United States entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swedish passport holders need a visa or an approved ESTA to travel to the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) is your go-to — apply online before you fly. In 2026, the ESTA application costs $21 and is valid for two years.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | Swedish passport holders need a visa to enter the US for any purpose. Apply at the US Department of State visa portal — expect an in-person interview at the US embassy in Stockholm. Processing times vary by visa category, so apply well ahead of your travel date.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Swedish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket to Sweden or a ticket to your next destination ready when you land. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking or a letter from your US host ready with their address and phone number. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Bring bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip length. Not always requested, but better to have it. | Recommended |
ESTA is not guaranteed
Even if you've traveled to the US before, your ESTA can be denied or revoked at any time. Apply early and check your status before booking non-refundable flights.
Biometrics at entry
All visitors to the US have their fingerprints scanned and photo taken at immigration. This is routine and takes about 30 seconds.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying even by a few hours can trigger a ban from the Visa Waiver Program. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer a few security questions. Pay the $21 fee with a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.
2
Check in and board
At the airport, the airline will verify your ESTA approval and passport validity. Make sure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Board your flight.
3
Arrive at US airport and go to immigration
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Visitors' or 'Non-US Citizens'. Have your passport and ESTA approval ready. You may be asked about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans.
4
Pass through immigration inspection
A CBP officer will review your documents, take your fingerprints (usually index fingers), and take a photo. Answer questions clearly and honestly. If approved, you'll get an entry stamp or an I-94 record. You're now allowed to stay up to 90 days.
5
Collect luggage and clear customs
After immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel. Proceed to customs — you may need to declare food, large amounts of cash, or commercial goods. If you have nothing to declare, use the green lane.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. 1,600 SEK)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. 1,600 SEK)
Same fee as single entry; permits multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$160 USD (approx. 1,600 SEK) + SEVIS fee
For academic studies at accredited US institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initially
Cost$460 USD (approx. 4,600 SEK) + filing fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$460 USD (approx. 4,600 SEK) + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigrant intent).
Apply student visa
F-1 Academic Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace + OPT up to 12 months
$160 USD (approx. 1,600 SEK) + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time study at accredited US institutions. Allows on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in TEA)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Requires significant capital and a detailed business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (approx. 2,050 SEK) + legal fees
For Swedish nationals engaged in substantial trade between Sweden and the US. Requires majority ownership by Swedish nationals. No maximum stay.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most applicants. | $160 USD (approx. 1,600 SEK) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Swedish citizens. | $160 USD (approx. 1,600 SEK) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period. | $370 USD (approx. 3,700 SEK) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; fines are assessed at departure. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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 United States
No transit visa needed
Swedish citizens do not need a transit visa to change planes in the US, but they must have a valid ESTA or visa to enter the US even for transit, as all passengers go through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without ESTA.
- Canadian citizens are exempt from ESTA requirement.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in most states; risk is highest from July to October.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food or contaminated produce; practice good food hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539), file by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for in-person queries; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for SE travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You can travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. ESTA costs $21 and is valid for two years. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The 90-day count starts the day you enter. You cannot extend your stay or change your status while in the US under ESTA.
If your ESTA is denied, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa at the US embassy in Stockholm. The visa application fee is $185, and you'll need to attend an in-person interview. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance.
No. ESTA is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study (under 18 hours per week). You cannot accept employment or enroll in a full-time academic program. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Overstaying even one day can result in your ESTA being revoked and you may be barred from future travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You could also face a ban of up to 10 years. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
If you're transiting through a US airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally need an ESTA or visa. If you need to clear immigration to change terminals or collect luggage, you must have an ESTA or visa. There is no transit without a visa for most nationalities.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed or digital ESTA approval, return/onward ticket, and first night's accommodation details. It's also wise to carry proof of sufficient funds (credit card or bank statement) and travel insurance info.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.