Emergency Help Abroad – Sweden

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Sweden — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to fines or imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons (including certain knives or sprays) without lawful reason is prohibited.

• Alcohol consumption is legal but subject to stricter regulation than in some UK venues; public drunkenness is taken seriously.

• Drink-driving laws are strict and enforcement is high.

• Bringing illegal substances into Sweden is illegal and subject to prosecution.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Swedish society values personal space, quiet in residential areas and respect for nature.

• Littering, noise in residential zones or damaging nature are punished.

• Modest attire is not mandatory but appropriate behaviour in religious sites and rural areas is advised.

• Vandalising public property or cultural monuments is a criminal offence.

• Respect signage and rules in protected natural reserves or forests.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may check travel documents or ask for ID — carry your passport or a copy.

• Scam activities, though low, can still occur in tourist zones; stay alert.

• Public intoxication, disorder or harassment may result in police action.

• Protests or public gatherings may be monitored — foreigners should remain neutral.

• Attempting to bribe officials or law-enforcement officers is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid tickets and use of contactless/pass systems; fare evasion may lead to fines.

• Cycling rules are strict — lights at night, helmets in some regions, obey signals.

• Speed limits apply across roads, and mobile-phone use while driving is prohibited.

• Parking violations, use of bus-lanes or restricted zones trigger fines.

• Overstaying in the Schengen zone may lead to penalties or future entry bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone usage in Sweden is regulated and confined in many urban, airport or national park zones.

• Photographing military bases, radar installations or border zones is forbidden.

• Some museums limit or ban flash photography — check signage.

• Respect individuals’ privacy when photographing, especially in less-touristic areas.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Leaving marked trails in remote wilderness can be dangerous and may incur fines.

• Removing rocks, plants or natural items from protected wilderness or national parks is prohibited.

• Swimming in lakes and rivers outside designated safe areas can carry risks — heed local guidance.

• Open fires, barbecues or camping may require permits, particularly in summer.

• Feeding wildlife, including reindeer, moose or birds, is often restricted.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging Viking-era sites, Sami cultural zones or historic churches is punishable.

• Removing artefacts or natural materials from protected heritage sites is illegal.

• Entering threatened ecosystems or fragile tundra zones without guidance is discouraged.

• Purchasing items from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels everyday or familiar in the UK may follow different norms and expectations in Sweden.

• Don’t litter in forests, lakes or urban parks, as Swedes take cleanliness and nature protection very seriously.

• Don’t ignore “Allemansrätten” (Right to Roam) rules, which allow access but require you to leave no trace and respect private homes.

• Don’t light open fires where prohibited, particularly during dry summers with high fire risk.

• Don’t underestimate winter conditions, especially ice, snow and limited daylight in the north.

• Don’t drive in winter without proper tyres, as roads can be icy for long periods.

• Don’t camp too close to houses or on farmland, even with the right to roam; maintain respectful distance.

• Don’t disturb wildlife, including reindeer, moose and nesting birds.

• Don’t speak loudly on quiet trains, buses or in cafés, where calm conversation is normal.

• Don’t drink alcohol in public where local bylaws prohibit it, especially in city parks.

• Don’t underestimate how cold lakes and sea water can be, even in summer.

• Don’t cycle on pavements unless clearly marked, and use bike lanes where provided.

• Don’t jaywalk in front of traffic, and wait for pedestrian signals at busy crossings.

• Don’t smoke close to entrances, bus stops or playgrounds, where rules may apply.

• Don’t trespass in private gardens, jetties or summer cabins, which are off-limits.

• Don’t underestimate mosquitoes and midges in summer, particularly near lakes and forests.

• Don’t leave rubbish or food at picnic spots, as wildlife and birds quickly spread it.

• Don’t assume all small shops and cafés take cash, as Sweden is highly card and contactless focused.

• Don’t ignore ice safety advice on frozen lakes, and only walk or skate where locals say it’s safe.

• Don’t be overly pushy in queues or conversations, as a more reserved, polite manner is appreciated.

• Don’t make loud noise late at night in apartment blocks, where neighbours value peace.