Sweden, a country located in Scandinavia, offers stunning natural beauty and a rich culture. From the modern city of Stockholm with its majestic architecture and vibrant nightlife, to Gothenburg and Malmo which have their own unique atmospheres, Sweden is an attractive destination to explore. Not only known for its natural beauty, Sweden also promises unforgettable cultural experiences, such as local cuisine and unique traditions that highly value a connection with nature. Be sure to visit renowned museums and enjoy the café atmosphere in the heart of the city.

If you're planning a vacation to explore Sweden, there are several things you need to prepare, including flight tickets, requirements and regulations, as well as the cultural aspects you should know to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Check out the complete information below!

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One of the requirements that you must fulfill when traveling to Sweden is to apply for a Schengen visa to the Swedish Embassy. This visa is only valid for a maximum of 90 days of visits in a year, and is usually only given for one or several trips.

The Schengen visa is valid for all Schengen countries such as Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, etc.

In addition, there are several other requirements that you must fulfill so that your vacation in Sweden runs smoothly, including travel documents, health, and immigration regulations. Here are the main requirements for a vacation to Sweden:

The following are the procedures for entering Sweden that need to be prepared:

While waiting for your flight in Sweden, you can make the most of your time by relaxing in the comfortable airport lounge in Gothenburg or Stockholm. Enjoying the facilities offered by these lounges will make your waiting experience more pleasant and relaxing.

To make access to the lounge easier, book your ticket only on Traveloka, click the link below!

Each country usually has different regulations regarding baggage provisions. However, generally there are several provisions that you need to pay attention to when entering Sweden, such as:

1. Personal Items

When visiting Sweden, you are allowed to bring personal items such as clothes, cameras, laptops, and other personal equipment without being subject to import duties, as long as the items are for personal use and not for sale.

2. Tax-Free Goods

As a tourist from Indonesia, you can bring tax-free goods with the following provisions:

3. Prohibited and Restricted Goods

Drugs, certain medicines containing prohibited substances, firearms, explosives and certain food products (such as meat and milk from outside the EU) are prohibited or restricted from entering Sweden.

4. Valuables

If you are carrying valuables such as jewellery or large amounts of cash (over €10,000), you are required to declare them to Swedish customs.

5. Personal Medication

You are allowed to bring personal medication for your own use during your visit, but some medications may require a prescription or declaration if they fall into a regulated category.

Paying attention to and recognizing the culture and culture in one country is a wise step when you are going on vacation to another region or country, including Sweden. Although it is not mandatory, learning and knowing the language, customs, dress code, and major holidays in Sweden can help make your vacation trip more enjoyable.

You need to know some general ethics accepted by the people of Sweden including speaking politely, maintaining a reasonable distance during social interactions and respecting equality. Make sure to avoid speaking loudly or interrupting conversations, disturbing privacy, littering, and acting aggressively.

In addition, another thing you need to pay attention to when vacationing in Sweden is tipping in various services. Tipping is a common practice, especially when you get excellent service.

What you need to know is that tipping or what is known as dricks in Sweden is not mandatory, but rather a form of appreciation. Swedes tend not to have high expectations for tips, and services usually remain professional without the need for large tips.

Sweden is known as a country that upholds the principles of law and justice. This country has a civil law-based legal system, where laws are made by parliament. Some of the prominent regulations in Sweden are:

Here is information about language and communication in Sweden:

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Here’s an overview of Sweden’s safety and political situation:

That said, you should still be aware of the situation and follow these practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Sweden:

In general, healthcare in Sweden is known for its comprehensive and high-quality healthcare system. The country also has a well-trained medical staff and modern hospital facilities. Healthcare in Sweden covers a wide range of areas, including general care, specialist care, and mental health care.

All citizens and permanent residents of Sweden have equal access to healthcare. This includes basic medical care, specialist care, and even hospital stays, with most of the costs being funded by tax revenues.

This also applies to tourists. Access to healthcare is relatively easy, especially for emergencies. Some hospitals and clinics in Sweden may even have special services for foreign tourists, including English-speaking staff and facilities to help with payment or insurance arrangements.

Similar to its citizens, Sweden also makes medical services easy for foreign tourists. However, the procedures and costs depend on the citizenship status, visa type, and existing health agreements between Sweden and the traveler’s country of origin.

Typically, travelers from European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can access healthcare in Sweden using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows them to receive medical care deemed necessary during their visit, at the same cost as local residents.

Meanwhile, tourists from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland usually have to have private travel or health insurance that covers medical expenses while in Sweden. If you need treatment, you will be charged the full price according to the standard Swedish healthcare rates.

The types of healthcare services in Sweden are also quite diverse. If you need healthcare services, you can visit Vårdcentral or local clinics and health centers. This is the first place to go for non-emergency medical care. Tourists can register for a medical consultation with a general practitioner.

Meanwhile, for more serious conditions, you can go to Sjukhus or hospitals that provide more comprehensive services, including inpatient and surgical care. In addition, there are pharmacies spread throughout Sweden, if you need prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

You can also call the emergency service number, 112 if you are facing an emergency situation. This service applies to all types of emergencies, including medical.

Don't worry, most healthcare professionals in Sweden speak English, so you won't have any communication problems at medical facilities in Sweden.

Before visiting Sweden, Indonesian tourists are not required to undergo any special health checks or mandatory vaccinations. However, there are several vaccinations that are recommended to ensure health during the trip.

Recommended Vaccinations:

Here is some important contact information that Indonesian travelers need to know:

Consulate:

Before going on holiday to Sweden, it is a good idea to know the climate conditions and natural disasters that may occur in Sweden. This can also help you have a pleasant holiday experience. Make sure to monitor the weather forecast regularly, follow the instructions of local authorities, and prepare yourself by bringing appropriate equipment such as umbrellas and waterproof clothing. Knowing the location of emergency shelters can also help ensure safety during your holiday.

Sweden has different natural conditions in each region. Here is a complete review.

Floods

Some natural disasters that are at risk of occurring are floods, especially in areas around rivers and coasts. Floods can occur due to high rainfall, snowmelt in the spring, or storms that bring seawater into the land. Areas such as Gävle, which is near a river, have experienced serious flooding.

Landslides

Some areas in Sweden are also prone to landslides, especially in western and central Sweden, which have hilly terrain. This condition can be exacerbated by heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. Major landslides are rare, but they can cause damage to infrastructure and agricultural land. Forest Fires

In addition, forest fires are an increased risk, especially in dry summers, especially in central and southern Sweden. One of the largest forest fires occurred in 2014 in the Västmanland region, destroying thousands of hectares of forest.

Earthquakes

Light earthquakes are also possible in Sweden, especially in the south and southwest of the country. They are usually low in intensity and do not cause major damage.

The climate in Sweden varies as the country stretches from north to south, but it is mostly temperate with some subarctic influences in the north. This means that northern Sweden has very cold, long winters and short, cool summers. In these areas, winter temperatures can drop to -30°C or lower, especially in mountainous areas.

The climate in southern and central Sweden, on the other hand, is temperate, with milder winters and warmer summers. Summer temperatures can reach around 20-25°C, while in winter temperatures usually range from 0°C to -5°C.

During summer, the air and weather can be warmer. In addition, the days can feel very long, especially in the northern regions. Here, you can experience the midnight sun phenomenon for several weeks.

Sweden is also known as a country with varying rainfall. Generally, the mountainous areas in the west receive higher rainfall compared to the drier eastern regions. The average rainfall in Sweden ranges from 500 to 1000 mm per year.

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The emergency response system in Sweden, known as Krisberedskap, is very well organized. The country has a special crisis communication system that allows authorities to communicate quickly and efficiently during a disaster. This includes an early warning system to notify the public of threats or actions that need to be taken.

In addition, each region has a local emergency plan designed to deal with disasters according to the specific risks they face. This plan includes evacuation strategies, shelters, and coordination between emergency services.

The emergency response system in Sweden is also supported by the government through the MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency). This agency is responsible for overall coordination and emergency response preparedness. MSB works with various agencies and local governments to plan and train for various types of disasters, including forest fires, floods, earthquakes, and man-made threats.

Usually, the Swedish national defense system also involves civilians called Civilförsvar. This system includes disaster preparation and response, where all citizens are advised to have emergency equipment and food supplies for at least 72 hours to help them during a crisis.

In addition, Sweden also works with other countries in Europe through frameworks such as the European Union and the UN to facilitate cross-border assistance, including in terms of resources and expertise.

This system aims to ensure a fast, organized, and efficient response to disasters, and minimize the impact on communities. However, you can also follow these tips if you experience an emergency and natural disaster:

By knowing the general requirements for entering Sweden, recognizing and learning about the climate, weather, culture, and traditions as well as the security and health systems in the country, you can plan your vacation trip better. This is a wise step to get a safe and comfortable travel experience in Sweden.