Sweden Schengen Visa for Afghan citizens: Requirements and application process

Sweden offers fantastic attractions, whether you're seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or a relaxing getaway. As an Afghan citizen planning a trip to Sweden, you must familiarize yourself with the Sweden Schengen Visa requirements and application process.

Don’t worry, you can count on our services for full guidance and a smooth application. This article provides all you need to know about the requirements and application process for the Sweden Schengen Visa for Afghan citizens.

What is the Sweden Schengen Visa for citizens of Afghanistan?

The Sweden Schengen Visa for citizens of Afghanistan allows you to visit Sweden and stay for up to 90 days per entry. Sweden is a Schengen country, which means it’s part of the Schengen Agreement.

This means that you can explore not just Sweden but also 26 other fantastic Schengen countries without the hassle of getting separate visas for each country. How awesome is that?

There are various Schengen Visa types. When completing your application form, you must inform which of the following travel purposes suits you the most:

• Tourism.

• Business activities.

• Visiting friends or family members.

• Attend cultural events (e.g., artists, singers).

• Attend sports events (e.g., athletes).

• Official visit.

• Medical reasons.

• Airport transit.

Do Afghan citizens need a Sweden Schengen Visa?

Yes, Afghan citizens must get a Sweden Schengen Visa before traveling to Sweden.

We understand that the visa application process can sometimes be overwhelming. But worry not! We’re here to provide all the necessary information to ensure a smooth and stress-free application experience.

Get your visa and get ready to visit Sweden and the Schengen Area!

Am I eligible to get a Sweden Schengen Visa in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is among the 100 eligible countries to apply for the Sweden Schengen Visa. If you aren’t Afghan, we recommend using our convenient Visa Checker Tool to explore the specific visa requirements for your nationality.

To be eligible for a Sweden Schengen Visa, in addition to being a citizen of Afghanistan and meeting the general visa requirements, you must fulfill one of the following criteria:

• Your intended entry into the Schengen Zone is through Sweden.

• If you plan to visit multiple countries within the Schengen Zone, Sweden must be your primary destination where you will spend most of your time.

Schengen Visa from Afghanistan: What other European countries can I visit with this visa?

The Sweden Schengen visas allow you to visit these 27 countries in the Schengen territory:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Benefits of getting the Sweden Schengen Visa with us

We understand that applying for a Sweden Schengen Visa can be daunting, but with us, you'll experience an easy and stress-free process. Here are some of the amazing benefits you'll enjoy when you decide to get your Sweden Schengen Visa with us:

• Application 100% government-compliant: Our dedicated team will thoroughly review your online application form to ensure that each answer meets the government's requirements. You can trust us to handle all the necessary checks.

• Access to our iVisa Experts: Our team of iVisa Experts will guide you during the process. They’ll be available to address any of your questions or concerns.

• Simplified form: No more confusing and lengthy embassy forms. We’ve simplified the entire process with clear and concise questions, making it a breeze to complete.

• Complete the form at your own pace: Take your time filling out the form. You can make changes and save your progress to continue where you left off before submitting.

• Manual guide: We provide a detailed guide to assist you. It is filled with helpful tips and insights to navigate the trickier sections of the application.

• Safety: Your safety and privacy are our priority. We have implemented a robust security system to safeguard your personal information.

How long is the Sweden Schengen Visa valid for Afghan citizens?

The Sweden Schengen Visa typically allows you to stay in Sweden for up to 90 days per entry within a 180-day period. The visa is usually a Multiple entry Schengen visa valid between 180 days and five years, which means you can visit Sweden multiple times during that period.

However, please note that the consular officers hold the final authority to determine the visa validity based on various factors, including the purpose of your trip.

Sweden Schengen Visa requirements in Afghanistan

To get your Sweden Schengen Visa from Afghanistan, you must meet specific requirements set by the Swedish embassy or consulate according to your travel purpose. When you apply with us, we'll provide you with a complete list of supporting documents for your specific situation.

Here are the essential Sweden Schengen visa requirements for Afghan citizens.

Required documents for the Sweden Schengen Visa for Afghan citizens

• Afghan passport.

• Completed application form.

• Proof of accommodation: hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.

• Travel itinerary: flight reservation, planned activities, and destinations during your stay in Sweden.

• Proof of enough funds to cover your trip: bank statement or other documentation showing your financial means to travel.

• Travel medical insurance to cover medical expenses: minimum coverage of €30,000.

• Police certificate stating no criminal record.

• Two passport-size photos: use our digital passport service to get one in a few clicks!

Sweden Schengen Visa from Afghanistan: Requirements for children

The Sweden Schengen Visa is also mandatory for children from Afghanistan. Parents can fill out the application on behalf of their children. Visa applications must include the following documents:

• Original birth certificate of the child.

• Copy of both parents' ID cards and passports (all pages containing any type of information).

• Written consent letter from both parents if the minor is traveling alone or from the parent who is not accompanying the child.

• If either one of the parents is absent or deceased, a court decision or death certificate must be provided, if applicable.

• A custody order must be submitted to prove legal guardianship if the legal guardian is someone other than the parent listed on the birth certificate.

• A letter from the school with the minor's name, parents' names, grade, number of years at school, school holidays, contact details, date, and name of the school representative.

• If the minor is traveling with a group, a complete list of all group members’ names traveling and the person in charge of the group.

Ensure that children have their own passports for the trip.

Sweden Schengen Visa passport requirements

Your passport must meet the following criteria:

• It must remain valid for at least six months from the moment you arrive in the Schengen zone.

• It must have at least two blank pages.

• It must be in good condition.

Sweden Schengen Visa photo requirements

Follow these instructions to meet the Sweden Schengen Visa photo requirements:

• Ensure you have two identical photos for your application.

• The photo should have been taken within the last six months.

• Ensure the photo is in color and printed on high-quality photo paper.

• The photo should measure 35mm x 45mm.

• Choose a plain and light-colored background, preferably white.

• Your face should be centered in the photo, occupying around 70-80% of the frame. Keep a neutral expression and have both eyes open.

• Headgear is allowed for religious or medical reasons, but your face must be completely visible.

• Glasses are permitted as long as they don't obstruct your eyes and there's no glare on the lenses.

Click here for further information on Schengen visa photo requirements. Or you can use our handy digital passport photo service to get your photo hassle-free!

Sweden visa: When should I apply for the Sweden Schengen Visa?

You should start your Sweden Schengen Visa application at least two months before your planned trip. This allows you sufficient time to complete the application, address any errors, and ensure you have all the required documents.

Apply in well in advance and increase your chances of receiving the visa on time for the trip.

Sweden Schengen Visa application: How to apply in Afghanistan

The Sweden visa application process is straightforward! Just follow these three simple steps to get started:

• Step 1: Fill out our your basic details here.

• Step 2: Securely pay our processing fee online using a debit card, credit card, Venmo, Amazon Pay, or PayPal. Remember, you must pay the government visa fee separately at the relevant embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre (VAC).

After online payment, answer the more detailed questions with the assistance of the manual PDF guide we’ve sent you to complete the application form.

• Step 3: Complete the simplified application form and gather all the required documents for the visa interview. We’ll send you a document checklist and step-by-step instructions to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Once you attend the appointment, you only need to wait for the visa and embark on your journey to the European Union and Sweden!

Sweden Schengen Visa appointment process

Once you have completed your application form, the next step in the Sweden Schengen Visa application process is to book an appointment at one of the visa application centers. This is where you will provide your biometric data and undergo a visa interview.

Don't worry, we’ll help you with this and give you all the necessary instructions. Before you head to your visa appointment, here are a few essential things to keep in mind:

• Gather all the required documents that demonstrate your eligibility, including the ones on the list we’ve emailed to you.

• Remember to print and sign your visa application before you go.

• Keep in mind that the Visa Application Center will hold onto your passport and documents while they process your application.

• Be prepared to travel to the nearest Visa Application Center, which may be in a different city.

At your Schengen visa appointment:

• Government officials will verify your application and enter your information into their online system. This process typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

• If you are applying for a minor (under 18), ensure both parents have signed the necessary forms.

• Remember to bring cash to pay the visa fee on the day of your interview.

How to prepare for a Schengen Visa interview

The Schengen visa application process entails submitting your documents and undergoing an interview with a consular officer. In our manual guide, we have provided detailed instructions to help you prepare. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

• Try to think ahead and anticipate the questions that the officer may ask you during the interview. These questions may be related to your travel plans, the purpose of your trip, your financial situation, and your ties to your home country.

• Practicing with someone you trust can boost your confidence and help you feel more at ease during the interview.

• Dress professionally and conservatively for the interview. This demonstrates that you take the process seriously and are prepared.

• During the interview, answer the questions truthfully and confidently. Speak clearly and directly to the interviewer, and make sure you understand their questions.

Sweden Schengen Visa fees: Visa cost for Afghan citizens

When getting a Sweden Schengen Visa with our guidance, you must consider two visa fees: our processing fee and the government Schengen Visa fee. Let's break it down for you:

• iVisa processing fee: To utilize our services, there is an application fee of USD $422.99 (excluding government fees). This fee grants you access to our exclusive guide and other benefits.

• Government Schengen Visa fee: The government fee for the Schengen Visa is approximately US$85, which needs to be paid in cash at the Visa Application Centre (VAC), Sweden embassy, or consulate.

There is a reduced fee for minors aged between 6 and 12, while children under 6 are exempt from paying the government fee.

What is the Sweden Schengen Visa processing time in 2023?

When applying with us, the process consists of two stages, each with its own time frame. Here's what you can expect:

First, there's our processing time. During this stage, we carefully handle your application, review your documents, and schedule your visa appointment.

• iVisa processing time for Afghan citizens: 30 days.

After the visa appointment, the government will process your visa request. This is 15 days or longer, and depends on the workload and your case.

My Sweden Schengen Visa in Afghanistan was denied. What should I do?

Sometimes, visa denials can occur. If this happens, you can appeal the decision. To initiate the appeal process, you must submit a signed written appeal document to the embassy within three weeks of receiving the decision.

If you initially applied on your own and faced a denial, we strongly recommend reapplying with our guidance. Our iVisa Experts are here to provide all the assistance you need, ensuring your application is error-free. With their help, you'll enjoy numerous benefits that significantly increase your chances of visa approval.

Can I extend my Sweden Schengen Visa?

Generally, the government only grants Sweden Schengen Visa extensions in exceptional circumstances. Here are some situations that may qualify you for a visa extension:

• Late entry – If you hold a single-entry visa and have an unexpected delay in entering Sweden.

• Humanitarian reasons – This includes needing additional medical treatment, attending a funeral, or supporting a family member facing hardship.

• Force Majeure – Examples of force majeure events include natural disasters, violent protests, or extreme weather conditions.

Remember, when requesting a visa extension, you must provide sufficient evidence to support your exceptional circumstances.

I still have questions. Who can I reach out to?

If you still have questions or need further assistance regarding your Sweden Schengen Visa or any other travel document, our dedicated customer service team is here to help. Reach out to them through our convenient online chat or by sending an email to [email protected].

Do you want more travel advice for a smooth experience in Sweden? Check out our comprehensive Sweden Travel Guide for additional information and helpful tips. Have a fantastic time exploring Sweden!