Travel Report for Sweden

Country Profile for
Sweden

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: September 14, 2006 14:52 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:05 EST

Sweden

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 3, 4, 6 and 8 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most Canadian visitors to Sweden do not experience problems. The crime rate is low. Thefts from vehicles, residences, or public areas, such as public transportation, museums, and restaurants, can occur. Hotel lobbies and breakfast rooms attract professional, well-dressed thieves. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers may work in teams: one to distract the victim, and another to commit the robbery. Remain vigilant and ensure valuables are secure. For emergency assistance, call 112.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

The road network is excellent. Some roads, particularly in northern areas, may be closed in winter. Consult local news and weather reports prior to travel. Headlights must be on at all times. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tires from December 1st to March 31. The use of seatbelts is mandatory. Approved child or booster seats are required for children under seven. Taxis are available, but expensive. Public transportation is convenient, reliable, and punctual. Modern trains operate throughout the country. A toll bridge connects Sweden with Denmark. Extensive and efficient ferry services operate between other countries in the Baltic Sea.

A referendum on the implementation of traffic congestion fees for drivers entering and exiting Stockholm will be held in conjunction with the general election on September 17, 2006. For information on potential impacts, visit the Swedish Roads Administration Web site.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Rockslides, floods, and windstorms present a risk. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Stockholm (see Section 7 below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Sweden are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Sweden to request to be transferred to Canada to serve the remainder of their sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Swedish authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Some substances, such as khat, legal in other European countries, are prohibited in Sweden. There are strict penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Penalties for drunk driving are also severe and will result in possible imprisonment and a high fine.

Firearms, medications, and pharmaceuticals may be subject to strict import or export regulations. Contact the Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa (see Section 8 below) for specific information on customs requirements.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following addresses:

Sweden - STOCKHOLM, Embassy of Canada
Address: Tegelbacken 4, 7th Floor, Stockholm, Sweden
Postal Address: P.O. Box 16129, 103 23 Stockholm, Sweden
Tel.: 46 (8) 453 3000
Fax: 46 (8) 453 3016
E-mail: stkhm@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.stockholm.gc.ca

Sweden - GOTHENBURG, Consulate of Canada
Address: Marieholmsgatan 1, 415 02, Gothenburg, Sweden
Tel.: 46 (31) 707 4288
Fax: 46 (31) 154 099
E-mail: got@canadianconsulate.se

Sweden - MALMÖ, Consulate of Canada
Address: Canadian Oil Co. AB, Verkstadsgatan 4, 233 51 Svedala, Sweden
Tel.: 46 (40) 40 23 51
Fax: 46 (40) 40 31 12

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Stockholm and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 00 800 2326-6831, or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Sweden is 020-799-015, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements with the Swedish authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 7, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Sweden and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Sweden. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Sweden.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required
Student Resident Permit: Required (for stays more than 90 days)
Work Permit: Required

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Swedish krona (SEK). Credit cards are widely accepted in major shops, restaurants, and hotels. ATMs are widely available.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Kingdom of Sweden (capital: Stockholm) is located in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Norway, and Finland. Tourist facilities are widely available. The official language is Swedish. English is also widely spoken.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The standard of healthcare is high, and excellent medical care is widely available. Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in coastal areas, especially the Stockholm Archipelago, from spring to autumn. If you plan to visit forested areas, you should seek advice regarding inoculations before leaving Canada.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Adoption by foreigners is almost impossible in Sweden.

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Schengen Area

The member states of the European Union (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland), plus Norway and Iceland, make up the Schengen area, which aims to abolish border controls between those countries and create a single external frontier. However, controls are still in place at the borders of the newer Schengen countries.

Canadians do not need visas for short-term visits to Schengen countries, but some member states require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities.

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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