Sweden extends entry ban for third countries, releases entry restrictions for arrivals from the USA
The Swedish government has announced that due to uncertainty about covid-19 disease and its transmission, the entry ban previously introduced for arrivals from countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area will be extended.
Last month it was announced that the ban will only apply until 31 October, but after considering the current situation with the coronavirus, arrivals from third countries will not be allowed to enter until 31 January 2022. Nevertheless, the ban can be extended again after January if the situation requires it, reports SchengenVisaInfo .com.
“The entry ban to Sweden from countries outside the EU / EEA will be extended until 31 January 2022. This entry ban is based on a recommendation from the Council of the European Union that is valid indefinitely. The extension is thus in line with the recommendation. “ the Swedish Ministry of Justice’s statement reads.
Nevertheless, the authorities have emphasized that the entry ban does not apply to persons who fall under the exemption list. This means that all travelers who hold a vaccination certificate issued by a so-called “approved country” may travel into Sweden without having to leave a negative covid-19 test result upon entry.
Sweden currently allows entry to several third countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and Singapore, among others.
>> Traveling to Sweden: Current rules and restrictions introduced due to covid-19
In addition, the same ministry has announced that from November 5, fully vaccinated travelers from the United States will be exempt from the entry ban and the test requirement.
Considering that the USA intends to allow entry for fully vaccinated travelers from all countries in the Schengen area from 8 November, Swedish authorities have concluded that it is important that vaccinated USA travelers are also allowed to travel more easily to Sweden.
In addition, the Swedish government has also decided to remove entry restrictions for travelers coming to the country from Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Jersey, provided they hold a valid vaccination certificate.
With regard to arrivals from EU / EEA countries, the authorities have revealed that the ban will be extended for another month until 30 November.
“Restrictions should remain in place for some time, especially as some European countries have recently experienced increased transmission,” the ministry noted.
The extension of this ban means that European travelers must present the EU’s digital covid-19 certificate or other equivalent document showing that they have been vaccinated, recovered or tested to gain access to Sweden.
Travelers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway are exempt from entry restrictions.