Sweden Denies Entry to Travelers With Russian Health Insurance: Visas Are Being Revoked

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Russians are increasingly being denied entry to Sweden even with valid visas, reports TASS. According to diplomats, the tightening of rules occurred in September 2025. The reason was new requirements for medical insurance policies and, more broadly, a policy aimed at restricting travel by Russian citizens to Europe.

Sweden not only turns back travelers without foreign insurance but also cancels visas, notes the Telegram channel “Nu che, narod, pognali.” Several such incidents have already been recorded. In one case, a young man lost his Hungarian annual visa. He said that at the Swedish border, insurance policies issued by Belarusian companies are also not accepted. Only policies valid in the European Union are required. Buying one online upon arrival does not change anything — the traveler still faces deportation. Those who found themselves in such situations said that border officers interrogate and deport only foreigners with Russian passports. They are asked about tickets, money, itinerary, purpose of stay, and insurance.



In September, three players from the Virtus esports team faced a similar situation. They were flying to Stockholm for the ESL Pro League CS2 tournament. Border control “expressed concern about their medical insurance.” Notably, the same documents had previously been accepted without issue in other Schengen countries. The Russian players quickly obtained new policies, but the decision to deny entry had already been made, and their visas were revoked. It is reported that checks on Russian tourists can occur not only at the border but also during their stay in the country.

The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced officially that the country no longer accepts medical insurance policies issued by Russian companies. To enter Sweden, travelers must now hold a policy issued by organizations registered in other countries. The minimum coverage is €30,000. The requirement applies to all visa types — single and multiple entry — and is valid regardless of duration. The visa fee for adults is €90 and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. The MFA explains that this measure follows European Commission Directive No. 13054/22, adopted in September 2022, which states that policies from Russian insurers do not meet Schengen requirements.



The Russian Embassy in Sweden explained that this approach reflects statements by Swedish officials who seek to complicate travel for Russians to Europe “as part of increasing sanctions pressure.” Russians are advised to obtain insurance recognized in Schengen countries in advance and to verify border requirements before traveling. Purchasing a foreign insurance policy requires a non-Russian bank card, which makes the option inaccessible to some travelers.

According to Eurostat, in 2024 Sweden issued 17,500 visas to Russian citizens and ranked among the countries with the highest refusal rates — 20.9%. Malta (26.7%), Austria (22.8%), and Estonia (22.6%) had higher rates. Sweden itself is not considered a popular tourist destination. For comparison, Italy issued over 152,000 entry and residence permits, France about 124,000, and Spain nearly 112,000 respectively (71.1%).