Flying to Sweden Right Now
 

Hi All--I haven't been traveling since arriving from LAX more than a month ago now. Was planning a trip to Stockholm for next week and had two questions:

1. The itinerary I'm looking at has me going through ZRH on the outbound and FRA on the inbound. Am I permitted to go through these airports even if my sole purpose is connecting? Under the current rules I am not permitted to enter either of these countries.

2. What the inflight and transit experience been like for passengers? Are any of the F/HON lounges open? Is there any HON service still being provided?

Depending on the answers, I might just pay double to fly direct with SAS.

While I don't know the details for sure I would personally try to keep itins as simple as possible and therefore my preference would be to take any direct flight over a connection. AFAIK, all lounges in Germanyare closed.

I guess you're aware that although Sweden has a very liberal Covid 19 policy, you can't (with very few exceptions) enter the country unless you're a Swedish national or you live there: https://polisen.se/en/the-swedish-po...l-15-May-2020/

On a separate note, all LH lounges in Germany are indeed closed.

I'm not sure that's correct (and I read that page before making this thread):



I'm a foreigner coming from the UK, but US citizen. Have also not been to the US (or anywhere else) in over a month.

The text is confusing because, literally, I am allowed to enter. And this was confirmed by consulate authorities as well. But I am suspicious...

I also had to read the text twice before understanding it properly but to me it is clear now.
The way I understand it:
-If you are living in an EU/EEA country you can enter Sweden IF you qualify for one of the exceptions
-If you aren't living in an EU/EEA country you have no chance of entering Sweden

I do live in an EU/EEA country, so I can definitely enter. We're a group of three, the other travel companion is also resident of the EU/EEA.

That said, one of my travel companions is not a resident, but also hasn't been outside the UK in over a month, so now I'm a bit worried about him.

I still read it as allowing him in, but it's confusing for sure. I'm sure you're leaning into your opinion because to allow, say, US citizens who travel via an EU/EEA country would be a significant loophole.

By the way, according to the LH/Swiss website, all lounges are closed. I knew as much, but for some reason I saw a post around these parts talking about people being in the FCT, so I was confused for a bit.

I think you're mistaken. As a EU/EEA resident you can only enter IF you are

• health care professional
• individual working with the transportation of goods, e.g. food and medicines
• embarking or disembarking merchant seaman, as well as commercial driver whose vehicle and cargo is already in Sweden
• travelling for urgent family reasons
• going to work within the production of food items in the agricultural industry

EDIT: Sweden is part of Schengen and as you know there are currently significant travel restrictions in place even for travel between Schengen countries. I wanted to go to Stockholm myself to escape the Corona hysteria because I thought that Sweden's liberal attitude would extend to border controls, but unfortunately it doesn't.

That's interesting. See the way I read it is:



Seems straightforward.

I interpret the exceptions to apply to anyone (say, someone coming from the US) who otherwise might not be allowed entry, not for foreigners originating from, say, the UK.

Still getting affirmative guidance from the consulate, so I'm really confused.

I thought just like you initially because I only read the first paragraph, which sounds very encouraging.
But when you put this in the current context (ie every Schengen country imposing strict border controls), it makes no sense. This is why I think that the exceptions also apply to EU/EEA citizens.
Let's hope you're right because I too would love to go to Stockholm, but I'm afraid it won't happen before mid-May at the earliest.
Please keep me posted.

Thanks. I might just risk it. Consulate says I can come (confirmed with two different consulates). Hotel says I can come. It’s only a few hours on a plane, and I have nothing better to do lol

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/int...1580226297.htm

...so seems like I can enter?

That’s the FT spirit! :cool:

It looks me like IF you arrive from UK, you can enter.
Actually, just last Friday I read in my home country interview with ambassador of Sweden and by his words tourists arer highly appreciated and welcomed in Sweden.
But just to be clear, I live in Estonia, inside EU and Schengen and it was Estonian newspaper.

I would certainly start with what the consulate says first. And from there I would be guided by the IATA information.
Pages for domestic consumption (polisien.se, cited above) may not be as reliable for international travel.
I read from the IATA that all these medical staff and other exemptions exist only if the first lists do not apply.