Sweden

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Sweden and across Europe.  Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past. Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Sweden, they could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners.

On 7 April 2017, a man drove a truck into pedestrians before crashing into a department store in central Stockholm killing 4 people and injuring 15 others.

Since the beginning of 2023, there's been an increase in public burnings of the Qu’ran, which has led to a deterioration in the security situation in Sweden. The Swedish Security Service [2] maintain a national terrorism threat level for Sweden. There may be increased security measures in some public places, such as at airports and railway stations.

New Zealanders in Sweden are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a high degree of vigilance in public places.

Crime
Sweden has a low level of crime, but petty crime is increasingly common over the summer months in tourist areas, including pickpocketing and bag snatching. Thieves often work together and may distract victims and rob them while their attention is diverted.

Incidents of more violent organised crime have been reported in larger cities such as Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings, particularly passports, money and credit cards.

Civil unrest
Demonstrations and protests occur from time to time in Sweden but they generally remain peaceful. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations and protests as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent.  They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

General travel advice
New Zealanders living or travelling in Sweden should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

New Zealanders in Sweden are encouraged to register their details [3] their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• Travel to Europe [4]
• Travel to the Arctic [5]
• Abolition of border controls in Europe [6]
• For current health alerts [7]