Apply for a Schengen Visa

From 1st December 2023, the Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for handling Schengen visa applications (visits less than 91 days) for travels to Sweden from the United Kingdom.

The Embassy of Sweden in London is no longer handling any Schengen visas and cannot receive applications or be used as a mailbox to the Swedish Migration Agency. Furthermore, the Embassy will not reply to any inquiries relating to Schengen visa applications in general or regarding ongoing visa applications or previous ones.

Inquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to our external Service provider, VFS Global, Contact us | vfsglobal,

You are advised to apply by using VFS Global´s online portal, where you also book appointments for biometrics if needed and where arrangements are made for sending your passport to VFS application centres in London or Edinburgh. Applications are transmitted electronically from VFS to the Migration Agency in Sweden, while your passport will be sent by courier. Once a decision has been taken by the Swedish Migration Agency, passport and decision will be sent back to VFS centres in London or Edinburgh, for your collection.

You need to submit your application in good time before travelling. According to article 9 section 1 in the visa code, EU/ 2019/1155, you should apply not less than 15 days before the planned visit begins. The 15 days is counted from when the application and passport are received by the Swedish Migration Agency. Consequently, you must calculate with the transportation time of your passport when planning for your submission.

The normal transportation time for the passport to be sent one way (return time is the same) to the Migration Agency is, 2 days from VFS´ application center in London and 3 days from Edinburgh.

It is crucial that your application is fulfilling the requirements before the online process has been finalized. Please read all clarifying information at VFS Global´s website Welcome to VFS Global | vfsglobal before applying.

The normal handling time for a Schengen visa at the Swedish Migration Agency is around 15 days (counted from when the Swedish Migration Agency has received the application and the passport). If an application is not complete or if an interview or document verification is needed the handling time can be extended up to 45 days.

Be wary of other agents selling services. Please note that VFS Global is the only authorized external service provider collaborating with the Swedish authorities on applications for visas to Schengen. 

For more information or clarification please visit VFS Global´s website, Welcome to VFS Global | vfsglobal.

Following British passport holders do not need a visa:

• British 'European Community' passport
• British ' Isle of Man', 'Jersey' and 'Guernsey and its dependencies' passport
• British Subject passport
• British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC) passport
• British National Overseas (BNO) passport
• British Overseas Citizens (BOC) passport
• British Protected Persons (BPP) passport

All travel documents issued by the UK need a Schengen Visa. Family members of British nationals must follow the national rules and require a visa. They must also provide full documentation according to the visa code. For list of requirements, click here. A visa fee is required.