If you’re reading this and you hold a Swedish passport, congratulations because you’ve got one of the most travel-friendly documents on the planet. With it, you can explore over a hundred countries without needing a visa, and dozens more with just a few clicks or a simple visa on arrival.
But despite the above, do take note of the fact that not everywhere rolls out the red carpet, so it helps to know what to expect before you book that flight. In this article, I’ve broken it all down for you (from visa-free countries to those that still require a bit of paperwork).
Visa Not Required (With Stay Duration) – 111 countries
If you’re a Swedish passport holder, you can enter a long list of countries without needing a visa at all – sometimes for up to 90, 180, or even 360 days! From weekend getaways in Europe to long stays in South America or Southeast Asia, here’s where you can simply show your passport and walk right in.
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Albania – 90 days
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Andorra – 90 days
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Antigua and Barbuda – 180 days
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Argentina – 90 days
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Armenia – 180 days
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Australia – 90 days (with ETA)
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Austria – 90 days
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Bahamas – 90 days
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Barbados – 180 days
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Belarus – 30 days
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Belgium – 90 days
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Belize – 90 days
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Bosnia and Herzegovina – 90 days
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Botswana – 90 days
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Brazil – 90 days
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Brunei – 90 days
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Bulgaria – 90 days
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Canada – 180 days
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Chile – 90 days
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Colombia – 180 days
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Costa Rica – 90 days
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Croatia – 90 days
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Cyprus – 90 days
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Czech Republic – 90 days
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Denmark – 90 days
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Dominica – 180 days
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Dominican Republic – 90 days
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Ecuador – 90 days
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El Salvador – 90 days
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Estonia – 90 days
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Eswatini – 30 days
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Fiji – 120 days
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Finland – 90 days
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France – 90 days
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Georgia – 360 days
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Germany – 90 days
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Greece – 90 days
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Grenada – 90 days
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Guatemala – 90 days
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Honduras – 90 days
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Hong Kong – 90 days
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Hungary – 90 days
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Iceland – 90 days
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Indonesia – 30 days
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Ireland – 90 days
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Israel – 90 days
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Italy – 90 days
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Jamaica – 90 days
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Japan – 90 days
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Kazakhstan – 30 days
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Kiribati – 120 days
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South Korea – 90 days
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Kosovo – 90 days
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Kyrgyzstan – 60 days
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Latvia – 90 days
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Lesotho – 90 days
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Liechtenstein – 90 days
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Lithuania – 90 days
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Luxembourg – 90 days
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Macau – 90 days
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Malaysia – 90 days
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Malta – 90 days
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Mauritius – 90 days
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Mexico – 180 days
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Moldova – 90 days
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Monaco – 90 days
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Mongolia – 30 days
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Montenegro – 90 days
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Morocco – 90 days
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Namibia – 90 days
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Netherlands – 90 days
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New Zealand – 90 days
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Nicaragua – 90 days
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North Macedonia – 90 days
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Norway – 90 days
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Panama – 180 days
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Paraguay – 90 days
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Peru – 180 days
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Philippines – 30 days
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Poland – 90 days
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Portugal – 90 days
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Qatar – 90 days
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Romania – 90 days
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Saint Kitts and Nevis – 90 days
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Saint Lucia – 90 days
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 90 days
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San Marino – 90 days
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Serbia – 90 days
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Singapore – 90 days
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Slovakia – 90 days
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Slovenia – 90 days
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South Africa – 90 days
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Spain – 90 days
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Suriname – 90 days
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Sweden – (obviously)
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Switzerland – 90 days
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Taiwan – 90 days
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Thailand – 30 days
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Trinidad and Tobago – 90 days
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Tunisia – 90 days
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Turkey – 90 days
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Ukraine – 90 days
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United Arab Emirates – 90 days
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United Kingdom – 180 days
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United States – 90 days (with ESTA)
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Uruguay – 90 days
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Uzbekistan – 30 days
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Vanuatu – 30 days
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Vatican City – 90 days
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Venezuela – 90 days
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Vietnam – 45 days
Visa on Arrival – 15 countries
These are countries that welcome Swedish travelers with a visa on arrival. That means you don’t need to apply in advance. All you would need to do are the following and you’re good to go:
- just land
- fill out a form
- pay a small fee
If this isn’t perfect for spontaneous adventurers and last-minute trip planners, I don’t know what is. Here is the list of countries that allow you the Swedish passport holder enjoy visa on arrival trips:
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Bahrain
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Bangladesh
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Egypt
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Jordan
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Lebanon
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Maldives
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Mauritania
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Nepal
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Rwanda
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Seychelles
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Sierra Leone
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Tanzania
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Togo
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
eVisa – 32 countries
These countries let Swedish citizens apply for a visa online before they go. It’s all digital, usually fast, and much easier than traditional visa processes. Great for destinations that want a bit of notice but still make it hassle-free.
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Angola
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Australia
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Azerbaijan
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Benin
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Bhutan
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Cameroon
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Djibouti
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Equatorial Guinea
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Ethiopia
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Gabon
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Guinea
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India
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Iran
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Kenya
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Kuwait
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Madagascar
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Malawi
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Myanmar
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Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Papua New Guinea
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Russia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Sudan
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Sri Lanka
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Sudan
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Tajikistan
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Turkey
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Uganda
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Uzbekistan
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Vietnam
Visa Available Both on Arrival or Online – 7 countries
Can’t decide whether to sort your visa before flying or just get it at the airport? These countries give you both options. Whether you’re the prepared planner or the impulsive traveler, you’ve got the flexibility to choose what suits you best.
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Cambodia
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Laos
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Maldives
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Rwanda
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Tanzania
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
Visa Required – 20 countries
Even with a strong Swedish passport, there are still a few places in the world that require you to apply for a visa ahead of time. These destinations have stricter rules, so make sure you prepare well in advance if you plan to visit. Here’s the full list.
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Afghanistan
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Algeria
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Bolivia
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Burundi
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Central African Republic
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Chad
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China
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Republic of the Congo
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Cuba
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Eritrea
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Ghana
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Iraq
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Libya
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Mali
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Niger
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North Korea
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Syria
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Turkmenistan
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Venezuela
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Yemen
Swedish Passport Travel FAQs
Really how powerful is the Swedish passport?
The Swedish passport is one of the most powerful in the world. It currently gives you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 countries, making travel super convenient.
Do I need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes, Swedish citizens must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days.
Can I travel freely within the EU with a Swedish passport?
Absolutely. Sweden is part of the EU and the Schengen Area, so you can travel, live, and work freely in most European countries without needing a visa.
Which countries require a visa for Swedish passport holders?
A few countries still require Swedish citizens to apply for a visa in advance. Some of these countries include the likes of China, Russia, and some African nations. Always double-check before you go.
What’s the difference between visa-free and visa-on-arrival?
Visa-free means you don’t need a visa at all to enter the country. Visa-on-arrival means you don’t need to apply in advance, but you must get a visa at the airport or border upon arrival.
Is an eVisa the same as visa-on-arrival?
Not exactly. An eVisa is something you apply for online before your trip. It’s usually quicker and easier than traditional visa applications, but you still need to get it before traveling.
How long can I stay in a visa-free country?
It depends on the country. Some allow 30 days, others 90, and a few even up to 180 days. Always check the exact duration allowed for Swedish passport holders before you go.
Can I work abroad with a Swedish passport?
In the EU, yes. But outside the EU, it depends on the country’s work visa rules. A visa-free entry usually only covers tourism or business, not employment. So please take note of that.