Sweden

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Sweden’s domestic terror alert is now at ‘elevated’ or level 3 out of 5. An elevated threat level still includes the possibility that a terrorist attack could occur.

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. Maintain high vigilance in public spaces and take official warnings seriously. Avoid crowds, be aware of your surroundings, and stay informed. 

Gathering sites, such as places of worship, could be targeted. Use caution when in and around any diplomatic facilities. Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

​In recent years, terrorists have attacked some European cities. Targets have included:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

European security services have also stopped several planned attacks.

Areas attracting large groups of people are also targets. These include:

• places popular with foreigners, such as seasonal markets
• religious holiday events
• large political events, such as protests
• other public celebrations

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• avoid places that could be terrorist targets
• consider the level of security around you
• avoid visiting at peak times
• have a clear exit plan if there's a security incident
• report any suspicious actions or items to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism
• Swedish Police
• Emergency Information

Monitor local media for updates and other sources for possible unrest.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself in periods of unrest:

• avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest
• Major cultural events

While violent incidents are rare in tourist locations, you should still be cautious. There are incidents of gang-related violent crime, including gun violence and bombings, mainly in the three largest cities:

• Stockholm
• Gothenburg
• Malmö

Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. In Gothenburg and Malmö, gang-related violence does occur more frequently in the city centre, especially at night. 

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common and on the rise in Stockholm, especially in the Old Town (Gamla Stan)

Criminals may work in teams. One distracts the victim while the other carries out the theft.

Take care in hotels and restaurants. Thieves can steal bags and purses when you're distracted. 

More information:

• Theft and robbery

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Depending on where you are, winter can be extremely cold. Heavy snowfall can occur, including in major cities. There can also be severe transport delays and temporary closures of public facilities, including roads, trains and air services.

Sweden experiences severe weather, including:

• rockslides
• floods
• forest fires
• storms

If conditions are extreme or there's a natural disaster:

• check the media, emergency information from Swedish authorities and other local sources for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

More information:

• Floods and fires

Some areas in Sweden are in the Arctic Circle. Emergency services are limited in these areas. Weather conditions can change suddenly and without warning.

If undertaking adventure tourism or trekking, especially in the arctic provinces and remote areas of Sweden:

• don't go alone
• make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for extreme sports
• don't leave marked trails
• check weather conditions and hazards
• inform someone of your planned trail

More information:

• Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic

For specific information on bringing medication into Sweden, read the Swedish Medical Products Agency. You can bring a 3-month supply of medicine for personal use to Sweden.

Health risks are similar to those in Australia.

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are risks. Ticks are very common in country areas, especially in some coastal regions and around major lakes. They're active from March to November. Prior vaccination is recommended.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• always use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• avoid peak activity times, dawn and dusk

To reduce your risk of tick-borne disease:

• check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests
• remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
• monitor the tick bite for any signs of infection

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Swedish medical facilities have standards similar to those in Australia.

Emergency services are limited in remote areas.

The main hospitals are located in the Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö regions. English is widely spoken.

Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Sweden, allowing Australians who visit for fewer than 90 days some cover for emergency medical services. You will still need to pay a client fee for public health care treatment. This doesn’t replace the need for travel insurance. 

It doesn't give you the same coverage as Medicare in Australia and doesn't cover the following:

• ongoing treatment of pre-existing health conditions
• medical evacuation
• prescription medicine
• elective surgery

Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You must present an Australian passport and a valid Medicare card to get emergency treatment. You may also need to refer to the RHCA.

If you can't show your passport and Medicare card, you may need to pay the same costs that apply to non-residents.

More information:

• Travel insurance
• Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (Medicare)

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Children

It's illegal to use physical punishment against children, including threatening a child with physical punishment.

If you use or threaten physical punishment against your child, local authorities can take custody of your child and prosecute you.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences, even for small amounts, include heavy fines and jail.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Partying safely

Sweden recognises dual nationality.

The Swedish Government has reinstated compulsory military service for citizens who are 18 years of age, starting with those born between 1999 and 2000.

If you're a dual Australian-Swedish national, check your military service obligations with the Swedish Defence Conscription and Assessment Agency.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visas

Sweden is part of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area and has abolished passport and border controls within the Schengen area.

When you first enter the Schengen area, get an entry stamp from border control on your passport.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy of Sweden for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe
• EU Entry-Exit System

Border measures

Check with Swedish authorities for the latest advice. 

More information:

• Swedish Migration Agency
• Arlanda Airport departures
• Swedish Police

The European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. ​

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements.

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Always carry a valid passport, including when entering or leaving Sweden, even if you are travelling from another Schengen country. 

If you have one, carry your Swedish residency permit. Authorities may ask for proof of identity.
 

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X’ gender identifier

Sweden's official currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK).

Some businesses no longer accept cash.

Declare amounts over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Sweden and any non-European Union (EU) country. This includes all forms of currency, not just cash.

You'll be fined if you don't declare it or give the wrong information on entry or exit.

You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Road travel

Sweden's roads are usually in very good condition.

Roads can be dangerous in winter due to ice. Long periods of darkness can make it hard to see. Accidents with wildlife are common.

Get details on road conditions from the Swedish Transport Agency (in Swedish).

Vehicle headlights must always be on.

Winter tyres must be fitted:

• from 1 December or when it first snows
• until 31 March or later if roads are still icy

The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.02%. Penalties for drink driving are severe and can lead to a prison sentence. Police may give you a fine even if the alcohol limit in your blood is lower than 0.02%, depending on your capability to control your vehicle.

There's a congestion tax for vehicles entering and exiting Stockholm and Gothenburg at certain hours of the day.

Australians can drive with a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted). However, car rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

If you're registered as a resident in Sweden, you can use your Australian driver's licence for up to one year from registration.

More information:

• Congestion taxes in Stockholm and Gothenburg - Transportstyrelsen.
• Transport styrelsen: Vägtrafik
• Driving or riding
• Road safety

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike or quad bike.

Always wear a helmet.

Public transport

Public transport, including buses and trains, is generally reliable and safe.

Taxis are widely available but may be expensive. Use only officially marked taxis.

Taxi fares are not regulated. Fares may vary and have no upper limit. Consult information boards at airports. Always confirm the rates before your journey.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

Check Sweden's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline
• emergency services

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact:

Australian Embassy, Stockholm

Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor
111 64 Stockholm, Sweden

Phone: +460 8613 2900
Email: stockholm.reception@dfat.gov.au
Website: sweden.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Sweden Embassy Facebook
X: @AusAmbSE

Check the Embassy website or its Facebook page for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia