Published: August 4, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Sweden Travel Advisory and Sweden Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Stockholm
Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31, 115 89 Stockholm.
Tel: +46-8-783-5300; After-hours Emergency: +46-8-783-5310.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 0800-1630.
OSAC Country Chapter
The OSAC Country Chapter in Stockholm is active.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Sweden Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to Sweden due to terrorism.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Stockholm as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sweden.
Sweden remains a safe country by global standards; most travelers and visitors are unaffected by violence. However, its security landscape has evolved considerably in recent years. In major urban centers—particularly Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö—the convergence of transnational criminal organizations (TCO), gang activity, and terrorism threats from foreign actors has created a more complex risk environment. Cities such as Uppsala and Umeå have also experienced spillover violence, including targeted shootings and explosive incidents, as criminal networks expand beyond traditional strongholds.
While foreign nationals are seldom directly targeted, U.S. businesses and travelers should maintain elevated situational awareness, particularly in areas with high public accessibility, such as transit hubs, commercial centers, and other soft targets, where opportunistic or incidental threats may arise. There are no areas in Sweden that are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Regional crime patterns vary: Stockholm reports the highest number of political demonstrations and explosive incidents, particularly in districts like Rinkeby and Sundbyberg. Malmö faces ideological tensions and frequent high-profile protests. Gothenburg, though quieter, remains a strategic logistics hub with growing gang-linked narcotics activity at its port. Uppsala, traditionally recognized as a university city, has recently become a focal point for gang-related violence in Sweden. Narcotics-related violence has also spilled into smaller cities such as Umeå and Västerås, reflecting the expanding geographic reach of criminal networks beyond Sweden’s largest metropolitan areas.
Swedish police and government officials have publicly acknowledged the escalating threat posed by gang-related violence and the growing use of explosives in criminal activity. In response, authorities have launched a series of targeted initiatives, including the 2024 National Strategy Against Organized Crime, which prioritizes legislative reforms, expanded law enforcement powers, and strengthened community-based policing to disrupt criminal networks and enhance public safety.
Increases in gang violence, including shootings and explosions, are driven by organized criminal groups such as the Foxtrot Network. The Foxtrot Network has been responsible for targeted bombings and extortion operations that frequently affect local businesses.
In January 2025, police recorded over 30 bombings nationwide, averaging nearly one per day. These attacks, often linked to gang feuds or extortion, have occurred in both low-income and affluent neighborhoods. Diplomatic staff and OSAC members have reported witnessing nearby explosions and major police operations at their residences. Several attacks have resulted in injuries to bystanders, including incidents involving failed or prematurely detonated devices. Sweden now ranks among the highest countries in Europe for explosive violence outside active conflict zones.
Gangs in Sweden increasingly exploit the legal protections afforded to minors. Under Swedish law, individuals under 15 cannot be prosecuted for crimes, including violent or gang-related offenses. Criminal networks, particularly in Stockholm and Malmö, actively recruit boys as young as 13 through encrypted apps and social media to carry out surveillance, deliver narcotics, or plant explosives. This trend has drawn concern from Swedish authorities and the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå), prompting legislative proposals in 2024 aimed at expanding early intervention tools and lowering the age of criminal liability in gang-related contexts.
Shootings in Sweden declined by 33% between 2022 and 2024 (from 390 to 262), and fatal shootings dropped by 35%. These improvements are attributed to policing initiatives specifically targeting organized crime groups, as well as enhanced law enforcement surveillance and network analysis. Still, Sweden maintains one of the highest gun violence rates in the EU, with most incidents concentrated in major cities and involving young men aged 15–29. Organized crime remains the primary driver. In February 2025, a mass shooting occurred in Örebro—reported as the deadliest in Swedish history—resulting in 11 fatalities, according to media sources.
Sweden has seen a steady rise in reported sexual offenses, with 24,000 cases in 2023, including 9,300 classified as rape. A 2018 legal reform expanded the definition of rape to include all non-consensual acts, contributing to a 75% increase in convictions. Experts attribute the rise to broader legal definitions and greater reporting, rather than an actual spike in incidents.
According to Brå, most reported sexual assaults, including over 90% of rapes involve known parties, and few incidents involve foreign nationals or random targeting affecting travelers or business visitors. The increased reported cases are attributed mainly to broader legal definitions and greater public awareness.
Violent crime targeting foreign nationals is rare. Most incidents involving travelers are non-violent and opportunistic, such as pickpocketing or vehicle theft. U.S. citizens should exercise standard personal security precautions, especially in high-traffic areas. Due to the risk of encountering explosives, travelers should avoid suspicious packages and report them to the police immediately.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sweden.
Sweden has a very low rate of kidnapping. Incidents typically involve internal gang conflicts and do not target foreigners. In 2022, Swedish authorities addressed false social media rumors that claimed Muslim children were being abducted by child welfare services, leading to government efforts to restore public trust. As of this report, there is no credible threat of kidnapping to U.S. citizens or private-sector personnel in Sweden.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Stockholm as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
However, Sweden remains within a broader European threat environment, and the U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sweden, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or targets may exist.
In May 2025, the Swedish Security Service (SÄPO) lowered the national terrorism threat level from High (Level 4) to Elevated (Level 3) on a five-point scale, based on Swedish government agencies’ assessment that Sweden is no longer a designated target for terrorism. SÄPO’s Annual Report, Årsrapport 2023, publicly stated that Sweden faced a “complex and deteriorating” security environment, citing increased activities by foreign intelligence services and state actors.
SÄPO and the Swedish Police responded by implementing enhanced protective measures, including a nationwide ban on bags at major public events, such as concerts, sports arenas, and festivals. This policy aimed to reduce vulnerability to mass-casualty attacks and was introduced in response to escalating propaganda, long-term targeting of Sweden by extremist actors, and geopolitical flashpoints including Quran-burning incidents, Sweden’s NATO accession, and perceived alignment with U.S. and Israeli foreign policy.
Sweden continues to face a credible threat from lone actors and small extremist cells, many of whom are radicalized online and inspired by jihadist or ultranationalist ideologies. Attack methods remain opportunistic and low-complexity—such as stabbings, shootings, or vehicle-ramming attacks. Sweden’s participation in the Schengen Zone also presents open-border vulnerabilities, and SÄPO has reported an uptick in foreign-directed attempts to influence or enable attacks inside Sweden.
The most recent large-scale terrorist incident occurred in 2017, when an ISIS-inspired attacker conducted a vehicle-ramming attack in Stockholm, killing five.
The Swedish National Centre for Terrorism Threat Assessment (NCT) cited Quran burnings and disinformation portraying Sweden as anti-Islamic as key drivers behind its increased terrorism risk.
While no attacks have directly targeted U.S. diplomatic personnel, recent incidents against the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm occurred in close proximity to U.S. diplomatic facilities and residences.
- In January 2024, a dangerous object, reported by the media as a hand grenade, was thrown over the Israeli Embassy’s fence and investigated by SÄPO as an “act of terror.”
- In May 2024, a suspect was arrested with a loaded firearm while reportedly en route to the Israeli Embassy.
- In October 2024, gunfire struck the Israeli Embassy, prompting a serious weapons investigation.
- In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned the Foxtrot Network and its fugitive leader, Rawa Majid, and declared that the Foxtrot Network orchestrated the January 2024 attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, on behalf of the Government of Iran.
Following these incidents, Swedish police increased security around the Israeli Embassy and expanded surveillance infrastructure, including the installation of additional police-operated cameras in the broader diplomatic district.
Disinformation has emerged as a key vector in Sweden’s evolving threat environment. SÄPO’s 2023 and subsequent 2024–2025 Situation Report reported that anti-state movements, violent extremists, and foreign powers actively spread disinformation, conspiracy theories, and propaganda, particularly on social media platforms. SÄPO reports that these actors aim to increase mistrust in Swedish society, fuel polarization, and, in the long term, promote radicalization around their causes. The agency urges public vigilance and emphasizes the need for robust societal and institutional resilience against such influence operations.
Sweden also faces threats from Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism (REMVE). Neo-Nazi groups such as the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM) and Nordic Strength had around 200 active members in 2024, with broader networks potentially including up to 1,000 individuals. In 2023, NRM members carried out harassment and vandalism, including attacks against Jewish institutions. SÄPO assesses the right-wing extremist threat as moderate but persistent, primarily driven by lone actors.
Sweden’s counterterrorism posture is strong at the national level, led by SÄPO in coordination with the National Police, National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA), the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), and enhanced by intelligence-sharing through NATO and EU networks. Information sharing regarding incidents near U.S. diplomatic facilities, including reduced nighttime patrols, raises concerns about responsiveness and deterrence.
Although not directly targeted, U.S. diplomatic and commercial facilities in Sweden are viewed as symbolic representations of U.S. interests and may face incidental exposure during periods of protest or global unrest. Commercial sectors with visible U.S. affiliations—particularly in defense, technology, logistics, and media—may be perceived as high-profile targets by lone actors or proxy groups, especially during geopolitical flashpoints or on sensitive anniversaries.
U.S. personnel and businesses should maintain close coordination with Swedish authorities while exercising independent vigilance, especially near diplomatic compounds, demonstrations, or large gatherings. Heightened situational awareness remains essential in Sweden’s evolving threat environment.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Stockholm as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sweden, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a multiparty parliamentary system. The most recent election, held in September 2022, was deemed free and fair. The next national elections are scheduled for September 2026. Political transitions are stable, and no recent history of violence is tied to electoral outcomes.
Protests & Demonstrations
While police permits are typically required, unauthorized gatherings have become more common, particularly near diplomatic facilities in central Stockholm. While most remain peaceful, their scale, unpredictability, and proximity to diplomatic facilities pose operational and reputational risks. Swedish police rarely intervene in unpermitted protests unless violence or disruption occurs or is viewed by police as a threat to the public. Demonstrations near the U.S. Embassy have included anti-U.S. rhetoric. Extremist propaganda increasingly lumps U.S., Israeli, and NATO-affiliated sites together as potential targets.
From 2023 to 2025, Sweden experienced a marked rise in protest activity, especially in Stockholm and Malmö. Demonstrations have addressed Quran burnings, the Israel-Hamas conflict, NATO membership, and climate change.
The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm has seen near-weekly demonstrations, including several without permits, some of which have disrupted operations. Similar demonstrations have occurred near the Israeli Embassy, often drawing large crowds, but have remained peaceful. A 2023 Quran-burning in Malmö triggered riots and arson, contributing to Sweden’s elevated terrorism threat level.
Environmental groups have staged disruptive blockades targeting highways, ports, and public transit. While these protests are usually nonviolent, they increasingly require police intervention and pose logistical risks to travelers and businesses.
Events tied to global conflicts or religious symbolism may escalate with little notice. U.S. travelers, staff, and businesses should maintain situational awareness, monitor protest alerts, and avoid affected areas during major events or periods of unrest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Sweden remains a broadly pro-Western country with historically strong ties to the United States. However, recent demonstrations, particularly those tied to Middle East conflicts, have included intermittent anti-U.S. rhetoric, such as signage and chants critical of U.S. foreign policy. This sentiment has been limited to protest environments and online discourse and has not translated into any verified threats or acts of violence against U.S. citizens, businesses, or institutions.
U.S.-affiliated facilities including diplomatic properties, cultural centers, and American-branded businesses may face incidental exposure during periods of heightened international tension or during demonstrations.
Law Enforcement
The Swedish Police Authority (Polisen) is a centralized national agency responsible for public order, crime prevention, and law enforcement across Sweden. Specialized divisions, such as border police, cybercrime, and migration enforcement, may interface with international businesses on matters including customs, work permits, and digital security.
The Swedish Security Service (Säkerhetspolisen or SÄPO) operates independently under the Ministry of Justice and leads efforts in counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and protection against violent extremism. Polisen and SÄPO are operationally independent under Swedish law, with effective civilian oversight. There are no credible reports of misconduct by Swedish security forces.
In addition to uniformed police, businesses may encounter ordningsvakter—public order officers appointed by the Swedish Police Authority. While not police officers, they are authorized to detain individuals, use proportionate force, and maintain order in public-access locations such as malls, transit systems, and event venues. Often employed by municipalities or private security firms, ordningsvakter may serve as the first line of response to low-level disturbances, with serious criminal matters referred to the police.
Police Response
Sweden’s law enforcement services are professional and well-resourced. The U.S. Embassy maintains working relationships with both Swedish Police and SÄPO. While national coordination remains robust, recurring deficiencies in local operational communication and information flow continue to impede timely sharing of information with diplomatic security officials, posing challenges to situational awareness and coordinated response during security incidents and investigations.
Police response time varies by incident type. Victims of serious crimes (e.g., assault, robbery) can expect prompt assistance, often with English-speaking officers. Lower-priority crimes (e.g., theft) may see longer processing times and limited follow-up, especially in urban areas.
Police regularly protect commercial zones, infrastructure, and diplomatic areas, though responses to protests can vary. Permitted events are monitored, but unpermitted protests, especially near U.S. and Israeli Embassies, occur frequently. Police may not actively disperse unpermitted demonstrations unless public order is threatened.
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
Non-Emergency Police Line: 114 14
U.S. citizens should report significant incidents to the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services section. Translation assistance is typically available, and police reports may be filed in English.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Sweden, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sweden. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm immediately.
Sweden has an independent judiciary and firm adherence to rule of law. There is no bail system; however, courts may release individuals pretrial unless they pose a flight risk, risk to public safety, or threat to the investigation. Pretrial detention is limited to nine months for adults and three months for minors, with exceptions possible in complex cases.
U.S. citizens arrested in Sweden should request that authorities promptly notify the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm and should not assume the Embassy will be notified absent that request. Reports of police misconduct or harassment are rare. Civilian control over law enforcement remains effective, with no credible reports of abuse.
Sweden maintains robust anti-corruption laws, which are generally enforced. Incidents of official corruption are rare and typically isolated.
The National Anti-Corruption Group (Nationella anti-korruptionsgruppen), part of the Swedish Police, investigates corruption and leads prevention initiatives. Reports can be filed through the national police line at +46 114 14.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime poses a growing risk in Sweden, with both public and private sectors increasingly targeted. Common threats include ransomware and triple extortion attacks, where attackers demand payment not only from the primary victim but also from its clients and supply chain partners.
Sweden is among the most heavily targeted countries in the Nordics and faces a severe and costly cyber threat landscape, though the highest volumes and costs in Europe are currently reported in countries such as Italy, Germany, and France. The estimated annual cost of cybercrime exceeded 30 billion SEK (approx. $3.2 billion USD) in 2020.
Notable Incidents:
- 2021: A ransomware attack forced the closure of over 800 Coop grocery stores.
- 2020: A malware intrusion targeted the Swedish Space Agency and multiple large corporations.
Sweden is a predominantly cashless society, with most transactions conducted via Swish, a mobile payment platform used by over 80% of the population. BankID, a national digital identification system, serves as the de facto method for identity verification in banking, tax services, rentals, and mobile contracts and is integrated into nearly all financial and government services. While these systems are secure and widely trusted, cybercriminals have increasingly exploited them via phishing, spoofed customer service calls, and social engineering schemes. U.S. companies and travelers should be aware that impersonation scams particularly targeting Swish users are on the rise. Vigilance around SMS links, unsolicited calls, and digital payment requests are recommended.
In response, Sweden launched a National Cybersecurity Center, led by the Swedish Armed Forces and FRA, with participation from SÄPO and the MSB. This center supports both government and private-sector cyber defense.
U.S. companies operating in Sweden—especially in sectors like logistics, retail, manufacturing, and energy—should maintain strong cyber defense protocols and monitor for supply chain vulnerabilities. U.S. companies operating in Sweden should implement strong cyber hygiene practices, including multi-factor authentication, updated endpoint security, and staff training on phishing and impersonation scams especially those involving BankID or Swish. Businesses should also vet third-party vendors, avoid unsecured networks, and maintain tested offline data backups.
Firms are expected to comply with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). They may be subject to oversight from the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY), which enforces national data protection laws. Cyber incidents involving personal data must be reported within 72 hours under GDPR requirements.
Businesses experiencing cyber incidents should report them to the Swedish Police's National Cybercrime Center (Nationellt It-brottscentrum) via 114-14 and notify their Embassy or Regional Security Office (RSO) point of contact if the issue affects U.S. interests.
Import/Export Restrictions
Sweden enforces strict customs regulations under EU law and Swedish national law. Importing goods into Sweden whether for business or personal use requires awareness of both prohibited/restricted items and regulatory compliance standards. U.S. business importers must follow EU labeling, safety, and documentation rules.
Key restrictions include:
- Medications: U.S. travelers must carry prescription drugs in original packaging with a valid prescription. It is illegal for private individuals to ship medication by mail. The Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket) enforces compliance. U.S. citizens should note that some prescriptions that are common in the United States, such as narcotic painkillers and ADHD medication, may not be legal in Sweden or may be much more difficult to obtain.
- Hazardous Substances: Imports of asbestos, mercury thermometers, cadmium-coated items, and ozone-depleting substances (e.g., CFCs, PCBs) are banned or heavily restricted.
- Foodstuffs and Animal Products: Meat, dairy, and biocide-treated goods (e.g., dimethylfumarate) are restricted unless sourced and documented within EU standards.
- Cultural Goods and Novelty Items: Items that pose a health risk to children (e.g., toy erasers that resemble food) or violate EU consumer protection laws may be rejected at customs.
U.S. companies importing food, pharma, or electronics must ensure CE-marking, proper customs codes (HS codes), and EU conformity documentation.
Goods entering Sweden from outside the EU are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties unless covered by trade exemptions.
The Swedish Customs Agency (Tullverket) offers a digital system (Tulltaxan) for checking import classifications and duty rates.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
