Alert: COVID-19 Update #26: Border Closure and Canceled Flights from Denmark and U.K.; New COVID-19 recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Sweden; Extension of Travel Restrictions for Entry into Sweden; Embassy closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.
Event: The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the rapidly changing conditions due to COVID-19 in Sweden and in other locations worldwide. The most current information regarding the impact of COVID-19 may be found at our COVID Information Page.
On December 21, Sweden announced the closure of the border with Denmark and the cancelation of flights from the United Kingdom, due to the new variant of the SARS-COVID-2 virus. Swedish non-citizen legal residents currently in the United Kingdom will not be allowed to return to Sweden while the entry ban remains in effect. There are exceptions to permit entry into Sweden from Denmark by Swedish non-citizen legal residents who live or work in Sweden. Travelers should continue to check carrier schedules for the latest updates on availability and refer to Swedish authorities for the latest information, including self-isolation and COVID testing recommendations for people who recently traveled to the United Kingdom. The press announcement and the Swedish Police Authority website contain further information in English.
In a December 18 press release, the Public Health Agency (PHA) of Sweden announced stricter guidelines and recommendations in response to increasing cases of COVID-19. These new recommendations—published in Swedish on the PHA website—announced:
A ban on the sale of alcohol after 8pm, effective December 24.
No more than four individuals per table in restaurants, effective December 24.
A cap on the number of individuals in shops with more measures taken to reduce crowding.
A recommendation to continue online schooling for high schools until January 24, 2021.
A recommendation to wear face coverings on public transport during peak hours, beginning on January 7, 2021.
A recommended closure of non-essential public services, such as museums, libraries, and swimming facilities.
All people who can work from home, should do so.
If possible, avoid physical contact with people other than those with whom you live. This includes avoiding parties or similar social gatherings.
Travelers and residents in Sweden may also review this Public Health Agency website (in Swedish) which lists all region-specific advice, or this Public Health Agency COVID-19 FAQ (in English), which is updated periodically with new information.
Sweden extended the temporary ban on the entry of all foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, into the European Union via Sweden until March 31, 2021. However, there are exceptions, including for students and certain travelers. For more information, including exceptions to the ban, please refer to the announcement or the Government’s Q&As on the entry ban.
Please be advised that the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm will be closed onDecember 24, 25, 31 and January 1. We wish all U.S citizens in Sweden a safe and healthy holiday season.
For the latest COVID-19 information, please visit the following websites:
The White House-CDC coronavirus website
U.S. Department of State’s Travel.State.Gov website
U.S. Embassy webpage on COVID-19 https://se.usembassy.gov/covid-19-coronavirus-information/ for information on conditions in Sweden
Emergency information, including COVID-related updates, from Swedish Authorities in English atKrisinformation
Travel:
Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Check with your airlines or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy, Stockholm, Sweden
Dag Hammarskjölds väg 31, 115 89 Stockholm
+46 (0) 8 783 53 00
stkacsinfo@state.gov
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We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Sweden enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Please be sure to enter your departure date.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Advisories. Read the Country Specific Information for Sweden here. For additional information, refer to “Learn About Your Destination” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate for up-to-date information on travel advisories. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. You can also download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android market, to have travel information at your fingertips. The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm is located at Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31, Stockholm and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., except for Swedish and American holidays, phone number +46 (0)8 783 5375. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is +46(0)8 783 5300.