Entering Sweden with a dog

Rieke 15. May 2025

Before you go on holiday to Sweden with your dog, you should know the entry requirements. You can find all the information about travelling to Sweden with your dog here!

Your dog needs an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination to enter the country
You must register your dog with Swedish customs “Tullverket”
Dogs must be kept on a lead in Sweden from 01 March to 20 August

General requirements: Important vaccinations, documents, customs declaration

To enter Sweden, your dog needs an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination – rabies vaccinations must be refreshed every 1-3 years and are only valid after 21 days if vaccinated for the first time or after a delay. No entry is possible before then! Puppies can enter Sweden at the earliest when they are 15 weeks old, as vaccination is only permitted from 12 weeks of age and the 21-day waiting period applies.

Note: A distemper and leptospirosis vaccination is recommended, but is not a requirement for entry.

Registering the dog with Swedish customs

Before entering Sweden, you must register your dog with Swedish customs, the Tullverket. You can either do this on site at the Swedish border by choosing the red lane for customs declaration or you can do it online from the comfort of your own home. You will need the EU pet passport with your dog’s chip number for the registration.

You should have these documents to hand when entering the country in case of a border check:

EU pet passport with microchip or tattoo
valid rabies vaccination
Proof of customs declaration

Travelling to Sweden with a dog

Travelling by car

If you want to travel to Sweden by car with your dog and choose the overland route, you should also find out about the entry regulations for Denmark. In Denmark, for example, special regulations or bans apply to some breeds.

By car, you drive part of the way through Denmark and over the Öresund Bridge to Sweden – a good way to stay flexible with your dog and take breaks at any time.

Travelling by ferry

Most ferries to Sweden allow dogs on board, but you should check with the ferry provider before booking. Especially on longer ferry journeys, you should make sure that you can book a pet cabin – the alternative is often transport boxes on deck, which can be stressful for many dogs.

On shorter ferry journeys, it is usually possible for your dog to stay in the car – probably the most relaxed solution for dogs that like the car!

Ferry connections Germany-Sweden at a glance

Travemünde (Germany) – Trelleborg (Sweden) approx. 8-9 hrs.
Rostock (Germany) – Trelleborg (Sweden ) approx. 6 hrs.
Kiel (Germany) – Gothenburg (Sweden) approx. 14.5 hrs.

Note: For longer ferry journeys, you should find out where your dog can get off and consider whether your dog will be able to join you – alternatively, take a shorter route or go by car!

If you want to avoid long ferry journeys, check with Scandlines or Stenaline for shorter ferry connections between Denmark and Sweden.

Leash obligation in Sweden

To protect wild animals, dogs must be kept on a lead in Sweden from 1 March to 20 August in fields and forests. Outside of this period, your dog may run free as long as you keep it under control at all times. You can recognise exceptions by the corresponding signs. In cities, public places and national parks, however, dogs must be kept on a lead all year round.

Dogs are allowed to run free here in Sweden:

designated dog walking areas
designated dog beaches
rural areas, under control

Tip!

Get a tow lead if you want to travel to Sweden during the peak season. This way, your dog can still move around freely and you comply with the leash requirement.

Checklist: Entering Sweden with a dog

Does my dog have an EU pet passport?
Does my dog have a microchip or a tattoo?
Is my dog’s rabies vaccination still valid?
Have I registered my dog with customs?
Do I have all the necessary documents to hand?
Have I booked a dog-friendly ferry connection?