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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia to Sweden visa requirements

Yes. A Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder needs a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Sweden for tourism. Sweden is a Schengen state and Saudi Arabia is not on the EU visa-exempt list, so ETIAS does NOT apply. Apply through VFS Global in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam before you travel. Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, and Saudi Arabia is classified as a visa-required (Annex I) nationality for the EU/Schengen. Therefore a Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen uniform short-stay visa (Type C) before traveling to Sweden for tourism. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Applications for a Sweden-as-main-destination trip are lodged at VFS Global centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, with biometrics collected and the file processed via the Swedish Regional Migration Hub in Amman. The standard adult Schengen visa fee rose from EUR 80 to EUR 90 effective 11 June 2026, paid in addition to the VFS service charge. Decisions are formally targeted at 15 working days, but with document transfer to and from Amman, applicants are advised to allow 25-30 days or more end-to-end. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization launching in Q4 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationalities and does NOT cover Saudi citizens; there has been EU-Saudi discussion of a future short-stay visa waiver, but as of 30 May 2026 no waiver is in force and a full Schengen visa remains mandatory.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, uniform visa)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (adult standard fee, from 11 June 2026) plus VFS service charge
consular fee only
Processing time
15 working days target; allow 25-30+ days end-to-end via Amman hub
standard track
Validity
Validity as granted (often matched to travel dates; multiple-entry up to several years for frequent travelers)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm purpose and main destination
Confirm the trip is tourism/short visit (under 90 days) and that Sweden is your main destination (or first point of entry if no main destination). Apply to Sweden's representation accordingly.
· Tourism· Schengen rules
/02
Gather required documents
Assemble passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, proof of funds, and a completed application form before booking an appointment.
· Documents
/03
Book a VFS Global appointment
Create an account and book an appointment at the VFS Global center in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. Appointment slots can fill quickly in peak season.
· VFS Global· Appointment
/04
Attend appointment and give biometrics
Submit your documents in person, pay the visa and service fees, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) if you have not given them in the last 59 months.
· Biometrics· Payment
/05
Wait for processing
Files are sent to the Swedish Regional Migration Hub in Amman. The decision target is 15 working days, but allow extra time for transit; do not book non-refundable travel before approval.
· Processing· Amman hub
/06
Collect passport and check the visa
Collect your passport from VFS or by courier. Verify the visa sticker dates, number of entries, and validity, and carry supporting documents when you travel.
· Collection· Verify
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Sweden · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, uniform visa)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, with 2+ blank pages, issued within last 10 years
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent passport-size photos meeting ICAO/Schengen specifications
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering minimum EUR 30,000 valid across Schengen
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation in Sweden (hotel booking or invitation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient financial means (recent bank statements)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedProof of employment / business / student status or other ties to Saudi Arabia
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of the trip
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredBiometrics (fingerprints + photo) provided at the visa center
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Sweden Abroad - Apply for a visa (Saudi Arabia)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard adult short-stay fee from 11 June 2026 (was EUR 80)
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Reduced fee; children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service feeapprox EUR 30-35Per applicant; charged in addition to the visa fee, paid locally
Optional servicesvariesPremium lounge, courier return, SMS, photocopying - all optional add-ons
Total estimateEUR 90EUR 130incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Peak-season / complex cases
Up to 45 days
During summer and holiday peaks, or where additional documents or checks are needed, decisions can take considerably longer.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Sweden is in the Schengen Area
Sweden applies the common Schengen visa policy, so entry rules follow EU/Schengen law rather than a separate national tourist visa.
High
/02
Saudi Arabia is a visa-required (Annex I) nationality
Saudi ordinary passport holders are not on the EU visa-exempt list, so a Schengen visa must be obtained before travel.
High
/03
ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals
ETIAS (launching Q4 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationalities; Saudi citizens need a full visa, not an ETIAS authorization.
Medium
/04
No visa-waiver agreement in force yet
The EU and Saudi Arabia have discussed a future short-stay visa exemption, but as of 30 May 2026 it is not in force.
Medium
/05
90/180 short-stay limit
The Schengen visa is for short visits only - maximum 90 days in any 180-day period; longer stays require a national long-stay visa or residence permit.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Sweden route verified
Confirmed via Sweden Abroad (swedenabroad.se) and EU sources that Saudi ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa for Sweden; ETIAS does not apply. Noted adult Schengen fee rising to EUR 90 from 11 June 2026.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Sweden for tourism?
Yes. Sweden is a Schengen country and Saudi Arabia is a visa-required nationality, so a Saudi ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling.
Can Saudis use ETIAS instead of a visa for Sweden?+
Where do Saudi nationals apply for a Sweden Schengen visa?+
How much does the Sweden Schengen visa cost?+
How long does processing take?+
How long can I stay on a Sweden Schengen visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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