Since the 2016 referendum, EU citizens, including Swedish citizens, have wondered how Brexit would affect travel to and from the UK.

Pre-Brexit agreements state that Swedish travelers do not need a visa to enter the UK. While this is unlikely to change, new processes are being implemented for foreign citizens wishing to visit Great Britain.

Do Swedish Citizens Need a UK eTA?

As mentioned earlier, Swedish passport holders are unlikely to need a traditional visa for the UK.

However, most foreign citizens must obtain a UK eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the British border without a visa. The eTA is an electronic permit or visa waiver that allows eligible citizens to get permission to stay in British territory without having to apply for a visa first.

The eTA authorization can be obtained online and allows short-term travel for tourism and business. Once Brexit is finalized, the UK eTA is likely to be extended to Swedes and other EEA (European Economic Area) citizens.

Those who wish to stay long-term in the UK or engage in activities not covered by the eTA may need to apply for a relevant visa.

How to Apply for UK eTA from Sweden

Since the UK eTA is not a visa, it does not require Swedish citizens to visit a British embassy or consulate in person to apply. The entire application process can be completed online.

Swedish applicants only need to ensure they have access to a reliable internet connection. They can apply from anywhere in the world, including home, office, or while traveling.

The UK eTA application is designed to be easy and straightforward and takes only a few minutes to submit. Each applicant must complete their own individual application, but Swedish citizens can assist their family members or friends while completing the application.

Once the traveler has filled out the application form and uploaded the relevant supporting documents, they will be asked to pay for the eTA processing fee, which must be paid by credit or debit card. Once the application is finalized, Swedish citizens will receive their approved eTA via email.

UK eTA Requirements for Swedish Passport Holders

The eTA system is designed to make travel and border control as easy as possible. For this reason, it is a completely electronic process and simple to complete.

However, Swedish applicants must ensure they meet the UK eTA entry requirements. Failure to comply may result in application rejection or the eTA being invalid at the airport. Below are the eTA requirements for Swedish citizens:

  • A valid Swedish passport
  • Completion of the eTA application form
  • Payment of the eTA registration fee

It is essential that applicants complete the eTA application form in its entirety. All information entered must be accurate and complete. In case of discrepancies between the answers in the questionnaire and the information shown, for example, in the traveler’s documents, the eTA could be considered invalid.

Questions in the application form may include the following:

  • Passport information, including document number, place and date of issue, and expiration
  • Personal information, including the applicant’s first and last name and date of birth
  • Contact details such as home address, email address, and phone number
  • Travel plans and address in the UK

Holders of a Swedish eTA must ensure they enter Great Britain with the same Swedish passport used during the application procedure. This is because the UK eTA and passport are directly linked. If the passport expires before the eTA, for example, a new eTA application will need to be submitted with the new passport details.

It is important that Swedish visitors become familiar with the conditions of their UK eTA authorization. For example, they should check the validity of the eTA and the maximum stay allowed on British soil to avoid staying beyond the period allowed by the authorization. Additionally, eTA holders should verify which activities are permitted and authorized while in the UK with an eTA.

How Long Does it Take to Get UK eTA from Sweden?

In general, electronic travel authorizations are generally much faster to obtain than traditional visas.

The UK eTA online application takes only a few minutes. The questionnaire is easy to complete and supporting documentation can be uploaded in electronic format.

Once the application is finalized, UK authorities take only a few business days to review the application and make a decision. Visitors should regularly check their email inbox for updates on their application and to see if they have received the approved eTA.

The short processing times allow for last-minute travel plans. However, Swedish citizens should apply a few days in advance just in case of possible delays. These are rare and usually caused by holidays or incomplete applications (for example, when information or documents are missing).