Sweden
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Sweden. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.
You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Sweden.
It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As in other parts of the European Union, the Swedish government is fully aware of the threat of international terrorism and is taking measures to combat this threat.
CRIME
Visitors to Sweden typically experience very little crime. However, as with travelling to any country, we would advise people to use their common sense and be very careful of their passports, cash, ATM and credit cards. It is recommended that you leave your passport in a safe place in your accommodation and bring a photocopy of it when you go out. We would also advise that you bring another form of identification with you to Sweden, such as a driving licence. The loss or theft of a passport must be reported to the police as a statement of loss is required for the issuance of a new passport or emergency travel documents.
LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS
Consumption of Alcohol
The Swedish authorities have little tolerance for public drunkenness and police have the right to detain people they judge to be very intoxicated. As in many other countries, drunk driving is a serious offence in Sweden. Driving while under the influence of alcohol (regarded as equal to or more than 0.1 milligrams of alcohol per litre of breath) can result in imprisonment for a maximum of 24 months.
ROAD SAFETY
If you plan to drive in Sweden, be aware that conditions can be hazardous especially in winter, when you should equip your car for the severe climate. Winter tyres are obligatory from 1st December to 1st April each year. 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 (e.g. deer, elk) can be an added danger. You are legally required to carry your driving licence with you and we advice that you should carry your vehicle registration documents and insurance details also. Pedestrians should also be vigilant and aware that the traffic will be coming from the opposite direction to traffic in Ireland. They should be particularly aware of the additional danger at night, when walking along roads without a proper pavement and when crossing roads even at a designated crossing place.
