sweden transit visa

Is a Sweden Transit Visa Required for Layovers?

May 29, 2025

Are you planning international travel that includes stopovers in Sweden on the way to a non-Schengen country? Then, it is mandatory to have information about Sweden Transit visa UK rules beforehand. As per statistics, many travelers face unnecessary hassles while underestimating the complexity of Schengen airports, especially when their itinerary includes multiple stops. 

In this guide, we will try to provide why you need a Multiple Transit Schengen Visa from UK with a detailed explanation of One-Way, Return, and Multiple Transit options for your layovers in Sweden.

What Is a Sweden Transit Visa?

A Sweden Transit Visa is also known as A-Visa officially. The Visa Center issues these to travelers who are passing through the international area of the Swedish airport on the way to a non-Schengen country without entering the Schengen area. Hence, this visa is also essential for travelers who belong to non-EU countries but legally reside in the UK. 

There are three main types available:

  • One-Way Transit Visa Sweden
  • Return Transit Visa for Sweden
  • Sweden Multiple Transit Visa

When Do You Need a Multiple Transit Visa for Sweden

If your plan includes transiting through Sweden more than twice within a 180-day period, you will have to apply for a Multiple Transit Schengen Visa. It is relevant based on:

  • You have a complex itinerary with lots of layovers in Swedish airports. 
  • If you travel frequently for business or personal reasons through Sweden. 
  • Your journey includes multiple Schengen airports. For example, London –> Stockholm –> Frankfurt –> Dubai. 

Besides a single entry transit visa, Sweden multiple transit visas will allow the traveler repeated entries into the Schengen Area only in the International Airport Transit Zones. It will not allow you to exit the airport and enter into the Schengen countries. 

Common Travel Itineraries Requiring Multiple Transit Visa

Here are some travel plans that would require to apply for a Multiple Transit Visa for Sweden from UK :

  • All the outbound and return flights should include connection through Sweden and any other Schengen country. 
  • For example, you go from the UK to India via a layover in Stockholm; then you return from India to the UK via Copenhagen with another stopover in Sweden. 
  • You are a business traveller who has to transit through Stockholm multiple times in a month while en route to a non-Schengen country like Asia or Africa.

There, in each of these scenarios, a Sweden Transit Visa UK for a single or return journey will be insufficient. Hence, you will have to apply the multiple-entry version. 

More to Know: Can’t-Miss Festivals in Sweden This Year

Who Needs a Sweden Transit Visa?

Who Needs a Transit Visa

Not every traveler needs a transit visa. However, nationals from countries like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh and many more who are residing in the UK legally will indeed need one, even if they are just passing through a Swedish airport without leaving the terminal. 

Hence, get your Sweden Transit Visa from UK appointment through SWEDEN VISAS UK in the most convenient way. 

Sweden Transit Visa from UK: Eligibility and Process

One of the important aspects of a Sweden transit visa is that you will have to keep some time in hand to apply in advance. This even includes a Sweden multiple transit visa if your travel needs require many stopovers. 

Get the visa appointments easily while you apply for a Sweden Visa from the UK from experts at SWEDEN VISAS UK. Click on the “Apply Online” button now. 

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Sweden Transit visa

Find out what visa type you require

If you have a single layover, then get a Single transit Visa. If you have a roundtrip with the same layover both times, then get the Return Sweden transit visa. For multiple layovers, check if your itinerary involves Sweden more than twice. If so, you will need a Multiple Transit Visa for Sweden from UK. 

  • Fill out the Sweden Visa Application Form

You can click on the “Apply Online” section at SWEDEN VISAS UK, specifying that your visa requirements are for transit(A-type), and our expert will do the rest. 

  • Gather required documents

A valid passport with two blank pages, UK eVisa/share code(BRP), confirmed travel tickets, transit visas or entry permits for the final destination country, passport-sized photos, employment or student proof, and travel insurance covering the transit period. 

  • Sweden Visa UK Appointment

As soon as you fill out the form in “Apply Online” and submit it. One of our experts will contact you and book a visa appointment at your convenience at the nearest visa centre. 

  • Attend the Appointment

Bring all the supporting documents. You will have to submit them along with the filled-in application form. Then, biometrics will be registered. 

how to apply for sweden transit visa

More to know: Is a Trip to Sweden Budget-Friendly? How UK Travelers Can Travel to Sweden On a Budget

Sweden Airport Transit Visa Rules

This is very important information to keep in mind before you start your travel with a Sweden transit visa. You cannot leave the airport or cross through passport control on a Sweden airport transit visa.

In case you have to change terminals where crossing borders are required, then A-visa will not be valid. In this situation you will need a short stay Schengen Visa (C-type). So be very careful while you apply to choose the right visa category.

Validity and Duration

  • The multiple transit visa for Sweden can be valid for 6 months to 1 year, based on your requirement. 
  • Each transit can accommodate 24 hours and could be extended to 48 hours. 
  • You are not allowed to stay overnight at a hotel outside the airport.  

Key Differences: One-Way vs Return vs Multiple Transit Visa

Tips for a Successful Application

Keep these important pointers in mind:

  • Always ensure that your passport and UK eVisa/share code (BRP) residence permit remain valid for the required period. 
  • Match your visa type with the correct itinerary. That means don’t apply for a single entry if you will be transiting many times. 
  • Give a detailed explanation of why you need multiple transit entries. 
  • Go through the airport rules thoroughly so that you don’t face any hassle later on. 

Apply Sweden Transit Visa Through Professional experts

Getting a visa appointment is no longer a matter of concern. At SWEDEN VISAS, we have a team of talented individuals who are experts in providing visa appointments instantaneously. As mentioned before, click on the “Apply Online” button to fill up your details and submit. Our experts will get in touch with you within 24 working hours and will book the appointment at your convenience. It’s that simple.

No more waiting during the peak holiday times, too! Learn: How to Book a Sweden Visa Appointment from the UK

Final Thoughts

Thus, to sum up, whether you are travelling for business, visiting family or friends, or simply passing through Sweden en route to a different destination, securing the right Sweden Transit Visa is very much essential. 

Keep in mind that you cannot leave the airport, and based on your nationality, residing in the UK legally will probably require you to apply in advance. During this time, always review your itinerary, apply early, and submit a clear and accurate visa application. 

Whenever you are ready to apply for a Sweden visa from the UK, remember to contact SWEDEN VISAS UK for a seamless visa appointment so that nothing can stop you from enjoying the trip. 

Frequently asked questions:

Can I use a Sweden Transit Visa to visit another Schengen country during a layover?

No, you cannot. A type A transit visa only allows the traveller to remain in the airport’s international transit zone. This is why you cannot leave the airport or enter any Schengen territory. 

Are layovers less than 4 hours exempt from requiring a transit visa?

No. Transit visa requirements depend on the travellers nationality not on the layover time. Some nationals will have to get a transit visa approved regardless how short the layover is.

Can I use a transit visa issued by another Schengen country to transit via Sweden?

No. You will have to apply specifically for a Sweden Transit Visa if the transit point is through Sweden. Other Schengen country’s transit visas won’t be valid.

What happens to my transit, if my flight is rerouted instead of Sweden through another Schengen country?

If you are rerouted mid flight through another Schengen country due to technical difficulty, then the Sweden Transit visa may not be valid. However the flight officials of that Schengen country along with the flight company’s customer care can help you more detail during that time.