Sweden will lift its coronavirus restrictions on domestic travel on June 13th, allowing people without symptoms to travel within the country this summer. But health authorities have stressed that other coronavirus rules and recommendations still apply, and should still be followed at all times.
You can also read more about the precautions to take in Sweden here, or here. If you're travelling through Sweden this summer, keep an eye on local restrictions and recommendations by contacting local authorities.
No large gatherings
Sweden temporary ban on public events of more than 50 people is still in place. People who organise gatherings in violation of this rule can face fines or even imprisonment of up to six months, and police have the power to shut down such gatherings.
No crowded restaurants
Restaurants, bars and cafés are generally allowed to serve their guests only at the table, and guests must be able to keep around an arm-length's distance to each other. If a business is found to be violating the rules, they can be ordered to close until they prove they have made the necessary adjustments.
Social distancing signs at a hamburger restaurant in Solna, north of Stockholm. Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TT
No visits to elderly care homes
The measure is meant to help protect one of the most vulnerable groups, but there are exceptions, for example compassionate reasons. Some care homes have also introduced temporary measures to decrease the risk of infection and help people meet their elderly relatives, for example by installing plexi-glass outside.
No entry from outside the EU
This entry ban is currently in place until June 30th. There are exceptions, including for example if you normally live in Sweden or if you belong to a particular professional category. Read more here.
Avoid international travel
Sweden's foreign ministry currently advises against all non-essential international travel from Sweden. This advice is in place until July 15th. It is not illegal to travel anyway, but it may affect your travel insurance.
Stay at home if you are ill
If you're showing symptoms of the coronavirus – such as respiratory problems, a blocked nose, coughing or fever, however mild – stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Do not travel or go to work.
Keep your distance
People are advised to keep a distance to other people. This is not enforced, but is strongly recommended. The Public Health Agency recommends at least an arm's length, and some other experts say one-two metres.
A restaurant has put up plexi-glass between tables. Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT
Wash your hands
Another rule that's not enforced, but highly encouraged, is good hand hygiene. It's easy to forget, but wash your hands often, carefully, and avoid touching your face and eyes – that's one way the virus spreads.
Avoid public transport if you can
Many cities are still asking people to only use public transport if you have to, and especially avoid it during peak hours when commuters who have to use it to go to work may be travelling.
In any case, if you do travel, only do so if you have no symptoms and keep a distance to other passengers.
If you're in a risk group, stay at home
If you are over 70 or belong to a high-risk group, you can also start travelling within the country from June 13th, but you should take extra care to avoid new social contacts or places that may be crowded. Ideally, if you travel you should use your own car rather than taking public transport.
The risk of infection is significantly lower in the open air, so you may be able to meet friends and family outside as long as you keep a distance.
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