ESTA for Swedish Citizens - ESTAForm.org
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ESTA for Swedish Citizens

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Sweden joined the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 1989 allowing Swedish citizens to enjoy the benefits of being able to apply for an ESTA as opposed to a US visa. ESTA is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization and has a faster and visa application. easier application process than the traditional.

ESTA Requirements and Important Information

  • ESTA is valid for two years, or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
  • ESTA is limited to trips of up to 90 days
  • Required for travellers either flying or arriving by sea to the US
  • Requires a valid, biometric passport is required
  • For tourism, business, medical or transit purposes
  • Children must have their own ESTA
  • Multiple visits to the US are allowed on same ESTA
Application for Swedish Citizens

Benefits of Applying for ESTA for Swedish Citizens

As well as being the simpler process for gaining travel authorization for visiting the US, there are numerous other benefits of an ESTA. One such benefit is that an ESTA can be used for multiple visits to the US, provided that the passport it is linked to is still valid.

The processing time for an ESTA is considerably quicker than the processing time for a visa. Applying for a US visa requires the completion of a more detailed form, as well as an interview at the embassy and supporting documents are usually requested too.

Citizens from Sweden are eligible for an ESTA if they are travelling to the US for a trip that will not exceed 90 days and that is for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.

How Swedish Citizens Can Apply For ESTA

Citizens from Sweden are able to apply for ESTA using the online ESTA form that takes around 20 minutes to complete. The form requires personal information and passport details to be provided and also has a set of eligibility questions that will determine whether the application will be approved.

The answers will be screened by the US Department of Homeland Security along with background checks that they will perform to identify any known risks to the US. If the ESTA is declined you will receive an email to advise you of the decision. Once you have completed the ESTA form, you will need to pay the application fee with a credit or debit card.

US ESTA for Swedish Citizens: What Information Is Requested in the Application Form?

Swedish visitors must complete the online application form in order to receive an ESTA. They must fill out a straightforward questionnaire and provide the following personal information:

  • Whole name
  • Nationality
  • Born on [date]
  • Nation of birth
  • Occupation

In addition, Swedes must include the following contact information:

  • Private address
  • Call-in number
  • Inbox address
  • Emergency numbers

While entering their passport data, applicants must include the following information:

  • PIN for a passport
  • Date of passport issue
  • Expiration of a passport
  • Occupation

Swedes will also go on to offer the following security and medical information:

  • Security background
  • Medical past
  • Specifics of any prior trips to the United States

What Is the ESTA Application Processing Time?

Once Swedish individuals have submitted their ESTA applications, the United States Division of Homeland Security reviews them. The checking system typically takes under 20 minutes, but in some cases, it can take up to 72 hours before you get a response.

When to Apply For An ESTA?

It's recommended that all travelers apply for the ESTA at least three days before their planned journey to cover potential delays. If possible, it is best to request an ESTA as soon as you start planning your trip of before you purchase the airplane tickets.

ESTA Validity: How Long Does the Approval Last?

An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the expiration date of the user's passport. Swedish Citizens will need to apply for a new authorisation if their ESTA expires.

Can Swedish Nationals Extend Their Stay With the US ESTA?

After the expiration of 90 days, Swedish nationals are obliged to leave the US as it’s not possible to extend your stay under a US ESTA.

Under What Circumstances Will Swedes Need a New ESTA?

When any of the following situations occur, Swedes must apply for a new ESTA:

  • The passport is about to expire;
  • The new passport is issued;
  • Users alter your name and gender;
  • The responses to the ESTA qualifying requirements alter.

Important Advice for ESTA Application

If you are applying for an ESTA, it is important that you complete your details on the form very carefully, as a mistake could mean that your application is refused and you would be unable to visit the US. Once you have completed your information, read through your application several times to check for any errors. If you need to re-apply for your ESTA then you will need to pay another application fee and your application could be significantly delayed.

What if my ESTA is Declined?

If your ESTA application is declined, you might still be able to travel to US using a visa instead. Firstly, if your ESTA has been declined, it could be due to an error and you may be able to re-apply with the correct details. If this is not the case, you can complete a DS-160 form for a US visa and attend an interview at the US Embassy to apply for a visa.

The US Embassy in Sweden:

US Embassy Stockholm
Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31
SE-115 89 Stockholm

Are US ESTA and a US Visa the Same?

There is a big difference between ESTA and visa:

  • For ESTA, the user applies online, while for a visa he must go to the US embassy.
  • The process of obtaining and approving ESTA is considerably faster.
  • The costs for ESTA are lower compared to Visa.
  • Visa gives greater privileges to the user and guarantees entry into the US and is used for a longer period, while ESTA allows a stay of no more than 90 days.
Under What Circumstances Should Swedes Apply for a US Visa Instead of an ESTA?

An individual will need a visa instead of an ESTA if they:

  • Plan a trip that is longer than 90 days.
  • The trip will not be for medical purposes, tourism or business, but for some other reasons, such as studying or permanent residence.
  • Previously rejected for ESTA.
  • They do not meet the conditions for obtaining ESTA.
Do Children Need the ESTA Too?

All individuals must obtain an ESTA prior to traveling to the USA, independent of their age. Of course, parents or legal guardians may apply for the ESTA on behalf of minors.

Can I Create ESTA Applications for Others?

If you're applying for ESTA, it's possible to also submit applications for others who are traveling with or without you to the US. This is known as the ESTA group application, allowing you to apply for up to fifty individuals for an ESTA - even if they don't all travel together. Nonetheless, one single ID will be issued to recognise all travelers included in the request.

Do Swedish Dual Citizens of the United States or Canada Need an ESTA?

If you possess Swedish citizenship with a dual nationality of either the USA or Canada, then no ESTA or visa application will be required. U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends travelers utilise their American or Canadian passports when crossing into the States.

Benefits of ESTA for Swedish citizens:
  • Processing is fast
  • Use for tourism, business, medical or transit
  • Valid for US stays up to 90 days
  • Application form is quick to complete
  • Use mobile or desktop to fill in form
  • Use for multiple visits to US
Find Out More About ESTA Travel Approval

Anyone planning to apply for ESTA is advised to visit the FAQ page and ESTA requirements page for additional information.

Written by Abisola Fikayomi

Abisola is an accomplished writer interested in US Travel, immigration, passports and visas. She’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures and willing to share her experiences, expertize and findings with others. That is her primary drive for specialising in this industry.

FAQs

Swedes need a visa for America if their trip lasts longer than 90 days. Also, they will need it if they are planning activities that are not touristic or business-related.
Yes, you can, but your trip must not last longer than 90 days. In addition, the trip can be exclusively for tourist or business reasons.
Persons with a criminal record or who previously exceeded the 90-day stay limit are not eligible for ESTA. Also, people who have any infectious diseases cannot use ESTA.