New rules for visas on 5 April
As of and including 5 April 2010, all Schengen States must apply the EU's Visa Code. This Code contains provisions on visas for periods shorter than three months. The Visa Code applies as law in Sweden.
When the Code is introduced, it will become possible among other things for persons who visit Swedento in certain cases extend their visas while here in Sweden. Force majeure, humanitarian grounds or serious personal reasons are then required. A visitor must apply for a residence permit for their visit if there are no such reasons.
Force majeure includes, for instance, the need to rebook a flight owing to a strike or bad weather. Humanitarian grounds may comprise for instance a person visiting Sweden suddenly becoming seriously ill or the person the visit pertains to becoming suddenly ill. If the visa is extended for any of these reasons, the Swedish Migration Board will not impose a charge.
In one year, on 5 April 2011, further changes will be introduced within the framework of the Visa Code. It will then become possible to lodge an appeal against a decision refusing a visa application. The same thing applies to decisions to annul or revoke a visa.
Requirements to be able to obtain an extension
Force majeure includes, for instance, the need to rebook a flight owing to a strike or bad weather. Humanitarian grounds may comprise for instance a person visiting Sweden suddenly becoming seriously ill or the person the visit pertains to becoming suddenly ill. If the visa is extended for any of these reasons, the Swedish Migration Board will not impose a charge.
A person who visits Sweden may also extend their visa in the case of serious personal reasons, for example in the event of a business visit that takes longer than expected or if medical care is necessary before the homeward journey. In these cases the Swedish Migration Board will impose a charge corresponding to EUR 30.
In all of these cases, the total period of stay in the Schengen area may not exceed 90 days during a 180-days' period. The period of 90 days thus includes the extension.
Possible to lodge an appeal in April 2011
In one year, on 5 April 2011, further changes will be introduced within the framework of the Visa Code. It will then become possible to lodge an appeal against a decision refusing a visa application. The same thing applies to decisions to annul or revoke a visa.
Page updated: 2010-04-05
Migrationsverket
