Security Brief for Sweden prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:51:41 PM UTC
Security Assessment Rating
Security Rating for Sweden: 2 - Low
Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 2 Overall Rating: Security Services 4 2 Civil Unrest 2
Low Terrorism 2 Kidnapping 3 Geopolitical 1
Security Overview : Overview of Sweden Sweden is generally considered a low-risk travel destination. Petty theft, which occasionally takes place in crowded downtown areas and near tourist attractions, is by far the most prominent concern to travelers in Sweden. Violent crime is rare; however, there has been a growth in criminal gangs and gang-related violence in the southern cities, which poses an incidental security threat. Since 2015, there have been heightened concerns over potential radical Islamist terrorist plots in the country. There are concerns that militants linked to extremist groups such as al-Qaeda or the Islamic State (IS) may carry out attacks in Sweden. Recent spikes in violent crime and targeted low-level bombings by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been attributed to both a growth in organized criminal gangs and deteriorating socioeconomic conditions, with over 200 explosions reported in 2019. Anti-migrant sentiment has been on the rise since 2015 and may lead to unrest and far-right terror attacks; Sweden accepted the most refugees per capita in Europe in 2018.
Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Tips and guidelines for surviving an airline hijacking Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling
Security Alerts & Advisories Informational Alerts
Civil Unrest: Protests denouncing COVID-19-related restrictions likely to continue in cities across Europe through July. Localized disruptions likely. Event: COVID-19 Protests Location(s): Urban centers (map) Time Frame: Through at least July Impact: Possible increased security, localized disruptions
Summary Sporadic protests will likely continue in cities across Europe through at least the end of July as residents denounce restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19, as well as their economic consequences, particularly for the hospitality industry. Activists could demonstrate outside government offices or at prominent locations in city centers; vehicular go-slow protests are possible. Public transport workers may hold strikes or other forms of labor actions.
The COVID-19 measures currently in place in most European cities restrict public gatherings to some extent. Local police will likely monitor protests and may attempt to disperse larger gatherings. Low-level skirmishes and, in some cases, wider confrontations, are possible. Localized traffic and transport disruptions are likely.
In addition, though a large proportion of demonstrations involve hospitality workers, the adoption of the COVID- 19 issue as a rallying point by both far-left and far-right-wing groups means that some protests could also prompt counterdemonstrations, posing a potential for clashes between rival activists.
Advice Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Monitor local media for updates on such gatherings, as organizers may not announce details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues.
Alert begins: 03/31/2021
Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts
Entry/Exit: European Council introduces EU Digital COVID Certificate in numerous EU countries as of July 2; travel restrictions remain. Incident: Travel restrictions Location(s): EU member states (except Ireland) and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Transport and business disruptions
Summary Authorities in 21 EU member states have implemented the European Council's "EU Digital COVID Certificate" as of July 2. The certificate is a digital or physical QR code that acts as proof of whether a traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from COVID-19, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. Member states should in principle allow individuals possessing the certificate to enter the country without restriction. The certificate is currently being issued by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. All remaining EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, are set to recognize and begin issuing the certificate by Aug. 12.
The European Council (EC) previously added several more countries, including the US, to the list of countries with which it recommends member states relax entry restrictions due to positive data regarding the COVID-19 situation in those countries. As of July 2, the following countries are on the list: Albania, Australia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the US, and China (provided it implements a reciprocal travel arrangement). The EC advises EU member states to restrict nonessential travel from all other countries outside the bloc as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID- 19.
Countries participating in the measure include all EU Schengen Area member states; non-Schengen EU members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania; and the four non-EU Schengen-associated states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EC's recommendation is advisory only; individual member states retain the authority to unilaterally deny travel from countries on the approved list or to permit travel with countries not on the approved list.
Additionally, the EC previously issued advice for member states to implement additional COVID-19 measures, including mandatory testing before departure, stricter measures to address virus variants of concern, and a common European passenger locator form. Persons exempted from the recommendations include family members of EU nationals, diplomats, foreigners with legal residency permits, cross-border and healthcare workers, and truck drivers transporting freight. Following the end of the Brexit transition period, citizens of the UK are no longer being treated as EU citizens and are therefore subject to measures restricting travel to the EU from outside the bloc as per EC recommendations.
The EC also issued advice May 20 recommending that member states begin lifting restrictions for vaccinated travelers from countries outside the bloc; most member states have not currently implemented this measure.
Advice Prospective travelers from countries on the approved list should check for possible additional restrictions imposed by the destination country prior to booking travel. Persons from countries not on the approved list should postpone travel to the countries participating in the closure. Follow all official immigration and health screening instructions.
Resources European Union Schengen Area countries
Alert begins: 07/02/2021
Entry/Exit: Sweden maintains COVID-19 measure as of July 8; domestic and international entry restrictions remain in effect. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Date: Indefinite Impact: Travel and business disruptions
Summary Authorities are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of July 8. Officials previously extended international entry restrictions until at least Sept. 1. Nonessential travel from outside the EU/EEA is prohibited; residents of Albania, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Macau, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the US are exempt from the entry ban. Exemptions are also in place for EU/EEA citizens and residents, passengers in transit, students, and limited other essential purposes.
There are no entry restrictions in place for travel from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. Travelers from all other EU/EEA countries must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within the 72 hours before arrival in Sweden, a certificate of vaccination no less than 14 days old, or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous 11-180 days. Permitted travelers from all other locations must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 48 hours before arrival. Authorities also recommend that all travelers arriving from outside the EU/EEA should self-isolate for seven days on arrival and take a COVID-19 test on the day of arrival and five days later.
Domestic Restrictions Most nonessential businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to hygiene, capacity, and social distancing requirements. Private indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people; outdoor events of up to 3,000 people are permitted. Authorities no longer recommend the use of masks on public transport.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
Resources Emergency Information from Swedish Authorities Public Health Agency of Sweden World Health Organization (WHO)
Alert begins: 07/08/2021 Warning Alerts
Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several Western European countries and territories through June 30. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 epidemic Affected Area(s): Western Europe (map) Period: May-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)
Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 30. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 30-June 30. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:
High risk of transmission:
UK Portugal Andorra Cyprus Spain Latvia Denmark Netherlands Belgium Ireland Monaco Slovenia Greece Sweden Lithuania Gibraltar France Jersey Luxembourg Switzerland Estonia Norway Faroe Islands
Moderate risk of transmission
Montenegro Croatia Liechtenstein Italy Austria Germany Czech Republic Finland Bulgaria
Low risk of transmission
Serbia Hungary Slovakia Bosnia and Herzegovina Isle of Man Iceland Poland Guernsey Malta North Macedonia Kosovo Greenland Romania Albania San Marino Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.
Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.
Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.
Resources WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress US CDC Global COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Notice WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Alert begins: 06/30/2021
Security Intelligence
SECURITY
Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Sweden There is no conflict threat facing Sweden. Sweden has traditionally maintained a neutral foreign policy, though it has also maintained a strong military to deter foreign attacks. Sweden continues to maintain close and stable relations with its Nordic neighbors and is heavily involved in regional trade. There are currently no outstanding international disputes involving Sweden, and there is no risk for internal or external conflict at this time. Tensions with Russia are highly unlikely to lead to conflict in the foreseeable future.
Civil Unrest: The threat of civil unrest in Sweden is low
Demonstrations and protests in Sweden rarely take place and are generally peaceful and well policed. Police typically respond in an orderly fashion, and confrontations with protesters are rare. The majority of protests occur over local socioeconomic and political issues. These may lead to strikes and localized travel disruptions. Occasional rioting by discontented youth can lead to brief periods of violence and unrest, typically in predominantly immigrant neighborhoods. In August 2018, groups of rioters in Gothenburg sets dozens of cars alight, vandalized stores, and clashed with police. Similar incidents occurred in various suburbs of Stockholm in February 2017, December 2013, and May 2013.
Tensions over the influx of migrants may lead to communal unrest. Since 2015, a string of arson attacks has targeted migrant shelters throughout the country. These acts of vandalism are not considered to be triggers for wider instability; however, they may lead to localized unrest generated by demonstrations in opposition to far- right political discourse. In early 2016, several high-profile incidents involving allegations of sexual assaults along with stabbings and rioting in migrant centers raised concerns of the security risk generated by the mass arrival of asylum seekers in the country. Both pro- and anti-migrant protests may take place amid heightened tensions over the issue.
Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Sweden Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.
Emergency Services:
Police 112 Ambulance 112 Fire Department 112 Pan European Emergency Number 112 Country Code +46 Contact information for select embassies in Sweden:
Note: This information is subject to change.
China - Embassy France - Embassy
Lidovagen 8 Kommendorsgatan 13 115 25 Stockholm 102 43 Stockholm Phone: +46-8-579-364-37 Phone: +46-8-459-5300 Fax: +46-8-579-364-54 Fax: +46-8-459-53-41 chinaembassy.se se.ambafrance.org Germany - Embassy Japan - Embassy
Skarpogatan 9 Gardesgatan 10 115 27 Stockholm 115 27 Stockholm Phone: +46-8-670-1500 Phone: +46-8-579-35300 Fax: +46-8-670-1572 Fax: +46-8-661-8820 stockholm.diplo.de se.emb-japan.go.jp/ United Kingdom - Embassy United States - Embassy
Skarpogatan 6-8 Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31 115 93 Stockholm 115 89 Stockholm Phone: +46-8-671-3000 Phone: +46-8-783-5300 Fax: +46-8-662-9989 Fax: +46-8-661-1964 gov.uk/british-embassy-stockholm se.usembassy.gov
Crime: Crime generally poses a low threat in Sweden
Criminal activity is not a major concern in Sweden. Cases of pickpocketing, vehicle theft, and burglaries are reported and tend to increase in the summer months between May and September, especially in large cities. Petty crime in crowded touristic places and on public transportation is the main criminal risk affecting foreigners in Sweden. However, foreign travelers in Sweden face a much lower threat from criminal activity than in most European or North American countries.
There is growing concern over criminal gangs and accompanying gang-related violence, especially in the southern city of Malmö and the northwestern suburbs of Stockholm. There have been reports of violence directed at business owners in connection with loan sharks and extortion demands, as well as towards judiciary officials prosecuting gang members. Bomb attacks are prevalent in Sweden, particularly in low-income areas. Some 257 explosions caused by IEDs or grenades were recorded across Swedish cities in 2019, representing a 60 percent increase year-over-year. The attacks are mostly attributed to gang violence and typically result in light injuries and property damage. Gang violence is unlikely to have a direct effect on foreign travelers.
Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat is minimal in Sweden Sweden is a highly stable country. The local institutions do not face any threat and corruption is not a concern.
Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Sweden is minimal
Kidnapping
For most foreign nationals, the threat of kidnapping in Sweden is minimal. Kidnappings are rare, and kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most likely types of abduction are custodial kidnappings related to international custody disputes. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.
Security Services: Security services in Sweden are generally good
Security Services
The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Sweden are generally good. Although Sweden has a number of different security forces, the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen) is likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff. Police officers are typically able to speak English.
Terrorism: The overall threat of terrorism in Sweden is low
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Sweden. In recent years, concern has focused on potential Islamic State (IS) plots in the country. Islamic extremists linked to IS and al-Qaeda have networks in Sweden. There are concerns over radicalization of Sweden's Muslim community, much of which is based in low-income areas of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Several Swedes are thought to have traveled abroad to fight with Islamic terrorist groups, and there are concerns that as they return home with newfound skills and training, they may have the capability to stage attacks in Sweden. Police and intelligence forces periodically conduct raids against suspected cells. In April 2016, Swedish law enforcement foiled a terrorist plot (likely IS-inspired) by arresting a man who was attempting to make an IED out of a pressure cooker. The last significant terror attack on Swedish soil took place on April 7, 2017, when an Uzbek national with ties to IS rammed a stolen truck through a major shopping center in central Stockholm before crashing into a department store. The attack left five people dead and 14 others wounded, highlighting the threat posed by single-assailant operations and raising concerns over the security of soft targets.
Sweden is also used as a support area for other militant groups, underscored by the capture of a senior leader from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Stockholm in April 2016.
Far-right domestic terrorist organizations, such as the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM), are also present and active in Sweden. In 2015, a Swedish national attacked a school in Trollhättan, killing three people and wounding one other with a sword before being shot and killed by law enforcement. The attack was found to be racially motivated and the attacker reportedly chose the school because of its location in a neighborhood with a large immigrant population. Similar acts of violence against refugees and asylees are possible over the near term as nationalist, far-right, and anti-migrant ideology continues to garner support in the country. Such incidents are unlikely to affect travelers to Sweden.
Overview of Sweden
Sweden is a highly advanced post-industrial country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders Norway to the west and Finland to the northeast; its southern tip is connected to Denmark by the Oresund Bridge. Stretching above the Arctic Circle and with little arable land, the majority of Sweden's residents inhabit the densely populated southern region. Sweden's economy developed rapidly in the mid- twentieth century due to advancements in the motor vehicle, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical industries. A constitutional monarch, the head of Sweden's royal family, serves as a ceremonial head of state, while a prime minister heads the multiparty democratic government.
There are no particular threats to expatriates or travelers to Sweden, and even petty theft remains relatively rare. Civil unrest is also rare and almost always non-violent. Like most Scandinavian countries, Sweden has an excellent infrastructure network, low levels of corruption, and a highly educated work force with few restrictions on foreign investment. Recent spikes in violent crime and targeted low-level bombings by IEDs have been attributed to both organized criminal gangs and deteriorating socioeconomic conditions. Weather, Currency Exchange
SWEDEN WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Skavasta / Stockholm: CURRENCY 1 Euro 1 Swedish 1 US Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES = Krona = Dollar = Euro 1.0000 0.0981 0.8423 High: 81° High: 85° High: 87° High: 73° High: 81° Swedish Krona 10.1927 1.0000 8.5854 F (27° C) F (29° C) F (30° C) F (22° C) F (27° C) US Dollar 1.1872 0.1165 1.0000 Low: 60° Low: 64° Low: 65° Low: 62° Low: 60° F (15° C) F (17° C) F (18° C) F (16° C) F (15° C) Stockholm / Arlanda: Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16
High: 81° High: 84° High: 88° High: 75° High: 80° F (27° C) F (28° C) F (31° C) F (23° C) F (26° C) Low: 59° Low: 63° Low: 64° Low: 59° Low: 55° F (15° C) F (17° C) F (17° C) F (15° C) F (12° C)
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