Safety and security

Terrorism

As of 17 August 2023, the threat level for terrorism in Sweden is currently assessed by the Swedish authorities as being at level four (out of five). Level four means that there is a high threat of terrorism and that the Swedish National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT) assesses the probability that actors have the intention and ability to carry out attacks to be high.

In a statement on 17 August 2023, the Chief of the National Security Service encouraged all those in Sweden to maintain vigilance at all times, to monitor reliable local media sources for the most recent information and to follow the instructions issued by the Swedish authorities.

The Embassy of Ireland in Sweden asks its citizens to adhere fully to the advice of the Swedish authorities on security matters. The Embassy continues to closely monitor the situation. Further information from the Swedish authorities can be found here. 

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in Sweden but you should take sensible precautions. 

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place 
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible

Reporting a crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Sweden, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy if you need help.

In an emergency you can call 112 and ask to speak to the police. The operator will be able to speak English. In non-emergency situations, you can report a crime to the nearest police station or call 114 14 to file a police report.

Driving

The rules of the road in Sweden are broadly similar to those in Ireland, and roads are modern and well maintained. Be aware that conditions can be hazardous, especially in winter, when you should equip your car for the severe climate.

• Bring your full Irish driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught. Alcohol levels equal to or more than 0.1 milligrams of alcohol per litre of breath can result in imprisonment for a maximum of 24 months
• Be aware of Sweden’s traffic laws, such as speed limits
• Winter tyres are obligatory from 1 December to 1 April each year, but you must drive with your headlights on at all times throughout the entire year 
• Drivers are obliged to give priority to pedestrians at all times
• When driving in Sweden, particularly in the north of the country, wild animals straying on the roads, such as deer and elk, can be an added danger 
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Pedestrians

You should be aware that the traffic will be coming from the opposite direction to traffic in Ireland. Be extra careful at night when walking along roads without a proper pavement and when crossing roads, even at a designated crossing place.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Alcohol

The Swedish authorities have little tolerance for public drunkenness and police have the right to detain people they judge to be very intoxicated.

Health

Travel Insurance

We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.   
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

European Health Insurance Card

As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. Ensure that you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for the E111) before you go, and remember, you need one for every person travelling in your group.

Apply for your EHIC and find out more information.

The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer. It doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Also, some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so you should check with the hospital administrator beforehand.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens don’t need a visa to enter Sweden. You can stay as a visitor for up to three months, but if you intend to stay for longer, you should contact a Migration Board office.

Cash/banking

Swedish Krona is the official currency of Sweden. Major credit cards are widely accepted, but cheques are not.