Sweden entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden in 2026. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Sweden. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Start your application at the Sweden Migration Agency portal.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Sweden. Schengen rules don't require 6 months beyond departure, but your airline might enforce it — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen | Immigration officers at Swedish airports routinely ask for proof you'll leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital return ticket ready — they check this at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Sweden. Immigration may ask for it during the visa interview or at the border — have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay — around 450 SEK per day is the informal guideline. Officers rarely ask, but it's smart to have evidence ready. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill up fast
Embassy appointments in Madagascar can have long waiting times, especially during summer and Christmas. Book your appointment at least 2 months before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Schengen visa covers multiple countries
Once you have a Swedish Schengen visa, you can also visit other Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, etc.) for up to 90 days total. Just make sure Sweden is your main destination or first point of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Check your passport validity
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date into Sweden. If not, renew it first.
2
Book an appointment at the Swedish embassy
Contact the Swedish embassy in Madagascar (or the embassy handling Sweden's visa applications, often France or another Schengen state). Appointments can be booked online or by phone. Expect a wait of 2–4 weeks for an available slot.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting documents. Make copies of everything.
4
Attend the visa interview
Go to your appointment at the embassy. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The interview is usually brief — answer honestly about your travel plans.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15–30 calendar days. You can track your application online if the embassy provides that service. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, collect your passport from the embassy or have it mailed to you. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and validity.
7
Arrive in Sweden and go through border control
At Arlanda or any Swedish airport, join the 'All passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your trip — answer clearly. You'll get a stamp in your passport.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
work visa
Swedish Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Sweden. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply student visa
Swedish Student Residence Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students admitted to a Swedish university. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification
Swedish Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For close family members of Swedish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and housing.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstay can lead to entry ban. | €100 per day (~$109 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sweden
Transit visa required
Madagascar passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Sweden to a non-Schengen country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid residence permit from a Schengen country may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid visa from a Schengen country may transit without visa.
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)
Health & vaccines for Sweden
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially during summer; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Stockholm
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) – Stockholm
Sveavägen 90, 113 59 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications. Book appointment online.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg
Norra Hamngatan 14, 411 14 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa and permit matters for western Sweden.
Practical information for MG travellers
Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.69 SEK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Sweden.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Madagascar passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Sweden. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, not just Sweden. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
The standard fee is €80 for adults. Children aged 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are subject to change — check the embassy website before applying.
Processing usually takes 15–30 calendar days. It can take longer during peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas). Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or force majeure. For longer stays, you need a residence permit, which requires a different application process.
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport photos, return flight booking, hotel reservations or invitation letter, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), and proof of sufficient funds (bank statements). Additional documents may be requested.
Sweden does not have an embassy in Madagascar. Visa applications are typically handled by the French embassy in Antananarivo (which represents Sweden for visa purposes) or the Swedish embassy in a neighboring country. Check the Swedish Migration Agency website for the exact location.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.