sweden travel rules

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Information for travellers in regards to Covid-19

Here you will find restrictions and recommendations about travelling to and staying in Sweden. As this kind of information may be due to change quickly, you need to check what applies with relevant authorities before travelling to Sweden.

Travelling restrictions for Sweden

As of 1 April 2022, there is no longer an entry ban to Sweden.

Recommendations and regulations when in Sweden

There are no longer any restrictions in Sweden due to Covid-19.

Read more at krisinformation.se: “Current rules and recommendations” .

Travelling from Sweden

Please keep yourself informed of the different regulations that may apply in different countries for travelling from Sweden.

Please note This page is based on information from the Swedish authorities. We strive to keep it updated with the latest changes, but as this kind of information may be due to change quickly and may also differ for parts of the country, you need to check what applies by visiting the links of this page as well as the relevant authorities in the country you are travelling from. Please note that Visit Sweden accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

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Photo : Henrik Trygg/imagebank.sweden.se

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Sweden Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, sweden - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed

Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to  terrorism .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sweden. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Sweden.

If you decide to travel to Sweden:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Sweden.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Travelling to Sweden

When travelling to Sweden there are goods you may bring and others that are restricted.

Goods to which special rules apply can be declared to Swedish Customs by choosing the red, blue or green lane through the surveillance area when you cross the Swedish border. Certain goods can also be declared via the internet.

Alcohol and tobacco

There are different regulations in place concerning how much alcohol you may carry with you depending on whether you are entering Sweden from another EU country or entering from a country outside the EU.

You must be at least 20 years of age to bring alcohol into Sweden.

Alcohol from another EU country  Alcohol from a country outside the EU

There are different regulations in effect concerning how much tobacco you may carry with you depending on whether you are entering Sweden from another EU country or entering from a country outside the EU.

You must be at least 18 years of age to be bring tobacco into Sweden.

Tobacco from another EU country Tobacco from a country outside the EU

It is important that animals crossing the borders are not carrying infectious diseases. It is also important to combat illegal trade. The regulations applicable for the import of live animals depend on where the animal is coming from and whether it is a pet or other type of animal. We conduct checks at the border for the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture is the public authority responsible for regulations on importing animals into Sweden. Please contact them for further information.

Read more about the rules to import animals to Sweden, and about animal welfare rules at Swedish Board of Agriculture's website 

Report your pet to Swedish Customs

Report online – choose the green channel or lane.

If you live in an EU country, you can report your dog or cat to Swedish Customs here on our website. When you arrive in Sweden you can then use the green channel or lane when going through Customs. If a customs official carries out a check, you must be able to produce the registration number you received when you reported your pet.

Report your pet online

Report at the border – choose the red channel or lane

When you arrive in Sweden, you should contact a customs officer by going to a so-called "red point". You find the red point in the red channel or lane in the passenger surveillance area. If there is no customs officer there, contact Customs in one of the following ways:

• Use the phone in the red channel or lane in the passenger surveillance area.
• Call the phone number specified on the poster in the red channel or lane in the passenger surveillance area.
• Go to the nearest customs clearance office .
• If you cannot take the red channel or lane, such as when you are travelling on a direct train between Denmark and Sweden, contact a uniformed customs officer on the train. If you do not see a uniformed customs officer on the train, you must call the customs officer on duty on +46 40 661 32 25.

Firearms, ammunition and dangerous articles

Firearms, ammunition and dangerous articles can not be brought into or out of Sweden without permission. The Swedish Police are responsible for this particular issue.

The word firearm means weapons with which bullets, buckshot, harpoons or other projectiles can be fired with the aid of gunpowder charges, CO2 charges, compressed air or similar firing agents.

Tear gas, pepper spray devices and crossbows are also counted as firearms, as are starting and signalling weapons that are loaded with cartridges. Ammunition means items such as cartridges, projectiles, and blasting caps.

Hunting and shooting competitions – temporary import of weapons to Sweden

If you plan to bring your weapon into Sweden temporarily, or are travelling through, certain rules apply. Keep in mind that the weapon you plan to bring into Sweden must be approved for hunting or shooting competitions in Sweden.

Read more about temporary import of weapons to Sweden at Swedish Police

When temporary importing weapons to Sweden, remember to declare your firearm and ammunition to Swedish Customs

Once you have received your import permit, all that remains is that you submit a declaration for the firearm and ammunition to Swedish Customs.

Firearms Declaration to Swedish Customs via the internet

If weapons declaration is made via the internet (only for citizen of an EU country or Norway) you do not need to notify customs in person upon arrival in Sweden.

A citizen of an EU country or Norway who has a valid firearms license (European or Norweigan Firearms Pass), a permanent possession permit and permission from the Swedish Police can register weapons and ammunition online.

You can register weapons and ammunition online when you intend:

• to hunt or compete in Sweden for a duration of less than three months
• to travel through Sweden in order to hunt or compete in Denmark, Norway or Finland
• to hunt or compete in other countries (applies to those who have a Swedish firearms license).

Weapons Declaration via internet

Silencers is regulated in basically the same way as ammunition. Anyone who has the right to possess a certain weapon for shooting may possess silencers that fit the weapon.

This means that you do not need to apply for a temporary import of a silencer in Sweden if you in your home country hold a permit / license for a weapon that the silencer is suitable for. However, you can not apply for temporary import into Sweden for a silencer only, the accompanying weapon is required.

Declaration at the border crossing

Upon arrival in Sweden, a declaration must be made at the port of entry as well as a completion of the Customs form Declaration for Firearms and Ammunition. Persons declaring weapons must also show the weapon, the weapons passport and the import permit that has been issued by the Swedish police authority to customs officials.

If no customs official is available at the border crossing, declaration must take place in one of the following ways:

• Via the telephone at the border crossing which is provided for such purposes
• By calling the telephone number that is provided at the border crossing
• At the closest Customs clearance office

Air weapons, paintball guns, airsoft guns and other weapons

A permit is required for air weapons, airsoft guns and paintball guns (as a general rule, with some exceptions). These types of weapons, which are typically powered by carbonic acid, air or springs and shoot off bullets, arrows or paint ampoules, can in some cases be regarded as being limited-power under the Swedish Weapons Act.

Read more about air weapons, paintball guns, airsoft guns and other weapons at Swedish Police website

Knives and other dangerous objects

The legislation in this area deals with knives, stabbing weapons, cutting weapons and other dangerous objects intended to be used as a weapon for a criminal threat against someone’s life or health. It is prohibited for anyone to have a knife, stabbing weapon, cutting weapon or other dangerous object with them in a public place, in areas around schools, or in vehicles in a public place, unless having such a weapon may be considered justified or appropriate under the circumstances. The prohibition applies to items intended to be used as a weapon for a criminal threat against someone’s life or health.

Read more about knives and other dangerous objects at Swedish Police website

CITES – Endangered species

Animals and products from animals of endangered species are not allowed to be taken into Sweden without a permit from the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

CITES import and export at Swedish Board of Agriculture's website

There is extensive illegal trade in endangered animals and plants, both living and dead. Tourists or consumers need to be vigilant to avoid contributing to this illegal activity both in Sweden and in other countries.

Trade in endangered species at Swedish Enviromental Protection Agency

Foodstuffs and plants

Within the EU there is almost free movement of plants and seeds. However, you still need to comply with several rules. You are NOT allowed to bring plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers och seeds into the EU without a phytosanitary certificate. Authorisation from the Swedish Board of Agriculture may be required to bring certain foodstuffs into Sweden.

Travelling to Sweden from another EU country

In principle, travellers may bring food and plants into Sweden from other EU countries without restriction.

Travelling to Sweden from countries outside the EU

Different rules apply for food and plants entering Sweden from countries outside the EU. A health certificate is generally required for meat, milk, and similar products. The food must also undergo a veterinary inspection at the border. Please note that you are not allowed to bring plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers or seeds into the European Union without a phytosanitary certificate.

Certain exceptions apply for powdered infant formula, baby food and special foods required for medical reasons. There are also some exceptions for food from Faeroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland.

Importation from Norway, Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino and Switzerland is subject to the same regulations as other EU countries, including the 4 700 SEK or 3 300 SEK value limit.

Read more about the rules if you bring or send plants and plant products across the Swedish border at Swedish Board of Agriculture's website

When traveling to Sweden, you need to be careful to not spread invasive alien species. Here you find information and tips on how to reduce the spread and how to report the presence of alien species in Sweden.

Avoid spreading invasive alien species

When travelling to Sweden you can take your medicines with you as long as they are for you or your accompanying pet, and you need them for medical reasons.

Generally, when bringing medicines into a country, you need to be able to show that the medicines you are carrying are for your personal use. This can be done for example by leaving the pharmacy sticker with your name on the medicine, by bringing a copy of your prescription or a certificate from your doctor.

In the same way you need to be able to show that medicines for your accompanying pet have been prescribed to your pet by a veterinary surgeon.

Read more about the rules travelling with medicines at Swedish Medical Products Agency

Cash control

All travellers entering or leaving the EU with € 10 000 or more in cash must declare the sum to Customs in order to comply with European Regulation (EC) No 1889/2005.

You have to give notification to Swedish Customs if you are carrying the equivalent of EUR 10,000 or more in cash or equivalent assets when travelling across an EU border.

The notification duty is one element in Sweden’s initiatives not only to prevent money laundering and organised crime, but also to combat terrorism.

Besides notes and coins, “cash and equivalent assets” here also means, for example, traveller’s cheques, cheques, promissory notes, debt instruments, debentures, shares, money orders and securities.

Declare cash online

The Right of Public Access

You have a Right of Public Access whenever you visit Swedish nature – whether you’re going for a walk, kayaking, climbing a mountain or simply enjoying nature.

The Right of Public Access is a unique right to roam freely in the countryside. But with this right come responsibilities – to take care of nature and wildlife and to show consideration for landowners and for other people enjoying the countryside.

The Right of Public Access at Swedish enviromental protection agency's website

Other goods brought by travellers from outside the EU, including the Åland Islands, the Canary Islands and similar territories

Goods that you are using during your trip like clothes, cameras can be brought into Sweden duty-free. If you are arriving to Sweden from a non EU-country you can only bring goods with you (not alcohol or tobacco) for a maximum of (470 €) 4 700 SEK if you travel with a commercial airline or ferryline or (330 €) 3 300 SEK if you travel in any other way without paying any duty or tax.

This amount includes snuff and travel items purchased during the trip. It is not possible to split up the value of separate purchases.

Goods that travellers brings into Sweden for personal use during the trip and will be brought back abroad with the traveller are not included in the above mentioned value.

Tax-free shopping in Sweden

For more information about tax-free shopping in Sweden, please contact a tax-free company.

Last updated: 2023-06-08

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International travel

It is a good idea to find out before you travel if the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (“Utrikesdepartementet” or “UD”) has issued a travel advisory for your destination.

Travel and health insurance

In Sweden, travel cover for 45 days is usually included in your home insurance. Please check with your insurance company for terms and conditions.

You may also have some insurance cover if you have purchased your trip with a bank card. Check with the card issuer for details.

If you are travelling within the EU/EEA, you must bring your European health insurance card. Order EU cards via the Försäkringskassan website.

Your passport

Please note that some countries require your passport to be valid for six months on your return trip. Passports and national ID cards are the only valid documents that can prove your identity and your citizenship. Driving licences are not considered as travel documents. Apply to the police for a passport or national ID card if you are a Swedish citizen or to your country’s embassy if you have a citizenship other than Swedish.

If you lose your passport during your trip, please contact your country’s embassy or consulate where you happen to be.

Read up on your destination

Find out as much as you can about the country you are travelling to. Sweden’s embassies have travel information in Swedish on Sweden Abroad. You can also get travel information via the UD Resklar app.

Follow news reports about the country to which you are travelling.

If you are travelling to a country outside Europe, you should also find out if you need any vaccinations.

Remember, it is the destination country's legislation that applies. It may look very different from Swedish law, for example, with regard to criminal law and child custody. In some countries there may be special rules for outbound travel for children, such as a requirement for consent from one or both parents to leave the country.

Travel advisories

The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD) advises against travel to a country, or parts of a country, where the security situation is deemed to be very dangerous, unpredictable or rapidly changing.

If you choose to travel despite the Ministry's advice, your ordinary travel insurance does not usually apply. Check with your insurance company for particulars.

An advisory against travel often means that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies have limited opportunities to provide consular support.

Sign up for the Swedish list and download the UD Resklar app

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD) recommends that all Swedes who are abroad register their stay on what is known as the 'Swedish list'. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Swedish Embassy can then contact you if a major crisis situation should arise.

In an emergency situation abroad

After events where many people affected or feared to be, it is crucial that relatives or friends in Sweden be informed.

Call home or notify via social media. Use one of the electronic services available for this purpose, such as the Facebook Safety Check. Certain services also allow relatives to register and search for named persons.

Register on the Swedish list so that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs or the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate can contact you if necessary.

In the event of extensive crisis events, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs can open special telephone lines for affected Swedes and relatives.

Stay informed about and follow the local authorities’ advice

Follow the development of events through the media and the embassy’s travel information.

Follow the advice of the national and local authorities.

Krisinformation.se publishes confirmed information about events abroad that affect Swedish citizens and people connected to Sweden.

If you need medical care or other practical help

Contact your insurance company’s emergency centre if you need medical care or other practical help.

Contact your local embassy for specific advice on how to solve problems. In the event of an emergency, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs may also be contacted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on-call is staffed around the clock every day of the year and handles urgent matters outside the embassy’s office hours.

Contact airlines or other travel operators to rebook tickets.

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Sweden set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Swedish Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Sweden.

Accompanied under-18s

Carry a letter of consent from the parent or guardian of children under 18 who are travelling with you.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Sweden, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

To enter Sweden (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Sweden). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you haven’t overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

If you live in Sweden, read our Living in Sweden guide for passport stamping information.

At Swedish border control, you may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Border controls on arrival from Denmark and Germany

Border controls are in place in Sweden for people travelling from Denmark via the Öresund crossing and arriving on ferries from Denmark and Germany.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area (which includes Sweden) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends

to attend business meetings, cultural or sports event

• for short-term studies or training

If you’re travelling to Sweden and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Swedish government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Swedish Embassy in the UK .

If you stay in Sweden with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need in TravelHealthPro’s Sweden guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Sweden . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money into Sweden

Many shops, cafes and restaurants do not accept cash, so make sure you have a debit or credit card with you.

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Everything you need to know before your vacation in Sweden

Mar 4, 2022 • 8 min read

Driving around Sweden is efficient and scenic (if expensive) - just be aware of frequent speed cameras © Jeppe Gustafsson / Shutterstock

Most travelers encounter few difficulties in  Sweden , finding it a place that welcomes visitors from other countries. 

An easy country to travel in, Sweden has  well-functioning public transportation , a high level of safety and a population that for the most part speaks English very well. Still, there are certain things to be aware of that will help your trip go as smoothly as possible. Read on for things you should know before you travel, so that your Swedish experience will live up to expectations, and be one you’ll remember for all the right reasons.

Planning your trip to Sweden

Figure out where to lay your head.

If you want to get the best deals on accommodations in Sweden , you’ll need to book ahead, especially if you’re visiting at a busy time of year. Reliable hotel chains with hotels throughout Sweden include Scandic, Nordic Choice Hotels, Radisson and Best Western; there are also many independent hotels, some of them simpler properties with shared bathrooms, that may be worth considering if you want to save a bit of money. 

A diverse range of hostels provide some of the most budget-friendly accommodations in Sweden, often in very appealing locations. Be aware that hostel guests are often expected to bring their own bed linens or pay an extra fee to rent them. Sleeping bags are not permitted.

Sorry we’re closed: avoiding disappointment

While many attractions, restaurants and shops in major cities generally keep fairly consistent hours throughout the year, some tourist businesses, including sightseeing cruises and certain attractions, are more seasonal , with opening hours tailored to the traditional Swedish summer holiday period from Midsummer to mid-August.

On the flip side, some restaurants have been known to close for up to six weeks in summer while staff go on vacation. Many museums are open daily during the summer high season but switch to a six-day opening schedule in the off season, typically with Monday as the closed day. If you have your heart set on a particular activity or attraction, do your homework and check opening dates and times before booking your trip. 

Cash is not king

Sweden has been moving steadily away from cash for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this already strong trend. While it’s helpful to carry some cash for emergencies, you can basically expect to rely on your credit or debit card for most transactions. Some places, including public transportation, no longer accept cash at all. If you have a contactless card, you can usually just tap it to pay, but if your card doesn’t have that option, you’ll generally need to be prepared to enter a PIN or show ID to complete your transaction. 

You can ride the rails without spending a fortune

Train tickets in Sweden are available in both first and second class, with prices varying between different departures, so book well in advance for the best selection. The website of the Swedish national railway company , SJ, lists fares for both its own trains and routes operated by regional partners throughout the country.

If you’re planning to do a lot of rail travel, an Interrail or Eurail train pass is a good way to save money. You can purchase a pass online (Interrail if you live in Europe; Eurail if you live elsewhere), but be sure to order with enough time to receive the pass before your departure. For many trains, you’ll need to book a seat or sleeping compartment separately if you are using a rail pass.

Take to the road and avoid speeding tickets

Sweden’s roads are safe, well-maintained and, more often than not, scenic , but renting a car is expensive, as is fuel. As in any destination, booking well in advance and comparing various rental agencies is essential to get the best rate. If you don’t need to pick up your car at an airport, consider local agencies or even Circle K gas stations, which rent out cars and may have lower rates.

As you’re driving around Sweden, keep a watchful eye out for blue signs with a white symbol of a video camera, which warn of speed cameras ahead. If you are caught speeding, the police will eventually track you down and send you a bill.

Etiquette in Sweden

Small talk, what’s that.

A saying goes that Swedes are great friends, but poor strangers. Swedes are generally helpful and welcoming to tourists, but you’ll rarely find them engaging in small talk with people they don’t know. For visitors from more gregarious cultures, it can feel strange or uncomfortable to be waiting at a bus stop with a group of people who are all ignoring each other, or having someone avoid eye contact as they pass you on the street. Don’t take it personally. If you’re in Sweden long term, seeking out clubs and activities around a common interest can help break the ice. Once you do, you’ll find most Swedes to be warm, loyal friends.

Don’t be early, don’t be late

If you’re scheduled to meet with someone or invited to a private home, the time listed is when you’re expected to arrive. What might be considered fashionably late in other cultures is considered rude in Sweden. Likewise, arriving early may be awkward for your host and should be avoided. It’s also considered good form to bring a host gift along the lines of flowers, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. If you choose to bring wine, you’ll need to pop into the nearest Systembolaget outlet: Sweden’s state-run liquor stores are the only places where you can buy beverages with more than 3.5-percent alcohol content. Note that all Systembolaget stores are closed on Sundays.

Dress up to go out, down for work

In many countries, people dress up for work and more casually to go out. In Sweden, it’s often the opposite. You’ll see business people in meetings wearing jeans and a blazer, with people dressed to the nines to go out for drinks or dinner. In general, smart-casual dress without ostentation will do fine in most situations. You must be 18 or older to order alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants, but at least 20 to shop at Systembolaget.

To tip or not to tip: it’s okay either way

The custom of tipping is much less established in Sweden than in many other countries, so for the most part you can expect to pay pretty much whatever is on the bill. If you’re eating out, it’s common to round up to the nearest big number to show your server some appreciation; if you choose not to tip, you’re unlikely to offend. For taxi fares it’s courteous to add a few kronor to round up; if you’re traveling with luggage a bit extra is appreciated, though not expected. It’s not necessary to tip for housekeeping and other services at hotels.

Take a number: how to queue in Sweden

Whether you’re waiting at the bank, a ticket office or the supermarket deli counter, the first thing you should do is look around for a ticket machine. The majority of queues in Sweden operate on a number system, so take a ticket and find somewhere to wait where you can see the display that indicates when your number is up and which counter you should go to. Sometimes there’s more than one number sequence in play for different types of services, so if you see multiple options on the ticket machine and can’t figure out which one applies to you, it’s best to ask someone for assistance before you waste time waiting in the wrong queue.

Health and safety in Sweden

Stay safe in the urban jungle and the wild outdoors.

Sweden is a very safe country, but as in any destination you should keep a watchful eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing does occur. Make sure to store valuables in your hotel safe, if there is one, or keep them locked in your luggage while you’re out and about. If you’re staying in hostels, bring a padlock so you can store things safely in a locker. Be aware of your surroundings and try to stick to well-lit areas after dark. The chances of something bad happening are small, but it’s always best not to tempt fate.

If you’re heading into nature, make sure you’re adequately prepared – Sweden’s wild landscapes are gorgeous , but if something goes wrong, you may be a long way from help. Unless you’ve got wilderness experience, a guided tour is your best option for outdoor activities in remote areas.

Help, I need a doctor!

If you get sick or injured while in Sweden, never fear. The country’s healthcare system is top-notch, but figuring out how to access it as a visitor can be confusing. If you have a health insurance card from another European Economic Area (EEA) country, you’re eligible to receive care on the same terms as Swedes. If you’re from anywhere else, you’ll typically need to pay the full cost, so it’s important to have a decent travel insurance policy just in case.

If you need health care while in Sweden and are unsure of what to do, dial the national hotline 1177 for assistance. In case of an emergency requiring immediate attention, call 112.

Watch out! Two-wheeled hazards are everywhere

Sweden is a pedestrian-friendly country, but you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for two-wheeled transport. Don’t jaywalk, and never step into a dedicated bike lane without first looking in both directions; if you do, you’re risking life and limb, since cars and cyclists won’t be prepared to stop. Watch your feet as well – in recent years, electric scooters have proliferated in cities and are often left haphazardly in places where they pose an obstacle to pedestrians.

You might also like: The very best things to do in Sweden: castles, canals and culinary delights The most unmissable places to visit in Sweden Sweden's most beautiful beaches: from sunbathing near the Arctic Circle to lakeside lounging

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