Sweden introduced a temporary entry ban from 17 March. The entry ban applies to all foreign nationals trying to enter Sweden from a country outside the EEA and Switzerland. Denmark, Norway and Finland are not covered by the entry ban. For more information about coronavirus and entry, see the entry Entry and Health.
Economy
| Inflation rate | 1.90% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.7% |
| Gross domestic product (GDP) | $ 518,000,000,000 |
| GDP growth rate | 2.10% |
| GDP per capita | $ 51,200 |
| GDP by sector | |
| Agriculture | 1.60% |
| Industry | 33.00% |
| Service | 65.40% |
| State budget | |
| Revenue | 221.6 billion |
| Expenditure | 213.5 billion |
| Proportion of the population below the national poverty line | – |
| Distribution of household income | |
| Top 10% | 22.2 |
| Lower 10% | 3.6 |
| Industrial production growth rate | 4.20% |
| Investment volume | 17.4% of GDP |
| National debt | 40.80% of GDP |
| Foreign exchange reserves | $ 59,390,000,000 |
| Tourism | 2014 |
| Number of visitors | 5,660,000 |
| Revenue | $ 12,696,000,000 |
Safety
Sweden is considered a safe country to travel to, and most trips are hassle-free. The health and sanitary conditions are the same as in Norway. On the whole, culture and society have very many similarities with Norway.
The risk of terrorist incidents in Sweden is considered low. As a tourist, Sweden is also regarded as a safe country to travel to and can in many ways be compared to Norway. But as in all major cities, precautions should also be taken in Stockholm to prevent pocket theft. Beyond this, there are no special precautions to take when traveling in Sweden.
At the end of April 2016, there were several media reports that the Swedish security police (the Security Service) had received information that IS terrorists had entered Sweden. It can now be pointed out that on May 3, 2016, the Swedish Security Service stated that the so-called “special incident has ended”. Read more on Säpo’s website.
On November 18, 2015, the Swedish Security Service (Säpo) stepped in to raise the threat level in Sweden in terms of terrorism, from three to four, which is the second highest level. That is, the threat level is raised from elevated (3) to high threat (4). The national threat level was again downgraded on 2 March 2016 from high threat (4) to increased threat (3). Read more on Säpo’s website.
Swedish authorities conduct ID checks, but continue border surveillance. This means, according to Swedish police, that in certain selected places, it is checked that all persons entering Sweden are allowed to enter and visit the country. Reference is made to information on the Swedish police websites. However, it is important to have valid credentials when entering (certificate, passport or other ID documents).
Traveling by public means of communication is considered safe in Sweden. The taxi market in Sweden is deregulated, which means that prices can vary dramatically. Especially in Stockholm, many feel that prices can vary by several hundred percent. Therefore, a good advice is to use large and reputable companies such as Taxi Stockholm and Taxi Kurir, and if possible, agree a fixed price.
In the event of a crisis or emergency, the embassy should be contacted on +46 8 587 236 00 or e-mail: emb.stockholm@mfa.no. Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on tel.: +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail: UDops@mfa.no.
Entry
Sweden introduced a temporary entry ban from 17 March. The entry ban applies to all foreign nationals trying to enter Sweden from a country outside the EEA and Switzerland. Swedish citizens and others residing in Sweden will still be able to return to Sweden.
Exceptions to the entry ban are made for persons with a residence permit/ right of residence in Sweden, as well as nationals of another EEA country or their family members who must travel to Sweden to return home. Denmark, Norway and Finland are not covered by the entry ban. For more information on the entry ban, see the police website.
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
In view of tightened border controls in Europe, a valid passport should always be carried abroad when traveling abroad, including in the Nordic countries. Only passports are valid as travel and ID documents issued by the Norwegian authorities and confirmation of Norwegian citizenship. Airline and ferry companies and hotels often require passports upon check-in.
You can find more information at the Swedish police.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the coronavirus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation. You can find more information about the corona virus from the Swedish authorities at the Authorities on the new corona virus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not create travel advice because of the risk of infection. It is the Public Health Institute that provides health professional travel advice. You can find more information and guidance about the corona virus from Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
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The health and sanitary conditions in Sweden are very good. The water can be drunk straight from the tap.
Norwegian citizens are entitled to the same treatment as Swedish citizens for acute illness and injury. The European Single Insurance Card documents that you have the right to cover necessary health care in another EU/EEA country under the same conditions as the nationals of the country of residence. The card should therefore be included when visiting Sweden.
More information can be found on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, which contains official health professional travel advice and health professional guidance for Norwegians when traveling abroad.
Climate
Because of the Gulf Stream, the climate is moderate with temperatures of 13 to 18 ° C in summer and -3 to -12 ° C in winter. Precipitation decreases from west to east and south to north and is 43mm in January and 61mm in July in Stockhom.
Practical information
According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to Sweden is +46. The telephone network is stable and there is no time difference between Norway and Sweden. The mains is 220 volts and there is GSM coverage in almost the whole country
The currency unit in Sweden is the Swedish krona (SEK). Most credit cards can be used.
Normal opening hours for shops, banks, public offices are for shops: from 09.00/10.00 to 18.00, supermarkets: from 09.00 to 20.00/21.00, banks: 10.00-15.00, public offices: 08.00-17.00
National holidays: January 1, January 6, Good Friday, 1st and 2nd Easter Day, Valborgsmässo Evening, Ascension Day, June 6 (National Day), Midsummer Eve, 1st and 2nd Christmas Day.
Emergency telephone: 112. The Internet domain is.se
There are no particular customs or laws/rules that one should pay particular attention to when traveling to Sweden.