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Sweden Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens must obtain a Swedish Schengen visa (short-stay, Type C) to visit Sweden; apply through the Swedish embassy/consulate or visa center via migrationsverket.se; visa fee is 80 EUR; typical processing is up to 15 days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area and have at least two blank pages for visas.
  • Forms: Schengen visa application form (short stay, Type C) to be completed online at https://www.migrationsverket.se/ or on paper for submission at the Swedish mission; print and sign.
  • Financial proof: Bank statements or other proof of funds for the last 3 months showing you have enough money to cover your travel and stay. There is no fixed amount published; show funds for the duration of your intended stay and provide sponsorship documents if applicable.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of accommodation for whole stay (hotel reservations or invitation letter from host) and a round-trip or return flight reservation or itinerary.
  • Photo specs: One recent passport photo (color, 35x45 mm) with a plain light background, taken within the last 6 months; full face visible; no sunglasses; for religious reasons head coverings are allowed if they do not obscure facial features.
  • Biometrics: Yes. You must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Swedish mission or a visa application centre when applying for the first time.
  • Travel health insurance: Travel medical insurance valid for the entire Schengen area with minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation.

Visa types

  • Short-stay tourist visa (Schengen visa, Type C – Tourism): Official name: Schengen visa (short stay) Type C for tourism; Validity: up to 90 days in 180-day period; Max stay: 90 days; Entry: single or multiple; Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Short-stay business visa (Schengen visa, Type C – Business): Official name: Schengen visa (short stay) Type C for business; Validity: up to 90 days in 180-day period; Max stay: 90 days; Entry: single or multiple; Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Residence permit for studies (longer stays): Official name: Residence permit for studies; Validity: duration of the study program; Max stay: as long as the program lasts; Entry: multiple-entry typically; Approximate fee: about 2,000 SEK.
  • Residence permit for work (longer stays): Official name: Residence permit for work; Validity: duration of the work contract; Max stay: until contract ends; Entry: multiple-entry; Approximate fee: about 2,000 SEK.

How to apply

  • How to apply: Sticker visa
  • Where to apply: Submit your application to the Swedish mission responsible for Afghanistan or the country where you are applying; many Afghan applicants use the Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad, Pakistan, or nearest consulate; check the official Government pages for the current handling mission at https://www.government.se/.
  • How to apply: 1) Determine your visa type. 2) Gather documents listed above. 3) Book an appointment at the Sweden mission or visa application centre. 4) Submit your application in person and pay the visa fee; provide biometrics if required. 5) Attend any required interview if requested. 6) Wait for the decision and return of your passport.
  • Documents checklist: passport, completed application form, photos, travel insurance, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary or invitation letter, admission letter if studying, contract if working.
  • Processing: Standard processing time is typically up to 15 calendar days from the appointment date; some cases may take longer (up to 30 days or more during peak times).
  • Where to submit: via the Swedish mission/embassy or official visa center; if available in your region, use the designated centre; ensure you use official Migrationverket guidance and avoid unapproved intermediaries. For current details and the correct mission, see https://www.migrationsverket.se/ and https://www.government.se/.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children 6–12; free for under 6 (subject to consulate policies).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: If you use a visa application centre, there may be an additional service fee charged by the centre; amounts vary by country; check with your local centre.
  • Total cost estimate: Visa fee plus any centre service fee; travel insurance and other costs are separate and not included in the visa fee.
  • Standard processing time: Usually up to 15 calendar days from the appointment date; in some cases up to 30 days or more depending on circumstances.
  • Express/priority option: Some missions may offer expedited processing for an extra fee; availability varies by location; consult the mission for options.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Plan well in advance: Start the visa process at least 3 months before travel to accommodate potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghan applicants: incomplete documents, insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, lack of credible ties to home country, inconsistencies in information, missing biometrics.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: Afghanistan generally requires applying through a Swedish mission in a neighboring country or regional centre; verify the current handling location via official sources (Migrationverket and Government.se).
  • Travel advisories: Check the Swedish government travel advisories for Afghanistan and current visa policy changes on https://www.government.se/ and keep up to date with any bilateral notes.
  • Extensions inside Sweden: Short-stay Schengen visas are not normally extended from within Sweden; long-term stays require appropriate residence permits (studies/work) to remain legally beyond 90 days; extensions generally require applying from outside the Schengen area.

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.