Is Sweden safe for Black travellers?
Visible Afro-Swedish community; hate crime and profiling concerns persist
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- SEK (Krona)
- Language
- Swedish + widely spoken English
- Best time to visit
- Jun-Aug
- Visa
- Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU visitors.
- Health
- No specific vaccines needed.
Community warnings
- 58% of Black respondents stopped by police perceived racial profiling (FRA 2023)
- Afrophobic hate crimes include violence and nightclub entry refusals (Brå 2022)
- US Level 2 advisory for terrorism risk
Border & airport tips
Stockholm airport efficient.
Why this rating
Sweden has an established Afro-Swedish community, and Black travel coverage such as Essence's Stockholm guide points to visible Black cultural life. However, Brå's 2022 study found 18% of reported Afrophobic hate crimes involved violence, and in FRA's 2023 survey 58% of Black respondents stopped by police felt it was racial profiling. The US advises increased caution over terrorism.
Official advice: US Level 2 (terrorism); FCDO: no country-wide warning
Sources: fra.europa.eu · thelocal.se · essence.com · travel.state.gov
Reviewed Sep 2026 · evidence: medium · editorial rating, not official travel advice.
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Create a free accountThis page is an editorial summary, not an official safety rating, and conditions change. Visa and health details can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.