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Sweden Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghanistan citizens require a Schengen visa to travel to Sweden — apply through VFS Global in a neighboring country (e.g., Turkey, UAE) or the Swedish embassy in a country where Sweden has representation, with fees starting from EUR 80, processing typically 15 working days.

Guide last updated July 27, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Sweden and have at least two blank pages. It should have been issued within the last 10 years.
  • Application Form: Completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form. Downloadable from the VFS Global website for the relevant country of application.
  • Financial Proof: Bank statements from the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay (e.g., approximately EUR 50 per day, or proof of pre-paid accommodation and return ticket). Specific amounts can vary.
  • Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Sweden with their contact details and proof of address. If invited, the host may need to provide a financial guarantee.
  • Return Ticket: A confirmed return flight booking or travel itinerary.
  • Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos, 35x45mm, white background, neutral facial expression, eyes open and clearly visible.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints and photograph are required for all visa applications (unless exempted). These are usually collected at the VFS Global application center where you submit your documents.
  • Travel Health Insurance: Mandatory. Must cover medical expenses and repatriation with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. Valid for the entire duration of your stay and for all Schengen countries.

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa, Type C):
  • Official Name: Schengen Visa for Tourism
  • Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Max Stay: 90 days.
  • Entry: Single or multiple entry.
  • Approximate Fee: EUR 80 (adults), EUR 40 (children 6-12), free (children under 6).
  • Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa, Type C):
  • Official Name: Schengen Visa for Business Purposes
  • Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Max Stay: 90 days.
  • Entry: Single or multiple entry.
  • Approximate Fee: EUR 80 (adults), EUR 40 (children 6-12), free (children under 6).
  • Requires an official invitation letter from the Swedish company.
  • Study/Short-Term Study Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa, Type C):
  • Official Name: Schengen Visa for Study Purposes (short-term)
  • Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Max Stay: 90 days.
  • Entry: Single or multiple entry.
  • Approximate Fee: EUR 80 (adults), EUR 40 (children 6-12), free (children under 6).
  • Requires acceptance letter from the educational institution.
  • Work Visa (Long-Stay Visa, Type D, may require separate application at Embassy/Migration Agency if stay exceeds 90 days):
  • For stays longer than 90 days, a residence permit application is typically required, which is processed by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). Short-term work assignments within 90 days may fall under a Type C Schengen visa, but specific requirements apply and it's crucial to check with the Swedish embassy/VFS.
  • Approximate Fee: Varies significantly based on permit type. Schengen visa fee (if applicable) is EUR 80.

How to apply

  • Application Submission: Due to the lack of a Swedish embassy or consulate in Afghanistan, applicants must apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate in a third country where Sweden has diplomatic representation, or through a contracted visa application center (VAC) such as VFS Global. Common locations for Afghanistan citizens include Turkey (Ankara, Istanbul) or the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai).
  • Step 1: Determine the correct visa type and identify the nearest VFS Global center or Swedish embassy/consulate. Visit the VFS Global website for the country where you intend to apply to find their specific procedures.
  • Step 2: Gather all required documents as listed in the 'What you need' section. Ensure all documents are in English or Swedish, or accompanied by a certified translation.
  • Step 3: Complete the Schengen Visa Application Form online or download it from the VFS Global website. Book an appointment online for document submission and biometrics collection at the VFS Global center or embassy.
  • Step 4: Attend your appointment. Submit your application form, passport, supporting documents, and pay the visa fee and VFS service fee.
  • Step 5: Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC.
  • Step 6: Track your application status online via the VFS Global website.
  • Step 7: Collect your passport from the VFS Global center or embassy once a decision has been made. If approved, the visa sticker will be affixed to your passport.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa Fee (Schengen Short-Stay Visa): EUR 80 for adults. EUR 40 for children aged 6-11. Free for children under 6. This fee is standard across Schengen states.
  • VFS Global Service Fee: Varies by location, but typically ranges from EUR 20 to EUR 40 per application.
  • Total Cost Estimate: Approximately EUR 100 - EUR 120 per adult, excluding any potential costs for translations or additional documentation.
  • Standard Processing Time: Typically 15 working days from the date of application submission. However, this can be extended to 30 days in individual cases or 60 days if further scrutiny is needed.
  • Express/Priority Option: Generally not available for standard Schengen visa applications from this region. It is advisable to apply well in advance.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Application Timing: Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date. Due to the complexities of applying from a third country and potential processing delays, earlier is always better.
  • Common Rejection Reasons: Insufficient financial proof, unclear purpose of visit, lack of strong ties to Afghanistan (evidence of intent to return), incomplete documentation, previous immigration violations, and travel insurance not meeting Schengen requirements are common reasons. For Afghanistan applicants, demonstrating strong social and economic ties to their home country is particularly crucial.
  • VFS/BLS vs. Direct Embassy Application: Applying through VFS Global is generally more convenient as they handle the logistics of appointments and document collection. Direct applications to embassies can be more complex and may have limited appointment availability.
  • Travel Advisories: Always check the latest travel advisories from your country of residence and for Sweden issued by your home country's foreign ministry. Stay informed about any security concerns or changes in entry requirements.
  • Extension Options Inside Sweden: Extensions for short-stay Schengen visas are rarely granted and are only permissible under exceptional circumstances (e.g., serious illness, force majeure). For longer stays, a residence permit application must be submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) while still in Afghanistan or before your current visa/stay expires, following the correct application channels. Attempting to extend a Schengen visa for the purpose of long-term stay is not permitted.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.