationship, purpose of visit, and details of the stay.
  • Proof of Sponsorship: Financial support proof from the sponsor, such as bank statements or a letter from their employer showing financial capacity.
  • Proof of Relationship: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or any relevant documentation proving your relationship with the sponsor.
  • Accommodation Proof: If staying with the sponsor, provide documents such as rental agreements, electricity, PR documents, or proof of property ownership by the sponsor.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Follow the same process as the standard visa for scheduling your appointment at a VFS Global centre or embassy.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

  • Schedule an appointment online with the nearest VFS Global or embassy/consulate office.
  • Bring all your documents and application forms to the appointment.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

The visa processing will also take 15-45 working days, but if your sponsor is covering your expenses, the embassy may request additional verification, which could take more time.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, collect your passport and visa from the visa centre.


Do’s and Don’ts for F2F Sweden Visa Interview

For Sweden visa application, a face-to-face interview (f2f) is not required. Therefore, there are no specific do’s and don’ts for an interview.

Photo Requirement

35 mm
45 mm

Printed Photos

Number Required: 2 identical printed photos Purpose: Required if applying using a paper form

Digital Photos

Number Required: Identical printed photos Purpose: Required for online passport applications

General Rules for Digital and Printed :

- Must be taken within the last month - New photos are needed for each passport, even if your appearance hasn’t changed - Your application will be delayed if photos do not meet the rules - Assistance is available for disabled applicants

Dimensions

Printed Photos: 45mm high by 35mm wide Digital Photos: Must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall File size should be between 50KB and 10MB

File Size

The Sweden visa photo size (from the crown of your head to your chin) must be between 29mm and 34mm high

Quality of Printed and Digital Photos

- Must not be a cut-down version of a larger photo - Must be printed to a professional standard - Must be clear, in focus, and in color on plain white photographic paper with no border - Should not have any creases, tears, or markings on both sides - Must not be altered by computer software

Printed and Digital photo Photo Content:

- Must be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders - No other objects or people should be in the photo - Must be taken against a plain cream or light grey background - Must be in clear contrast to the background - No ‘red eye’ allowed

In Your Printed and Digital Photo:

- Face forward and look straight at the camera - Have a plain expression with your mouth closed - Eyes must be open and visible, with no hair covering them - No head covering (unless for religious or medical reasons) - No shadows on your face or behind you - Glasses should not be worn unless medically necessary; no sunglasses or tinted glasses allowed, and no glare or reflections

Printed and Digital Photos of Babies and Children:

- Children must be alone in the photo - Babies should not be holding toys or using dummies - Children under 6 do not need to look directly at the camera or have a plain expression - Children under 1 do not need their eyes open; you can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo - Children under 1 should lie on a plain light-colored sheet; the photo should be taken from above.

Posting Your Printed Photos:

Photos should be separated and left loose, not attached to the application form

Frequently asked F2F Interview Question

You only need to submit your passport and supporting documents at the VFS centre. There is no mandatory in-person interview as part of the standard visa process.

In rare instances, the Home Office may request an interview if they need additional information to process your application. This is not common and usually occurs if there are specific concerns or questions about your application.

If an interview is required, you will receive details and instructions via email. The communication will provide the necessary information about the interview process, including the date, time, and location.

Tips and Tricks

Text for Dummy Tickets

Sweden VISA Eligibility Criteria for Indians

Standard Sweden Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indians

Valid Passport

Your Indian passport should be valid for at least 6 more months and have at least two blank pages.

Proof of Funds

You’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Sweden, including accommodation, travel, and daily costs—without needing public assistance.

Proof of Return

Evidence that you’ll return to India after your visit is essential. This could be a return flight ticket, proof of employment, or other ties showing you have reasons to come back.

Most Common Reasons for visa rejection for Sweden

Insufficient Evidence of Funds: If the applicant cannot prove that they have enough financial resources to cover their stay in Sweden, their application might be refused.

Lack of Ties to Home Country: Failure to demonstrate strong ties to India, such as a stable job, family, or property, can lead to a visa refusal. Swedish authorities want to be sure that the applicant will return home after their visit.

How are rejections conveyed?

  1. Refusal Notice

    The applicant receives a written notice of refusal from Sweden Visas and Immigration. This notice is often sent via mail or can be accessed through the online application portal used during the application process.

Documents Required

Standard visa

  • Valid Passport (with at least 6 months' validity and two blank pages)
  • Visa Application Form (Sweden Visas and Immigration Form VAF1A)
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds (bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months)

Travel Itinerary (details of flights to and fro, accommodation, and planned activities)

Proof of Accommodation (hotel bookings, rental agreements, or invitation letter)

Flight Bookings (confirmed flight reservations for the entire duration of the stay)

Travel Insurance (recommended, covering the entire stay)

  • Employment and Income Proof:

- For salaried applicants: recent payslips, employment letter, and ITR

- For self-employed applicants: business registration documents, recent bank statements, and ITR

  • Cover Letter (explaining the purpose of visit and intent to return)

Previous Travel History (copies of visas and entry/exit stamps)


Additional points to keep in mind

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Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, having travel insurance covering your Sweden stay is strongly recommended to show preparedness for emergencies.

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Children’s Biometrics Requirement: Children under 5 only need to provide a photograph, not fingerprints, during their biometric appointment.