Swedish Consulate Washington DC – 5 Easy Steps to Apply for Sweden Schengen Visa

Sweden is one of the most beautiful countries in the European Union. There are plenty of opportunities for exploring the stunning countryside which is full of lakes, forests, and mountains, perfect for hiking and winter sports. The cities and towns too are a joy to be in too. Head to Stockholm for its nightlife and some delicious food and drink on offer. Or what about some older towns where there are fascinating palaces and castles to see. Whatever you do and wherever you go here, you’ll be left wanting more. In this article learn more about how to apply for Sweden Visa at the Swedish consulate in Washington, DC, Sweden visa appointment booking, Processing time at the Swedish visa application center and Swedish Visa Application Process at the Washington DC consulate.

Schengen Visa

Last year, there were a total of 248,347 Swedish Schengen visa applications received. 9.90% of these were denied. The Embassy of Sweden in Washington dealt with 3,225 applications and issued 2,943.

Applying for Schengen Visa from the United States

There is no need to apply for a visa to enter Sweden if you are a US citizen. However, if you are not, but you live permanently in the US you do need a visa for Sweden. This ruling is for visas up to a maximum of 90 days. If you are planning on staying for over 90 days, then, regardless of your nationality, you will probably need to visa. Read on for further information. You have to make sure you apply at the right Swedish embassy and consulate.

The Embassy of Sweden in Washington deals with applications from people residing in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. If you live in any of those states, then you are able to submit your visa application to the Embassy in Washington.

Types of Schengen Visas Offered at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington

The type of visa you apply for will depend on how long you are planning to go to Sweden for.

Schengen visas – this is a short-stay visa for up to a maximum of 90 days. They are issued as single, double, or multiple entry.

National visas – this is a long-stay visa and is valid for over 90 days. They are issued as single or multiple entry.

Depending on why you wish to travel to Sweden will determine the category of visa you apply for:

1. Tourism
2. Business
3. Visiting family and friends
4. Study
5. Medical reasons
6. Residence
7. Employment/Business
8. Research

It’s a good idea to check the Embassy’s website for further information on the types of visas and what you need to do.

Schengen Visa Application Process at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington

The Embassy of Sweden in Washington has outsourced the submission of Schengen visa applications to VFS Global, so if you are applying for this type of visa you need to hand over your application and supporting documents to the visa application center in Washington.

If you are applying for a National visa, you may also need to get a work permit and/or residence permit. If this applies to you, your application can be submitted to the Embassy in Washington but they will forward your documents to the Swedish Migration Agency for processing. For further information, go to the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for details on how to apply.

Complete the requested information in the application guide and scroll down for more information about the kind of residence permit you need:

Whichever visa you are applying for, you must apply in plenty of time for your application to be processed. Current turnaround times are around 15 days. You can apply anytime from 90 days at the earliest to 15 days at the latest. Rush processing is not available, so don’t leave it too late.

Step 1: Complete your application

Applications for Schengen visas are made through VFS Global. Click on: “How to apply”:

You have 2 options. You can send your application by mail. To check whether you are able to do this, click on the link:

This page will tell you whether you qualify. If so, click on: “Application form” and you’ll be able to print this off and complete it:

The second option is to apply, in person, through VFS Global. If this applies, you can download the application form for completing there:

For residence permits, you can complete your application on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.

Or complete it online. You’ll need to register as a new user before you can do this. If you choose to do this you need to submit your application in person to the Embassy of Sweden in Washington. If not, it will be submitted electronically to the Swedish Migration Agency.

Step 2: Make an appointment 

For Schengen visa applications, go to VFS Global’s website and click on either link:

Scroll down to step 3 and click on: “Schedule an appointment”:

Next, input your login details if you have them:

Or, create an account if you need to. You’ll then be able to log in and book a suitable day and time for your appointment:

Make sure you print your appointment letter as you will need this when you go for your appointment at VFS Global.

VFS Global will receive your application but it is the Swedish Embassy in Washington that agrees to the visa or not.

For long-term visas, once you have received notification from the Swedish Migration Agency that they have received your application, you can contact the Swedish Embassy and schedule an appointment.

Making appointments with the embassy or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Step 3: Preparing your documents for submission to VFS Global or the Swedish Embassy in Washington

Before you begin to prepare your documents, check what documents are required for your visa application. This will save time and prevent delays. If there is anything missing, your application won’t be processed. You must also provide originals as well as photocopies, so don’t forget to do that – this counts as an incomplete application.

Documents include:   

1) Visa application form – completed and signed

2) Passport – valid for 3 months past trip, issued no longer than 10 years ago and has 2 blank pages for visa

3) Residence card or valid US visa with permission to re-enter

4) Passport-sized photo

5) Proof of professional status

– Employee: employer letter OR last 3 pay slips

– Student: letter from the educational institution

– Self-employed: corporation license and tax return

– Unemployed/Retired: proof of pension income/marriage certificate/employment proof/spouse’s passport etc.

6) Proof of financial means – 3 x bank statements

7) Flight booking or other proof of transport

8) Proof of hotel booking or other forms of accommodation

9) Travel medical insurance valid for the entire Schengen area with a minimum of €30,000 to cover medical costs, emergency treatment, and repatriation

10) Birth certificate

11) Parental consent form/parent’s ID/declaration of consent (for minors)

12) Details of sponsorship/event

13) FBI record check

14) Work contract/enrollment letter/proof of property ownership/letter of invitation etc.

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2. Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

Step 4: Attend your visa interview

If you haven’t applied by mail, get to VFS Global in Washington or the Swedish Embassy early in order to attend your interview and submit your documents. Remember to take:

1. Completed application form
2. Appointment letter
3. Supporting documents (including photocopies)

Also, dress smartly as this will ensure you make a good impression in front of the visa staff.

When it’s your turn, the staff will review your application. If they need to clarify anything you have stated, they make ask interview questions like:

1. Why are you traveling to Sweden?
2. What do you know about Sweden and the Schengen zone?
3. Are you meeting family and friends there?
4. What do you do in the US?
5. What are you going to do when you return to the US?

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

You will also pay the fee for your visa application. This is non-refundable even if your application is denied. There is also an additional service fee of $33 payable to VFS Global. Plus, if you wish to have your passport mailed to you, VFS Global charge $30 for this service. You can pay by cashier’s check or money order payable to VFS Services USA Inc.

The Embassy accepts money orders or certified bank checks. These should be payable to the Embassy of Sweden.

For postal applications, you should prepare 2 money orders or cashier’s checks:

1. $65 payable to the Embassy of Sweden
2. $63 payable to VFS Services USA Inc. ($33 service charge and $30 for return by mail)

Schengen Visa Fee

If you have never applied for a Schengen visa before, you will have to provide biometric data which includes fingerprints and a photograph taken.

Step 5: Receive your visa

After your appointment, you can track the status of it by using the VFS tracking system. Go to VFS Global’s website and click on: “After submission” and click on the link:

Enter your reference number and date of birth and click on: “Submit”:

If a decision has been reached, you can collect your passport or have it returned to you by mail.

VFS Global does not accept pre-paid envelopes for this service which is why you need to pay for UPS courier.

With any luck, you’ll find your visa in your passport. However, it may have been rejected for something. Common visa rejection reasons are:

1. Damaged passport
2. Previous Schengen visa still active
3. No hotel booking
4. Lack of funds
5. Reason for the trip not clear
6. Signatures missing

To prevent your application from being rejected for any of the above reasons make sure your passport is not damaged in any way – you need a new one before applying if this is the case. Check to see if you already have a visa in order not to waste your time or the application center’s. Present all the required documents, sign where appropriate, and make it clear why you want to travel to Sweden.

Contact details for VFS Global in Washington DC

Address: 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005

Email: Sweden.usa@vfsglobal.com

Telephone: 347-329-2738 – Call center is open Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 3.00 pm (submission of applications)

Monday to Friday, 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm (collection of passports)

Contact details for the Embassy of Sweden in Washington

Address: 2900 K Street NW, Washington DC 20007

Email: ambassaden.washington@gov.se

Telephone: +1 202 467 2600

Fax: +1 202 467 2699

Hours: Monday to Tuesday, 8.30 am to 5.00 pm

Passport hours: 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm

Visa phone hours: Monday and Thursday, 11.00 am to 12.00 pm

Conclusion

So, 5 easy steps to apply for your Sweden Schengen visa:

1. Complete your application
2. Make an appointment
3. Prepare your documents for submission to VFS Global
4. Attend your interview
5. Receive your visa

Once you get to step 5, you will hopefully find your visa in your passport, so you can get on with the next step – counting down the days until you leave for Sweden!

At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.