Sweden introduces COVID-19 certificate requirements for travelers from all EU / EEA countries
Sweden has now joined the list of EU countries and countries in the Schengen area that are tightening entry restrictions in the midst of the increasing number of cases of coronavirus, and in particular the spread of the new variant, Omicron, across the continent.
From 21 December, next Tuesday, all travelers from EU and EEA countries, including the Nordic countries, are subject to the requirement to show evidence of covid-19 vaccination, recovery from the disease within the last six months or negative results of a test performed during the last 72 hours before arrival in Sweden.
“Sweden is currently facing a deteriorating situation where the spread of infection is increasing and health care is signaling a growing and worrying burden. The Swedish Public Health Agency has requested that a covid certificate be required for entry into Sweden from all EU / EEA countries“, Notes the Swedish Ministry of Justice in a press release that has been issued regarding the move.
The same also points out that all foreign travelers who are 18 years and older, will be subject to the decision, with some exceptions.
Until now, travelers from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland have been exempted from the requirement to present a covid-19 certificate to enter Sweden.
At the same time, the Swedish government has announced in a press release issued today, December 16, that vaccination certificates issued by Cabo Verde, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates will be accepted for unrestricted entry into the country. Travelers with such certificates can enter Sweden without even having to test from 21 December.
The move has been made in line with a decision by the European Commission to adopt these certificates as equivalent to the EU’s digital covid certificate. This means that certificates issued by Cabo Verde, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates can be checked and verified using the same technical system as the EU’s digital covid certificate.
>> Travel: EU recognizes vaccination certificates issued by Cabo Verde, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates
Since 7 December, Sweden has also allowed unrestricted entry for holders of vaccination certificates issued by Togo. On the same date, the Swedish authorities had banned unvaccinated Namibians from entering the country, after the EU Council removed the same from its list of epidemiologically safe third countries.
Since December 14, vaccinated El Salvadorans have been able to enter Sweden without restrictions with vaccination passports issued by the authorities in their country. At the same time, Jordan has been removed from the list of countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Sweden without restrictions.
>> Traveling to Sweden: Current rules and restrictions introduced due to covid-19