The Swedish government announced on 17 April that they were extending the temporary entry ban to the EU via Sweden until 15 May. The decision was made on the recommendation of the European Commission. The purpose of the entry ban is, as in the past, to mitigate the effects of the spread of the coronavirus and to reduce the outbreak of Covid-19.
The entry ban has not changed in substance. As in the past, the entry ban applies as a starting point to all foreign nationals traveling to Sweden from countries other than EU countries, the UK, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Swedish citizens are not covered by the ban. Nor does the entry ban impede travel within the EU. In addition, there are two important exceptions to the entry ban. Firstly, EU citizens and people who have a residence permit in Sweden are still allowed to enter for the purpose of returning to their homes. Secondly, individuals with special needs or those who are required to perform necessary functions in Sweden may enter. This may be the case, for instance, for healthcare professionals, personnel transporting goods or people with urgent family reasons.
The decision may mean that foreign employees who intend working in Sweden may have to wait until the temporary entry ban has been removed before entering Sweden. There is also the possibility that the temporary ban will be extended as the pandemic continues to unfold.
Lena Gewers
lena.gewers@bdo.se