Country guide
Sweden
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Schengen area
Yes
Currency
Swedish Krona (SEK)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa). Daylight savings from last Sunday in March – last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 46
Best time to go
Year round
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
Sweden is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Sweden, you must apply at the Embassy of Sweden / Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
See General Schengen Visa Requirements.
In addition:
- Clear photocopy of biodata page in passport
- Proof of sufficient funds: SEK 450 for each day of your visit to Sweden
- All submitted documents must be in English or in Swedish
- Sufficient proof must be shown that you intend to leave Sweden / the Schengen area by the last day of your entry visa’s period of validity
- MINORS: consent form must be included with application
- A booking must be made at VFS to submit biometrics and visa application packs.
Visa application centre
Enquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi by email [ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se](ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se).
VFS Global:
Tel: 012 425 3001
Email: info.swza@vfshelpline.com
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/swe/
Cape Town: 8th Floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town
Durban: Unit 409, 4th Floor 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road), Essenwood, Durban
Pretoria: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria
All applicants to appear in person to submit biometrics, unless otherwise exempt.
Issuing authorities
The Embassy of Sweden
iParioli Complex,1166 Park Str, Hatfield, 0083
Tel: 012 426 6400
E-mail: ambassaden.pretoria@gov.se
Web: www.swedenabroad.se
Enquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi by email [ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se](ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se).
Visa processing time
Usually 15 days. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended travel. Please note that the days are counted from when the Embassy has received the application and not when the application was submitted at VFS Global. Transport time is generally 3-4 days (check with VFS).
Visa validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
Visa cost
Schengen Visa: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
VFS Service Fee: R318
VFS service fee and Visa fee can be paid at VFS.
SA representative
South African Embassy
6th Floor, Alsnögatan 7, 116 44, Stockholm
Tel: +46(0) 8 24 39 50
E-mail: Stockholm.Consular@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco.gov.za/sweden/
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1, 6; Apr 3, 5-6; May 1, 14, 24; Jun 6, 20; Oct 31; Dec 25-26