USA Visa & ESTA

Swedish citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days) thanks to the Visa Waiver Program. However, you need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure.

If your ESTA is denied, or if you plan to work, study or stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a regular visa at the US Embassy.

📍 More information: Read more about entry requirements at the US Embassy in Sweden or contact us for personal advice.

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization required for citizens of countries participating in the USA's Visa Waiver Program, including Sweden.

An approved ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). During this period you can travel to the USA an unlimited number of times, but each stay may be max 90 days.

ESTA is valid for both tourist and business trips. You cannot work, study or stay longer with ESTA. For that you need a visa.

If your ESTA is denied you cannot travel to the USA via the Visa Waiver Program. You then need to apply for a regular B1/B2 visa (visitor visa) at the US Embassy in Stockholm.

Common reasons for denial include previous visa refusals, visits to certain countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea etc.) or dual citizenship with these countries. We can help you with a visa application as an alternative.

The USA has a large number of visa categories. The most common for Swedish citizens are:

• ESTA: Electronic travel authorization via Visa Waiver Program (tourist/business, max 90 days)
• B1: Business visa for conferences, negotiations and business meetings
• B2: Tourist visa for longer stays or when ESTA has been denied
• F1 / M1: Student visa for academic studies and vocational training respectively
• H-1B: Work visa for specialty occupations (requires employer sponsor)
• D: Crew visa for airline and ship crew

Most Swedish travellers manage with ESTA. Contact us if you are unsure which type suits you.

A B2 visa is required if your ESTA has been denied or if you need to stay longer than 90 days. The application requires:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Completed DS-160 application form (online)
• Passport photo meeting US requirements
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment certificate)
• Proof of ties to home country (employment, housing, family)
• Travel itinerary and hotel booking

You must also book and attend an interview at the US Embassy in Stockholm. We help you prepare the application and all documents.

An F1 visa is required for academic studies at an approved educational institution in the USA. Requirements:

• Acceptance letter (I-20 form) from a SEVP-certified school
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Completed DS-160 and paid SEVIS fee (I-901)
• Proof of financial means for studies and living expenses
• Academic documents (grades, diplomas)
• Proof of ties to home country

An interview at the embassy is required. F1 visa allows limited on-campus work. For vocational training you need an M1 visa instead.

A B1 visa is for business trips: conferences, negotiations, consultations and similar activities. You may not perform paid work with a B1 visa. The application requires:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Completed DS-160 application form
• Invitation or confirmation from a US company/organization
• Letter from your employer in Sweden (purpose, employment, salary)
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of ties to home country

Note: Most Swedish business travellers manage with ESTA for short business visits. A B1 visa is mainly needed if ESTA has been denied or if the stay exceeds 90 days.

An H-1B visa is required for specialty occupations and requires a US employer to sponsor your application. The process includes:

• The employer submits a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the U.S. Department of Labor
• The employer submits an I-129 petition to USCIS
• You apply for a visa at the embassy with an approved petition
• Valid passport, DS-160, passport photo
• Proof of qualifications (diplomas, CV, employment agreement)

An H-1B visa is valid for up to 3 years and can be extended. There is an annual cap on H-1B visas (lottery system). We help you compile all documents.