Sweden visa for Israeli citizens

In 2025, Sweden’s embassy and consulates in Israel (Jerusalem and Tel Aviv) received 245 applications for short-stay Schengen visas and issued 90. The refusal rate was 59.3%. The refusal rate rose by 33.9 points from 25.3% in 2024, a sharp increase. Applications fell by 19% compared with 2024 (301).

For comparison, all Schengen states together refused 18.5% of the applications lodged in Israel that year, from 2.1% at the consulates of Germany to 29.0% at those of Spain. Sweden’s consulates worldwide refused 23.1%. Sweden was the 11th most applied-for Schengen state in Israel.

You apply to the Schengen state that is your main destination (the longest stay or the main purpose; the state of first entry only when there is none), so a lower rate elsewhere is no reason to apply there. The figures cover applications lodged in Israel, by any nationality: mostly citizens, but also residents from other countries.

For a trip from Israel to Sweden, the published travel advice reads as follows: the US State Department rates Sweden at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 17 May 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Sweden (updated 11 August 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Sweden (updated 13 October 2026).

How long Israeli citizens can stay in Sweden

Israeli citizens may stay in Sweden for up to 90 days. Days in Sweden count towards the Schengen limit of 90 days in any 180-day period across all member states.

Sweden and the Schengen area

Visa-free stays of Israeli citizens in Sweden count towards the Schengen limit of 90 days in any 180-day period, shared with every other member state.

Sweden’s neighbours for Israeli citizens

Norway and Finland admit Israeli citizens visa-free.

Swedish citizens travelling to Israel

Swedish citizens do not need a visa for Israel, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.