Can I travel back to Sweden? Q&A about lockdown

Feb 10, 2021 by

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The following information is provided by the Swedish embassy in London.

Latest update 10/2 2021.

 

Q&A about lockdown and travel

The situation is changing rapidly and the answers below can quickly become obsolete. Travellers are therefore encouraged to follow the update via the media and to heed the recommendations of national and local authorities. The embassy’s travel information is continuously updated based on the best information available at the moment.

 

Is the embassy open?

Yes, the embassy is open. Passports can be picked up during regular opening hours, see the website. For other questions about passports and visas see this link.

 

The situation in the UK
Lockdown in England

On January 4, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new national lockdown. You who live or stay in England may only leave your home for specific purposes. Travel should only take place locally, and be minimized.

National and international travel may only take place if you have a legal right to travel. British authorities announced on January 28 that people who do not have a valid reason to travel may be directed by police to return home. Fines can be issued. If you are on a temporary visit to England, you are allowed to return home. The embassy does not issue travel certificates, nor can it answer which documents are approved by the British authorities.

Travel to the embassy for passport or visa matters is considered a special reason to leave home.

See links for information on what applies where you stay and stay updated.

 

England

Wales

Northern Ireland

Scotland

 

Travel to Sweden
No entry from the UK to Sweden

 

Since 22 December, an entry ban has been in force for travel from the United Kingdom to Sweden. The entry ban has been extended on several occasions and applies until 31 March 2021 or until further notice.

 

Read more under No entry from the UK to Sweden.

 

I am a Swedish citizen, do I need to test for covid-19 before travelling to Sweden?

No, you do not need to test yourself before travelling but are asked to test yourself when you return to Sweden, as well as after 5 days and self-isolate for a week.
I am not a Swedish citizen, do I need to test for covid-19 before travelling to Sweden?
Yes, unless you belong to a category that is exempt from test requirements. More information at regeringen.se
During the lockdown, can I as a Swedish citizen travel to Sweden on holiday?
No. International travel is only allowed for special reasons, such as necessary business travel.
I am a Swedish citizen on a temporary visit to the UK, can I travel home to Sweden?
Yes, as a Swedish citizen you are always allowed back into your country.
During the lockdown, can I visit my family in Sweden?
The basic rule is that you must follow local rules and restrictions for the place you live in. If you live in England, you may only leave home for specific reasons. These apply to both local travel and international travel. More information can be found on the UK Government’s website.
Travel to the UK Do I need to test myself before travelling to the UK?
Yes, from 18 January, tests are required for travel to England and Scotland. More information under Special entry regulations. From 15 February, there are also requirements for tests on day 2 and day 8.
Do I need to be quarantined if I travel to the UK?
Yes, if you arrive in the UK, a mandatory 10-day quarantine applies.
Do I need to be in a hotel during my quarantine?
From 15 February, Scotland will introduce mandatory hotel quarantine for all entrants. More information here.
– From 15 February, England introduces hotel quarantine for entry from countries from which entry bans apply. Sweden is not among these countries. For travel from Sweden, continued testing before departure and 10 days of self-isolation at home apply. Two more tests will be taken, day two and day eight. More information here.
I read that you can pay for a test and shorten the quarantine?
Yes, in some cases it is possible to shorten the quarantine period by self-isolating for 5 days and paying for a Covid test yourself, as well as testing negative. More information can be found here.
Do I need to think about something before I travel to the UK?
Yes, in addition to tests before departure, you need to fill in a form with contact information.
The form can be completed no earlier than 48 hours before your arrival time in the UK. The form must be completed before you travel. You can download the form here.
Are there exceptions to the quarantine?
There are some exceptions to the quarantine, see link for detailed information.
What should I do if I get covid-19 symptoms?
If you develop symptoms of covid-19, you and those you live with should follow the authorities’ guidelines for self-isolation and testing. Read more via the link.

Healthcare

If I’m in the UK and get sick, where do I get in touch?
The agreement between the EU and the UK addresses the healthcare issue with a comprehensive social protocol and the current arrangements will, according to the European Commission, be largely unchanged. Read more on this page.
If you suspect you may be infected with coronavirus, follow the recommendations of your local health authority. 
If you live in the UK, you should register with a general practitioner, a so-called General Practitioner (GP).
Here you can find a GP.  After registration, the resident is assigned a National Health Number.
Photo Unsplash
We get many questions about whether your Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status will be affected if you spend an extended period of time in Sweden during the Coronavirus outbreak. If you have not had your Settlement status approved yet, we recommend that you remain in the UK until you have a confirmed status. We also advise that you apply ASAP –> Hur söker man Settled/Pre-settled Status?

 

Can you apply for pre-settled status outside the UK?
You can apply for Settlement Status under the EU Settlement Scheme from outside the UK. You must use the EU Exit: ID Document Check app to verify that you’re entitled to apply from outside the UK. If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you must use your UK residence card with a biometric chip.
How long can I leave the country if I have Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status?

 

With Settled Status, you can leave the UK for a period of up to five years. If you stay away longer, you may lose your status.
If you have Pre-Settled Status, you can spend up to 2 years in a row outside the UK without losing your status. You will need to maintain your continuous residence if you want to qualify for Settled Status after 5 years.

 

 

The Swedish Embassy links