Yes, a visa is required to travel from Ethiopia to Sweden.
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Do I need a visa for Sweden from Ethiopia?
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Ethiopian travellers must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Sweden as tourists. The adult fee is usually €90 and processing normally takes 15 to 45 days.
Ethiopia is not exempt from Schengen visas, so an Ethiopian national must secure a visa before travelling to Sweden. The application is lodged in Addis Ababa, where the Embassy of Sweden uses the VFS Global centre to receive files. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. An Ethiopian passport does not permit visa-free entry to the Schengen area; a short-stay (Type C) visa is required for a tourist trip to Sweden. Sweden must be your main destination or first point of entry for the application to fall under its embassy.
How and where to apply
Complete the Schengen visa application form, then book an appointment at the VFS Global centre in Addis Ababa, which accepts files on behalf of the Swedish Embassy. You attend in person to submit the application and give your fingerprints. The file is then forwarded to the embassy for a decision.
Documents and fees
Gather a valid passport, the signed form, recent photos, proof of accommodation, a return flight reservation and evidence of funds. Travel medical insurance of at least €30,000 covering the Schengen area is required. The visa fee is generally €90 for an adult, plus the VFS Global service charge; check the current amount before paying.
Processing time and practical tips
Processing usually takes 15 to 45 days, so apply well ahead of departure because appointments in Addis Ababa can be slow to obtain. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned exit from the Schengen area. Keep all your travel documents, as border officers may ask to see them.
Common mistakes and good to know
Do not apply to Sweden if the main part of your trip takes place in another Schengen country. Insufficient funds or non-compliant insurance are among the leading reasons for refusal. Avoid buying a non-changeable ticket until the visa has been issued.
Official sources
- Sweden Abroad — Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa
- Migrationsverket — Swedish Migration Agency (visitor visas)
- VFS Global — Sweden visa application centre
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Sweden from Ethiopia?▾
Yes, a consular visa is required: applications are made at the embassy or consulate before departure (allowed stay: 5 years).
How long can you stay in Sweden?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 5 years.
What other visa types exist for Sweden?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Sweden offers among others: Job seeker permit (highly qualified), Self-employed permit, EU Blue Card, Work permit, Study residence permit, Researcher permit.
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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