United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Sweden passport holders
Swedish passport holders can visit the UK visa-free for up to 180 days. Post-Brexit, the UK requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) costing £16.
Great news! Sweden passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Apply for an ETA at eta.homeoffice.gov.uk or via the UKVI app before traveling. Cost is £16. Most applications are approved quickly. The ETA is linked to your passport and valid for 2 years. Present your Swedish passport on arrival.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Swedish passport
The UK ETA is linked to your specific passport. Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
UK ETA approval (£16)
Apply at eta.homeoffice.gov.uk or via the UKVI app before travel. Cost is £16. The ETA is approved electronically and linked to your passport. Valid 2 years.
Required at Entry
Return or onward ticket Recommended
Evidence of departure from the UK within 180 days. May be checked by airline and UK Border Force.
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
Ability to support yourself during your stay. UK Border Force may request evidence.
Current Travel Situation
Sweden to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the EU in 2020 and is no longer in the Schengen Area. Swedish citizens lost EU freedom of movement rights to the UK. However, the UK maintains a visa-free arrangement for EU citizens, allowing stays up to 6 months (180 days) per visit. The UK introduced a mandatory ETA for Swedish citizens in 2024. The ETA costs £16 and must be obtained before travel. It is valid for 2 years and multiple trips.
How to Get There
London Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are served from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) by SAS, British Airways, Norwegian, and easyJet. London Stansted (STN) has additional low-cost options. Flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British Pound (GBP). Exchange SEK at Arlanda or use ATMs in the UK. London is extremely expensive. Cards are universally accepted; contactless payment is ubiquitous. Tipping of 10-15% is customary in restaurants.
Practical Tips
Apply for the UK ETA well before your flight; it is a boarding requirement. Carry evidence of return travel and sufficient funds. UK customs is stricter post-Brexit for EU citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Swedish citizens need a visa for the UK after Brexit?
No. Swedish citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 180 days, but must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) costing £16 before travel.
What is the UK ETA and how do Swedish citizens apply?
The UK ETA is a digital pre-travel authorization. Apply at eta.homeoffice.gov.uk or via the UKVI app. Cost is £16. Valid for 2 years and multiple trips.
Did Brexit affect Swedish citizens' rights in the UK?
Yes. Brexit ended EU freedom of movement to the UK. Swedish citizens can no longer live and work in the UK freely. Those who established residence before December 31, 2020 may have settled or pre-settled status.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the British Pound (GBP). Exchange SEK at Arlanda or use ATMs in the UK. London is one of the world's most expensive cities.
How do Swedish citizens fly to the UK?
SAS, British Airways, Norwegian, and easyJet fly from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) to London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), City (LCY), and Stansted (STN). Flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Can Swedish citizens work in the UK post-Brexit?
Not without a work visa. Swedish citizens who wish to work in the UK must apply for a UK work visa under the points-based immigration system.