Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Sweden.

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are low although there is some petty crime. Violent crime does occur, with instances of gang related crime being reported in Gothenburg and Malmö. Pick pocketing can be a problem in the major cities when tourists are targeted for passports and cash.

 

Winter travel

 

Sweden deals with its harsh weather very well, but delayed trains and flights are difficult to avoid during severe weather conditions. Snow and ice on the roads cause accidents daily. Consider starting your journey earlier to avoid rushing to your destination. Be prepared for harsh conditions particularly in the north during the winter.

 

Road travel

 

From 1 December to 31 March and when weather conditions are wintry, all Swedish and foreign registered vehicles, both light and heavy, are required by law to have either studded tyres or un-studded friction tyres bearing the following mark, M+S, M-s, M.S, M&S, MS or Mud and Snow.

 

The road conditions are considered to be wintry when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road. The Swedish police decides whether there are wintry conditions on a certain road.

 

In 2013 there were 260 road deaths (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 2.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides on driving in Sweden.

 

Rail travel

 

You can find information about rail travel on the website of the Swedish train operator SJ.

 

Employment

 

You should check carefully whether any offers of employment for asphalting or seasonal work are genuine

 

Local laws and customs

There are heavy punishments for importing illegal drugs

 

Money

The currency for Sweden is Swedish Krona, not the Euro.

 

Arctic travel

Large numbers of foreign nationals travel successfully and safely in and around the Arctic each year. The Arctic is, however, a vast region, comprising the northerly areas of Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Alaska (United States). In addition to reading the specific travel advice for each of these countries, prospective visitors to the Arctic should also consider carefully the potential remoteness of certain destinations from search and rescue, evacuation and medical facilities. Independent travellers are particularly advised to develop contingency arrangements for emergency back-up.

 

The most popular way of visiting the Arctic is by ship. As some areas of the Arctic -specifically the more northerly and remote regions - can be uncharted and ice-covered, you should check the previous operational experience of cruise and other operators offering travel in the region. You should also consider the on-board medical facilities of cruise ships and talk to cruise operators as appropriate, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

 

The eight Arctic States take their international search and rescue obligations very seriously, and have recently signed a binding agreement on search and rescue co-operation in the Arctic. However, in the highest latitude regions of the Arctic, cruise ships may be operating in relative isolation from other vessels and/or inhabited areas. You should be aware that in these regions, search and rescue response will often need to be dispatched from many hundreds of miles away, and assistance to stranded vessels may take several days to arrive, particularly in bad weather. Search and rescue assets are also likely to offer only basic transport and basic medical care, and are unlikely to be capable of advanced life-support. Responsible cruise operators should happily provide additional information relevant to the circumstances of the cruise they are offering, and address any concerns you may have.

 

Consular assistance and support to foreign nationals in the Arctic will be affected by the capacity of national and local authorities. You should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment or potential repatriation.

 

Pharmacies are usually open during normal shop opening hours. You can also get an emergency prescription at hospitals. If you are visiting remote areas consider the relative inaccessibility of the emergency services. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

If you’re visiting Sweden you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU nationals only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Swedish nationals.. The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Swedish authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

 Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Sweden.

 

Visas

 

You don’t need a visa to enter Sweden if you are an EU passport holder; you can stay as a visitor for up to 3 months. If you intend to stay for a longer period you should contact an office of the Migration Board.

 

Travelling with children

 

If you’re travelling with children other than your own you should carry a letter of consent from the child’s parent or guardian.