Sweden welcomes vaccinated Americans but extends the travel ban to others
Fully vaccinated Americans can now travel to Sweden for any reason without the requirement for Covid-19 testing before, at or after arrival. The new rules apply from 5 November.
The new Swedish policy follows the US decision to allow entry for fully vaccinated people from the Schengen area in Europe from next week.
A Swedish government statement said the country enjoys “close and good relations” with the United States so allowing travel in both directions is “of great importance”, not least when it comes to business. “For example, it plays an important role when it comes to companies’ competitiveness and opportunities to conduct their business,” the statement said.
Sweden’s travel restrictions remain for many
Somewhat confusing was the announcement from the Swedish authorities in the same statement that confirmed the extension of the entry ban for travelers outside the EU / EEA until the end of January 2022.
The change for US travelers is due to the fact that Sweden now accepts vaccination certificates issued by US authorities. Fully vaccinated travelers will be exempted from the entry ban as long as the country issuing the certification is on Sweden’s approved list.
To date, certificate issuance in the United States has not been accepted by Sweden. Vaccine certificates issued in the United Kingdom and Switzerland are among the other non-EU / EEA certificates that Sweden now accepts.
Sweden also allows entry from certain “exempt countries” that have low infection rates for Covid-19, as long as the traveler shows a negative test result or a valid vaccination certificate. At the time of writing, this list includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore.
More countries open the border to American travelers
Within Scandinavia, the move brings Sweden in line with Denmark, which also allows American travelers with proof of vaccination to enter the country.
But Denmark also allows unvaccinated Americans to enter the country as long as they test negative before the trip and isolate themselves until a negative test is obtained after arrival. At the time of writing, Sweden has no corresponding exception for unvaccinated Americans.
Elsewhere in Scandinavia, Norway still does not allow vaccinated Americans to enter the country unless they visit close family members or have some other valid reason such as urgent business or starting a study.
The situation across Europe is changing almost daily, with various countries opening up to vaccinated American visitors. Most EU / EEA member states now allow vaccinated US travelers to enter, but you should check regularly as the rules are subject to change at short notice.