Sweden Passport and Visa Information

Passport

To study abroad, you must have a signed, valid passport from your country of citizenship that will not expire for a minimum of six months after your planned return date. If you do not have a passport, or it's about to expire, make sure you apply or renew as soon as possible! U.S. Citizens can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information about passports and processing time.

Visa/Residence permit

A visa is official permission by a foreign government to live and study in that country. In the case of Sweden, all semester and yearlong students must apply for a Residence Permit prior to departure. This application is completed online. U.S. students applying for a Swedish residence permit may be required to attend an in-person appointment at the Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C., prior to their departure for Sweden. All applicants should consider the additional costs of traveling to Washington, D.C. from their respective locations, as well as potential lodging and other related expenses.

Further information will be posted to your USAC Student Gateway account in the Residence Permit Guide, which you will receive after you have been accepted into your USAC program (typically four months prior to the program start). USAC Program Advisors are also available to answer any residence permit questions you may have.

All costs related to obtaining a residence permit, including travel, are your responsibility.

Non-U.S. citizens

Check with your home country consulate, as well as the embassy of the country in which you plan to study, regarding visa requirements. Permanent Residents of the U.S. should check with U.S. Immigration as leaving the country for more than one year may jeopardize permanent resident status. Tax clearance and re-entry forms may also be necessary in these cases.

U.K. travel - Electronic Travel Authorization requirement

On January 8, 2025, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) will be required for all U.S. citizens entering the United Kingdom (U.K.). This requirement applies to all travel, including study abroad, tourism, or other reasons. Airlines will check to make sure all passengers have an ETA prior to boarding.

U.S. citizens will be able to apply for an ETA starting on November 27, 2024.

Students must obtain an ETA prior to their arrival. It will cost 10 GBP. Please submit an application at least 72 hours in advance of your departure. While the ETA is valid for two years upon receipt, study abroad students are still limited to a six month stay in the U.K. without a visa. It does not extend the timeline of a valid student visa.