Sweden

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Sweden for information on U.S.-Sweden relations.

Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is on the right in Sweden as in the United States.

• Road signs use standard international symbols and Swedish text. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transportation only.
• Swedish roads are comparable to those in the United States, though secondary roads may be less heavily traveled. Slower vehicles are expected to move onto the shoulder to allow faster moving vehicles to pass.
• All vehicles on the road must have their headlights turned on, no matter the time of day. You must use snow tires between December 1 and March 31, and you should be experienced driving on ice and snow, if you are going to drive in the winter.
• Gas stations in rural areas can be far apart. Some gas stations are unattended and require a credit card with a chip to purchase fuel; some U.S. banks will issue this type of card upon request.
• You must use seat belts, and children under 135cm (4.45ft) in height must be seated in approved child or booster seats. 
  

Traffic Laws:  You can use a valid U.S. driver's license while visiting Sweden, but you must be at least 18 years old to drive

• The maximum speed limit is 120 kilometers per hour (approximately 75 miles per hour).
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs, is considered a very serious offense. The maximum legal blood-alcohol level is .02-- much lower than in the United States. Swedish police often conduct alcohol tests on roads and highways. The rules are strictly enforced and fines can be severe, including possible jail sentences.  

Public Transportation: Public transport in Sweden is the recommended method of travel.

• Passenger trains, intercity buses, and airplanes provide regular service over longer distances. Public transportation in urban centers includes buses, subways, trams, suburban trains, and taxis.
  
• Taxis are more expensive than in major U.S. cities. Most local residents use public transport in Stockholm, as parking can be hard to find and expensive. The bus, train, and subway systems are considered safe. Cyclists are common on many roads, especially in urban areas. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Also, we suggest that you visit the website of  Sweden’s national tourist office and the SwedishTransport Administration.

Aviation Safety Oversight:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Sweden’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Sweden’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Sweden has been subject to terrorist incidents in the past, and the potential for a terrorist incident remains. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Sweden's open borders with its Western European neighbors could permit terrorist groups to enter and exit the country with anonymity. You should remain vigilant and exercise caution.

Crime: Sweden has a low crime rate, though violent crime does occur.

• Most crimes involve the theft of personal property from vehicles,  residences,  and public areas. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching continue to be problematic as well. Many U.S. citizens fall victim to these highly skilled thieves, especially at the main train stations in Stockholm and Gothenburg, and while riding the bus or train to and from airports.
• Pickpockets and purse-snatchers often work in pairs or groups so one can distract the victim while the other grabs the items; often, they operate in or near major tourist attractions such as Stockholm's Old Town, and places frequented by tourists.
• Hotel breakfast rooms and lobbies attract thieves who blend in with guests..
• Do not leave your valuables in parked vehicles. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law. 

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:
Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(46) (8) 785-5300.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide information on Sweden’s Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts. 
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.