Sweden has announced that it will soon begin requiring citizens of Japan to hold an ETIAS visa in order to enter the country. ETIAS stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation and is a new system that will replace the current visa system.
This new system is aimed at expanding tourism and trade between Sweden and Japan. However, many citizens of Japan are concerned about how this change will affect their ability to visit Sweden.
In this blog post, we will explore what an ETIAS visa is, what it entails, and some of the potential benefits and concerns associated with it.
Applying For Sweden ETIAS From Japan
If you are a citizen of Japan and you want to apply for Sweden ETIAS, the process is as follows:
- Go to the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo and fill out an application form.
- Provide your passport number, gender, date of birth and address in your home country.
- Pass the Swedish criminal background check.
- Pay the application fee.
- Wait for your approval letter from the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo. This usually takes around three weeks. After you receive your approval letter, go to a tax office in Sweden to apply for a visa.
Reasons You Should Get An Sweden ETIAS
An ETIAS for Sweden was proposed in February 2018 and was introduced in late 2019. The ETIAS is a visa-waiver that allows citizens of Japan to stay for 90 days without a visa, provided they meet certain requirements related to the tourism industry and aviation.
The ETIAS is advantageous for tourists interested in Sweden because it allows them to stay without a visa for up to 90 days. The visa-free status will likely increase tourism flows to Sweden, as Japanese tourists are among the most frequent visitors to Nordic countries.
Japan has been a strong supporter of the EU and its mutual projects, such as the Schengen Area and the European Union’s passport-free travel zone. The introduction of an ETIAS for Sweden might make it easier for Japanese tourists to travel to Sweden, given that they will not need to obtain visas or other authorizations before arrival.
Sweden is a popular destination among Japanese tourists because of its natural beauty, history, and culture. The ETIAS is likely to increase tourism flows from Japan because it makes the country more accessible for tourists.
Things To Consider Before Coming To Sweden
In order to come to Sweden and enjoy the country’s culture and physical environment, it is important to consider a few things.
First, immigration regulations in Sweden are quite strict. Citizens of Japan must have a valid visa or an ETIAS (entry visa for individuals holding a residence permit in their home country) if they are coming for tourism or business purposes only. As of now, Japan does not have an agreement with Sweden permitting nationals from both countries to travel freely between each other.
Second, Swedish housing market is very competitive. It often takes years for Japanese citizens to find an apartment or house in the economically booming city of Stockholm. The purchase of property can be very expensive as well, so it is important to make sure that you have enough money saved up before coming to Sweden.
Third, healthcare in Sweden is very expensive. Unless you have insurance coverage in your home country, you will need to take out health insurance before coming to Sweden. premiums can amount up to tens of thousands of Swedish kronor per year.
Fourth, Swedish labour market is not as favourable for foreigners as some other European countries may be. For example, employers may only require a diploma or school certificate instead of a university degree for certain positions.
Sweden ETIAS For Citizens Of Japan – FAQ
What is the Swedish ETIAS?
The Swedish ETIAS is a new visa policy that will allow certain Japanese citizens to travel to Sweden without having to obtain a visa. The ETIAS is expected to start operations in 2020. This new visa policy will replace the current system of visas that Japan and Sweden currently use.
How do I apply for the Swedish ETIAS?
You must first apply for a visa if you want to travel to Sweden. If you are already in Sweden, you can apply for the ETIAS at your local immigration office. The application process is done in person and can take up to two weeks. You will need to provide proof of identity, a passport photo, and proof of residence in Japan. You will also need to pay a fee of $140 (USD).
Can I apply for the Swedish ETIAS if I’m not a Japanese citizen?
Yes, you can apply for the Swedish ETIAS even if you’re not a Japanese citizen. However, you may not be able to travel to Sweden using the ETIAS. You may need to obtain a visa instead.
Conclusion
As of December 31, 2020, the Swedish government plans to roll out an electronic identity authority system, or “ETIAS,” for its citizens living in Japan. ETIAS would be a one-time, compulsory process for those wishing to remain in Sweden and work or study there.
ETIAS is not unique to Sweden; other countries, such as the United States and Canada, also have similar systems. The main difference between ETIAS and these other systems is that ETIAS is intended for use by foreign nationals only.
ETIAS would require individuals to provide a range of information, including their name, date of birth, passport number, and other identifying information. This information would be used to create a profile for each individual.
The main benefit of ETIAS is that it would improve the security of Swedes living overseas by allowing the government to track their movements and identify any potential problems. It would also help Swedes to more easily access services and benefits available in Sweden.
There are some significant drawbacks to ETIAS. First, it would be difficult for individuals to navigate the system. Second, it would be expensive to obtain a Swedish passport with an ETIAS identifier on it. Third, some services – such as voting – may not be available to people who have an ETIAS identifier.