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Do I need a Passport and or Visa to travel to Sweden?
United States citizens residing in the United States will need a
valid passport when traveling to Sweden for business or pleasure,
but will not need a Visa provided your stay is less than three
months. The same applies for citizens of Canada and Mexico,
residing in the United States.
Some airlines require that your passport be valid at least six
months beyond the dates of your trip and/or have two to four blank
visa/stamp pages.
You'll need to apply in person if;
- you are applying for a U.S. Passport for the first time
- your expired U.S. Passport is not in your possession
- your previous U.S. Passport has expired and was issued more than
15 years ago
- your previous U.S. Passport was issued when you were under age 16
- your currently valid U.S. Passport has been lost or stolen
You can renew by mail if:
- your most recent Passport is available to submit and it is not
damaged
- you received the Passport within the past 15 years
- you were over age 16 when it was issued
- you still have the same name, or can legally document your name
change
For U.S. Passport application forms, please click here:
Forms
For additional U.S. Passport information, please click here:
Additional Info
To find U.S. Passport application locations,
please click here:
Locations
Why should I register with the American Embassy in Sweden?
After you have your Passport and have confirmed your travel plans,
it is recommended that you register your trip with the American
Embassy in Sweden. Travel registration is a free service provided
by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or
living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record
information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of
State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Millions of
Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties.
However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000
Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness,
or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency.
When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or
civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and
information. By registering your trip, you help the embassy or
consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration
is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your
travel planning and security.
For more information visit this website:
US Embassy Information
Embassy of the United States of America
Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31,
SE-115 89 Stockholm
Tel: 08-783 53 00
Fax: 08-661 19 64
Operating hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
How long will it take to fly to Sweden
Approximate flight times from San Francisco to Goteborg is
approximately 16 hours; from New York to Goteborg is
approximately 12 hours.
How early should I arrive at the airport for my flight to
Sweden?
Airlines require travelers arrive at least two hours prior to
departure and that they have a minimum of forty-five minutes between
connecting flights.
Are there luggage restrictions or limitations when traveling
to Sweden?
Luggage rules for international travel differ from domestic travel
rules. In the US, airline baggage policies allow one bag in
addition to your purse or briefcase. In Europe, your purse or
suitcase fills the one bag allowance. Any additional bags will need
to be checked. Luggage allowances for international travel differ
by airline and by class. Be sure to check with your airline
regarding quantity and weight limits for both carry-on and checked
luggage.
Goteborg Airport
Planes arrive at Landvetter Airport (Tel: 031/94-10-00), 16 miles
east of the city of Goteborg. SAS Airlines operates 8 to 10 daily
flights from Copenhagen to Goteborg (most
of them nonstop) between 7:30 am and 11:05 pm. SAS also operates 10
to 20 daily flights between Stockholm and Goteborg, beginning
about 7 am and continuing until early evening. An airport bus (Flygbuss)
departs every 20 minutes for the 30 minute ride to the central bus
terminal, just behind Goteborg's main railway station. Buses run
daily between 5 am and 11:15 pm. A one way trip costs 50 SEK ($6.40).
AIRPORT FACILITIES:
Money and communications:
Facilities include two ATMs, one located in the International hall
by the bank and the other in the middle of the Domestic hall, and a
full service bank located in the International hall open 9:00 am - 4:00
pm
Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 9:00 - 5:30 Thursday. There is also a
postal service.
Eating and drinking:
There are several restaurants, cafés and bars at the airport.
Shopping:
There are a wide variety of shops at the airport.
Luggage:
Travelers can leave baggage in luggage lockers for up to 24 hours.
The lockers are located in the
corridor between the Domestic and International halls, for up to 24
hours. To leave your luggage longer, contact Luftfartsverkert
Information by phone: (0)31 941 100; fax: (0)31 941 189; email:
informationen@got.lfv.se
or visit them in the International hall. There is also a
lost property service phone: (0)31 941 100.
Other facilities:
Other facilities include a pharmaceutical kiosk in the Domestic and International halls,
indoor and outdoor children's play areas, a car repair service,
hairdressers, a VAT refund service and baby changing facilities.
Oresundrunt Card - This pass enables visitors to
travel on both sides of the Oresund River (Sweden and Denmark) on
boats or trains. The ticket can be bought from the Malmo Tourism
Office at Central Station.
What are the limits on importing duty free goods to Sweden?
The
following items may be imported into Sweden without incurring
customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250
grams of tobacco*; 1 liter spirits over 22% or 2 liters
fortified or sparkling wine, 2 liters wine and 32 liters beer*; a
reasonable quantity of perfume; gifts up to a value of 1700 Swedish
krona.
Note - *Travelers must be over 18 years of age to import any
cigarettes or tobacco products; and over 20 years of age to import
any alcoholic beverages. These regulations are strictly enforced.
What items are prohibited when traveling to Sweden?
Narcotics,
firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs,
plants, potatoes from outside the EU, endangered species, fireworks
and alcoholic beverages of over 60 per cent alcohol (120 proof).
Travelers should note that they might be required to prove at
customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.
What language is spoken in Sweden?
Swedish is
the main language, with Lapp being spoken by the Sami population in
the north. Most Swedes speak and understand English. Many also speak
German and French. Anytime you travel to a foreign country it
shows respect if you take the time to learn a few words and phrases in the local language, Sweden is no exception.
Most people will appreciate your efforts, even if you don't speak
the language well. Here are a few useful Swedish words and phrases
to learn:
Hello hala [hal'a]
Goodbye adjo [ajo]
Please snalla [snela]
Thank you tack [tak]
Bathroom toalett [toal'et]
What electrical plugs are used in Sweden?
Standard
European two-pin plugs are used (230 volts, 50Hz vs. American 110 or
220 volts, 60Hz). Any American electrical devices/appliances will
require an adapter and converter. These can be purchased at most
any travel supply store.
What is the Swedish currency?
The
Swedish monetary unit is the Kronor/Krona or Crown (SEK), which is
divided into 100 ore.
What is the exchange rate for United States Dollars?
The
exchange rate fluctuates daily. Recently the USD/Kronor exchange
rate has been approximately 1.00 USD = 6.75 SEK (1.00 SEK = 0.15 USD).
To view and calculate currency conversions go here:
Currency Calculator
Where can I exchange USD for SEK?
Banks
exchange money during business hours from Monday to Friday. At other
times money can be changed at airports, ferry terminals, post
offices and Forex exchange offices, which are open daily. There are
numerous ATMs throughout Sweden, most of which accept MasterCard and
Visa. Travelers cheques and most major credit cards are widely
accepted for payment throughout Sweden.
How do I make telephone calls while in Sweden?
When
making calls to Sweden from another country, you must include the
country code (+46), followed by the city/area code (Stockholm 08)
and phone number. For example: to call the American Embassy in
Sweden from the United States you would dial 1 46 08 783 53 00. When
making calls from Sweden to the United States, you must dial the
outgoing code (00) followed by the relevant country code (U.S. 1*),
area code and phone number. Public telephones are available and
there is good coverage across the country for mobile telephones,
which use three different GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Internet cafes
can be found in all the cities and towns.
In what time zone is Sweden?
Sweden is
in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time
(CET) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Sweden time,
compared to U.S. time is as follows:
-
Sweden is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time
(Noon in Sweden is 6:00 am in New York)
-
Sweden is 7 hours ahead of Central Standard Time
(Noon in Sweden is 5:00 am in Chicago)
- Sweden is 8 hours ahead of Mountain Time
(Noon in Sweden is 4:00 am in Denver)
-
Sweden is 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time
(Noon in Sweden is 3:00 am in San Francisco)
What is the weather like in Sweden?
Sweden's
climate varies from north to south. However it is temperate
due to the offshore Gulf Stream waters.
Most of the
country has a typical continental climate with a moderate to large
temperature range between summer and winter. The one exception to
this is in southwest Sweden from Goteborg to Malmo, where
winter temperatures are modified by an open ocean that rarely
freezes.
Winters are very cold, particularly in the north where days are
shorter and heavy frosts and bountiful snowfalls can be expected.
Summers are warm and pleasant. You can learn more here:
Swedish Weather Info
Of what social nuances should I be aware?
-
Normal courtesies should be observed.
- The Swedish pride themselves on punctuality and it is considered
rude to be late for a meeting. It is important to schedule an
appointment in advance and have it confirmed shortly before any
engagement.
- Business hours are generally 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. A
formal dress code is observed for men and women and bright colors
are avoided. Handshakes for men and women are common after
introduction and often first names are used instead of surnames. A
general egalitarian attitude will hide any observable hierarchy and
all members at a meeting are generally treated with the same level
of respect
- It is customary for the guest to refrain from drinking until the
host makes a toast.
- The guest should also thank the host for the meal with "tack for
maten" (Thanks for the meal).
- Casual dress is acceptable for everyday occasions; smarter wear
for social occasions, exclusive restaurants and clubs. Evening wear
(black tie) will usually be specified when required.
- Service charge is included in restaurant bills, but an additional
tip of 7 to 10% is expected for evening meals. Generally customers
round off the fare when using a taxi. Tips are welcome for
exceptionally good service in hotels, but are not expected.
- Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in most public
buildings.
How can I contact the tourist office in Sweden?
Call
the Swedish
Tourist office at +46 (0) 8 789 2400 (Stockholm) or visit
www.visit-sweden.com
What if there is an emergency while in Sweden?
Don't
dial 911, dial 112
The History of Sweden, the Cliff Notes version
A
military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated
in any war in almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was
preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's long-successful economic
formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial welfare
elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in
2000-02 by the global economic downturn, but fiscal discipline over
the past several years has allowed the country to weather economic
vagaries. Indecision over the country's role in the political and
economic integration of Europe delayed Sweden's entry into the
European Union until 1995, and waived the introduction of the euro
in 1999.
Volvo. for life
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