Travel Advice for Sweden - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
/Advice/Sweden?20020904SEFriday, 02 March 2012, 17:38:29, +1100
2012 Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeWhile every care has been taken in preparing this travel
information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its
agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff
abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in
respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels
| Sweden overall | Exercise normal safety precautions |
The overall level of the advice has not changed.
The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Summary
We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions.
On 11 December 2010, two explosions occurred in a shopping district of central Stockholm, causing minor injuries to two people and killing the suspected perpetrator.
On 4 October 2010, the Swedish Security Service raised the terrorist threat level for Sweden from low to elevated (from two to three on a five point scale). The elevated level remains in place. On the basis of the increased level, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs issued a travel warning calling on travellers to observe increased vigilance and caution and to be alert in public places, in and around public buildings, at tourist attractions, on public transport and in other places with large crowds.
There is an ongoing risk of terrorism in Europe. In recent years, terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities, such as Glasgow, London, Madrid and Moscow. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking European locations.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sweden for the most up-to-date information.
When travelling from a non European Union (EU) or European Economic Area country (including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), you are allowed to bring a three month supply of medicine for personal use. Depending on the classification, some medication, including natural remedies, may not be permitted to be brought into Sweden. Visit the Swedish Medical Products Agency website for more information.
Sweden is a party to the Schengen Convention, along with 24 other European countries, which allows you to enter Sweden without a visa in some circumstances. See our travel bulletin on the Schengen Convention, for further information.
People travelling directly to or from a country outside the European Union (EU) carrying 10,000 euros or more in cash (or the equivalent amount in another currency) are required to declare the cash at the place of their arrival or departure from the EU. Travellers failing to declare the cash or providing incomplete or incorrect information will incur a fine. There is no requirement to declare cash for people travelling to or from another EU country.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Terrorism
We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
On 11 December 2010 two explosions occurred in a shopping district of central Stockholm, causing minor injuries to two people and killing the suspected perpetrator.
On 4 October 2010, the Swedish Security Service raised the terrorist threat level for Sweden from low to elevated (from two to three on a five point scale). The elevated level remains in place On the basis of the increased level, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs issued a travel warning calling on travellers to observe increased vigilance and caution and to be alert in public places, in and around public buildings, at tourist attractions, on public transport and in other places with large crowds.
There is an ongoing risk of terrorism in Europe. In recent years, terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities, such as Glasgow, London, Madrid and Moscow. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking European locations.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil unrest/political tension
Civil disturbances or protests may occur in Sweden. You should avoid all such demonstrations and public gatherings.
Crime
Crime rates are low, although serious assaults occasionally occur.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are common on the street, particularly during the warmer months (May-September). Pickpocketing can also occur at popular tourist attractions, museums, railway stations, restaurants and other public places including hotel foyers and breakfast rooms.
In an emergency you can call 112 and request to speak to the police. The operator will be able to respond in English. In non-emergency situations you can report a crime to the nearest police station or call 114 14 to file a police report.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. ATMs are widely available in the larger cities. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery, cameras, purses, wallets and passports are tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
When driving, headlights must be on at all times.
Roads can be dangerous in winter due to icy conditions. Winter tyres are a legal requirement from 1 December to 31 March. The Swedish Transport Administration provides detailed information on road conditions. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Sweden, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for all drug offences, even for possession of small amounts, include heavy fines and imprisonment.
The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in Sweden is 0.02. This is lower than Australia's limit of 0.05 and, in effect, means you cannot drink alcohol at all if you are driving. Penalties for drink driving are harsh.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Information for dual nationals
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Health
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. Sweden has a high cost of living and medical services can be expensive.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
The standard of medical facilities in Sweden is comparable with Australia, although emergency services are limited in remote areas. Main hospitals are located in Stockholm, Gothenburg and the Malmo area. English is widely spoken.
Travel in forested areas and the Stockholm Archipelago brings risk of exposure to tick-borne encephalitis. Ticks are very common in country areas and are active from spring to autumn (March to November).
Australia and Sweden are signatories to a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) which covers travellers who visit Sweden for less than 90 days. The agreement provides Australians with access to emergency medical services. Travellers should be aware that the RHCA does not provide the same level of medical cover as provided by Medicare in Australia, nor does it provide cover for ongoing treatment of pre-existing health conditions, medical evacuation, prescription medicines or elective surgery.
Australians wishing to access emergency treatment under the RHCA must advise medical staff in Sweden and present an Australian passport and a valid Medicare card to be eligible. Where Australian identification cannot be provided, a patient may receive treatment and may be required to pay fees applicable for non-residents, which could be up to approximately $250 or more.
The RHCA does not replace the need for private travel health insurance. See Medicare Australia's website for more information.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to get help
In Sweden, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy, Stockholm
Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor
111 64 Stockholm, SWEDEN
Telephone +46 (0) 8 613 2900
Facsimile +46 (0) 8 613 2982
Email: reception@austemb.se
Website:
www.sweden.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Sweden, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Sweden experiences extremely cold winters and heavy snowfall. This may cause delays to public transport.
Storms, rockslides, floods and strong winds may occur.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.