Country Overview
Sweden is one of the EU Scandinavian countries, located to the north of the European continent and cut by the Arctic Circle. The territory of Sweden borders two Schengen nations – Finland and Norway – as well as the Baltic Sea and the Strait of Kattegat.
Despite being situated near the Arctic, most of Sweden experiences a temperate climate, while in the mountainous region of the north, the climate is the subarctic. In general, the topography of the Swedish territory is flat, the highest peak is Mount Kebnekaise, with 2,117 meters of altitude.
Due to its participation in both the European Union and the Schengen Agreement, Sweden occupies a prominent place among the European economies. Sweden’s main economic sector is services, especially telecommunications and information technology. After joining the Schengen Zone, the tourism industry also developed, making Sweden one of the most popular travel destinations in Scandinavia.
Travel in Sweden
Sweden is the largest of the Scandinavian countries and is known worldwide for hosting the Nobel Prize, bringing up ABBA, as well as being the home of filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and IKEA. Plus, being a Scandinavian nation, Sweden is often associated with Vikings.
Most travellers who come to Sweden start their trip by exploring the labyrinth of islands in Stockholm, its capital, with its fantastic museums and the historic district of Gamla Stan. Another touristic highlight in Sweden is the city of Gothenburg and its cosmopolitan air or vibrant Malmö.
As a part of the Schengen Area, EU passport holders and nationals of countries which are enrolled in the Schengen visa-waiver program don’t need to apply for a visa to visit Sweden. The main international ports of entry into Sweden are the airports of Gothenburg and Stockholm (Arlanda), which are connected with most of Europe’s largest cities. Alternatively, Swedish cities are also accessible by ferry, train, or buses from other EU countries like Germany or Estonia.
About Sweden
Capital: Stockholm
Area: 449,964 KM2
Population: 9,555,893
Timezone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Currency: Krona (SEK)
Calling Code: +46
Languages:
- Swedish
ETIAS in Sweden
Sweden, Finland, and Austria joined the European Union in the 1995 enlargement of the EU. In 1996, all Scandinavian countries, including Sweden, signed the Schengen Agreement and by 2001 Sweden became a part of the Schengen Area.
As a major EU economy, Sweden is an active player on all discussions around Schengen and EU policymaking. Hence, when talks for a new entry-exit system emerged following the terrorist and immigration crisis of 2015 2016, the Swedish government took a leading role on negotiations.
After receiving enough votes, the European Commission announced in 2016 that it would implement a new system – named ETIAS – across the Schengen Zone. The aim of the ETIAS will be to reduce the risks of terrorist attacks by identifying individuals who may present a security threat prior to their arrival in Europe. Another objective of the European Travel and Information Authorization System is to manage the influx of illegal immigrants into Sweden and the Schengen territory.
Non-EU nationals who enjoy a visa-exempt policy with Sweden and the other Schengen Member States – like Canada or Australia – will have to apply for an ETIAS as of 2021. The ETIAS framework will consist of an online application, a processing fee and a waiting period of about 72 hours.
Once granted an ETIAS, Canadian applicants won’t have to apply for another authorization until its validity runs out in 3 years, or the Canadian passport expires. With a valid ETIAS, travellers from Canada will be allowed to travel in Swedish territory and other Schengen nations for no longer than 90 days in every 180-day period.
Canada and Sweden
Bilateral relations between Sweden and Canada are based on cultural ties through the large Swedish community residing in Canada, as well as on shared perspectives and interests in international matters. Such social and cultural bonds promote a strong and consistent economic interaction between both countries.
Being northern nations, Sweden and Canada collaborate in Arctic-related issues and policymaking, namely in the Arctic Council. In addition, the government of Canada and Sweden work together in international institutions like the OSCE, the OECD, and the UN.
With the establishment of the CETA between the European Union and Canada, the Canada-Sweden commercial relationship has improved, and new investment opportunities arose. Besides the CETA, the Canadian and Swedish governments have created working-holiday programs for youth to work and live in the other country.
Until 2016, Swedish passport holders enjoyed a visa-free policy with Canada for tourism or business trips under 90 days. After 2016, however, Canada implemented the eTA and travel regulations for Swedish nationals visiting Canada changed. Since then, visitors are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization at least 72 hours before arriving in Canadian territory.
Together with the rest of the Schengen countries, Sweden plans to introduce a similar system for Canadian citizens as of 2021. This new measure will be called ETIAS, and it is the way the EU community found to better manage its borders against terrorist attacks and illegal immigration.
The ETIAS is not a visa but an authorization. It will be a requirement for all nationals enlisted in the Schengen visa-waiver program – like Canada – allowing them to visit Sweden for up to 3 months in every 6-month period.
List of Canadian diplomatic offices in Sweden
The Embassy of Canada in Stockholm, Sweden
Address: Klarabergsgatan 23, 6th floor, 111 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 453 3000
Fax: +46 8 453 3016
Email: stkhm-cs@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/sweden-suede/index.aspx?view=d&lang=eng
Facts: Heather Grant – Ambassador
List of Swedish diplomatic offices in Canada
The Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa, Canada
Address: 377 Dalhousie Street Ottawa ON K1N 9N8
Phone: +1 613-244-8200
Fax: +1 613 241-2277
Email: sweden.ottawa@gov.se
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/
Facts: Per Sjögren – Ambassador
Consulate of Sweden in Calgary, Canada
Address: Bankers Court, 15th Floor, 850 – 2nd Street SW, Calgary AB T2P 0R8
Phone: +1 403 268 6899
Fax: +1 403 268 3100
Email: calgary@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Edmonton, Canada
Address: Alberta Enterprise Corp, 10088-102, suite 1405, TD Tower, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2Z2
Phone: +1 780 886 2501
Fax: +1 780 642 8705
Email: edmonton@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Halifax, Canada
Address: 1300-1969 Upper Water Street, Purdy’s Wharf Tower II, PO Box 730, Halifax, NS B3J 2V
Phone: +1 902 491 1150
Fax: +1 902 425 6350
Email: halifax@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Montreal, Canada
Address: c/o MT Services, Suite M-016, 1000 de La Gauchetière Street West, Montréal, QC H3B 0A3
Phone: +1 514 397 4444
Fax: +1 514 875 6246
Email: montreal@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Quebec, Canada
Address: c/o Stein Monast, LLP, 70 Dalhousie Street, Suite 300, Québec, QC G1K 4B2
Phone: +1 418 640 4437
Fax: +1 418 523 5391
Email: quebec@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Regina, Canada
Address: MCKERCHER LLP, 800-1801 Hamilton Street, Regina, SK S4P 4B4
Phone: +1 306 565 6554
Fax: +1 306 565 6565
Email: regina@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Toronto, Canada
Address: 2 Bloor Street West, Suite 2109, Toronto, ON M4W 3E2
Phone: +1 416 963 8768
Fax: +1 416 923 8809
Email: toronto@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Vancouver, Canada
Address: #1480-1188 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
Phone: +1 604-683-5838
Email: vancouver@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/
Consulate of Sweden in Winnipeg, Canada
Address: 1035 Mission Street, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0A4
Phone: +1 204 233 3373
Email: winnipeg@swedishconsulates.ca
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/current/news/