Sweden introduces temporary entry restrictions on travel from China

“Due to the uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID-19 in China, the Government has decided to introduce temporary entry restrictions. The aim is to delay the possible introduction of new variants of the virus, and thereby increase the possibility of taking measures and, in the longer run, reduce the burden on the Swedish health care system,” said Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed.

The decision is based on a request from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, which states that the epidemiological situation in China is difficult to assess.

The temporary restrictions mean that all travellers from China must be able to present a negative test result for ongoing COVID-19 infection upon arrival in Sweden, regardless of their vaccination status. The restrictions apply as of 7 January.

The test requirement applies to adults and children over the age of 12 who are third-country nationals. There are certain exemptions from the test requirement, for example people with residence permits in Sweden, long-term residents of the EU and EEA, and travellers with imperative family reasons. The entry restrictions do not apply to Swedish citizens.

The temporary entry restrictions on travel from China apply until 28 January.