Apply for a Visa

List of countries whose citizens require visas to visit Sweden

Since February 1st 2022 the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja is no longer processing Schengen visas. Citizens from Benin, Cameroon, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone travelling to Sweden and for applicants with other nationalities who are legally residing in any of these countries and intend to travel to Sweden are to submit their applications with VFS Global in Lagos or Abuja, Nigeria. The applications are handled by the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sweden is also handling Schengen visa applications for travellers to Latvia and Slovakia. These applications are also handled by the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Applying

You need to submit your application in good time before travelling. According to article 9 section 1 in the visa code, EU 2019/1155, you should apply not less than 15 days before the planned visit begins. The 15 days is counted from when the application is received by the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi. Consequently, you must calculate with the transportation time when planning for your submission.

A late application might be refused or in some cases a request for a new flight booking, insurance and even new invitation will be sent. A request for new documents is likely to increase the handling time further.

The normal transportation time one way is 4-5 days, between Abuja/Lagos and Nairobi.

The Embassy should handle your application within 15 days (if the application is admissible), counted from when the Embassy has received the application. If an application is not complete or if an interview or document verification is needed the handling time can be extended up to 45 days.

Inquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi by email (ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se) or phone. The Embassy´s phone hours are Monday and Wednesdays 2-3 pm and Fridays 10-11 am local Kenyan time. See the Embassy´s Website for holidays and such Contact - Sweden Abroad. The Swedish Embassy in Abuja is no longer handling Schengen visas and consequently your email will be sent to the Embassy in Nairobi. Inquiry by phone directed to the Embassy in Abuja, concerning Schengen visa, will not be answered (you will only be referred to the Embassy in Nairobi). During the peak season (May-July and November-December) you need to wait patiently for a reply.

To improve the service available to those applying for a visa we cooperate with VFS Global. You present your application in person to VFS Global in Abuja or Lagos and they can also provide you with information and other kinds of service. When the decision has been made you collect your passport and the decision at the VFS Global office in Abuja or Lagos or have it sent to your home adress for a fee. 

VFS Global charge a service fee in addition to the visa fee (for Lagos applicants there is also a courier fee). Check the VFS Global website for current fees, the application centre’s address, opening hours and for other practical information. http://www.vfsglobal.se/Nigeria/

If you are a citizen of Benin, Cameroon, Liberia or Sierra Leone you should apply for a visa at VFS Global in Nigeria.

Rules and required documents
Read about the rules, which documents are required and how you apply in the menu below.

Avoid other people selling services
Please note that the Embassy has nothing to do with sellers outside the premises of the Embassy who offer services for payment. No seller can influence either the processing period or the decision.