u.s. travel docs sweden

Ändra språk: Change to Swedish

Apply for a U.S. Visa

• Payment Options
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule My Appointment
• Change Document Delivery Address
• Track & Retrieve My Passport
• Apply for an Expedited Appointment
• Renew My Visa
• Application Refused Under INA 221(g)
• Visa Information
• Immigrant Visa Applicants from Denmark and Norway
• Check My Immigrant Visa Petition Status
• Immigrant Visa Wait Times
• Select Document Delivery Address
• Travel Coordinator
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• Visas for Children
• U.S. Embassy
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-Off Locations
• Bank Locations
• Security Regulations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holidays and Closures
• Rights and Protections
• Helpful Links

You are here: Home / Submitting 221(g) Documents

Submitting 221(g) Documents

On this page:

How to Submit 221(g) Documents

The U.S. Embassy may give you a 221(g) letter directing you to submit additional documents or information related to your visa application. Your application will be kept on hold at the U.S. Embassy until you submit those documents.

All documents and information requested in a 221(g) letter should be submitted  within one year from the date you received the 221(g) letter. Failure to submit the required information within one year will result in the suspension of your visa application. You will be required to submit a new visa application and pay all associated fees in order to continue with your visa application process.

Electronic Copies via Email

If you received instructions to send via email an electronic copy of a document, send it in PDF to the U.S. Embassy which issued your 221(g) letter. Attachments must not exceed 3MB.

[email protected]

Original Documents via Mail

If you received instructions to send by mail original documents, then the following delivery options are available:

Drop your documents at VFS GLOBAL office in Magnus Ladulåsgatan 29, 118 65, Stockholm  - opening times Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. This option is free of charge.

The second option is to mail your documents to the US Embassy/Consulate using the PostNord service. This option requires the payment of a delivery fee which can be done by accessing this link.  Once the payment completed, the shipping label will be generated automatically and displayed on your screen. Print the shipping label and apply it to the package containing your application documents. 

© CGI Federal Inc.

• NIV Information
• NIV Application
• Immigrant Visas
• Local Visa Programs
• General Information

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Sweden - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed

Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to  terrorism .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sweden. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Sweden.

If you decide to travel to Sweden:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Sweden.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

At least three months beyond the period of stay

Space for entry and exit stamps

Not required for stays under 90 days

10,000 Euros (or equivalent)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy stockholm.

Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31, SE-115 89 Stockholm, Sweden Telephone: +(46) (8) 783-5300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(46) (8) 783-5300 Fax: +(46) (8) 783-5480 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Sweden for information on U.S. - Sweden relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Sweden is a party to the Schengen Agreement. Visit the  Embassy of Sweden  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.

• Your passport should be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You will need  sufficient proof of funds  and  a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Sweden.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism : Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Sweden has been subject to terrorist incidents in the past and the potential for a future terrorist incident remains.  As in other countries in the Schengen area, Sweden’s open borders with its European neighbors could permit terrorist groups to enter and exit the country with anonymity. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks, but all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

For more information, see our Terrorism page .

Crime:  Sweden has a low crime rate, and most crimes involve the theft of personal property from vehicles, residences, and public areas. While armed violence against the public continues to be a rare occurrence, violent crimes, such as homicides and sexual assaults, can occur. The majority of violent crimes occur in Sweden’s larger cities, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. Organized crime groups have also committed armed acts against each other.

Pickpocketing and petty theft are common in and around major tourist attractions, especially Stockholm’s Old Town (“Gamla Stan”) as well as at restaurants, coffee shops, amusement parks, museums, bars, airports, and on public transportation.

Hotel breakfast rooms and lobbies attract well-dressed, professional thieves who blend in with guests and target purses and briefcases left unguarded by tourists and business travelers.

Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are counterfeit goods illegal to bring back into the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams : See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Sweden. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• romance/online dating
• money transfers
• bank overpayments
• online relationships that evolve into requests for emergency financial assistance

Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of crime, including sexual assault, should first contact local police authorities by dialing 112. Crime victims may contact the U.S. Embassy at +46 (8) 785-5300 after they have contacted local authorities.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting all crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information on  Sweden’s Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism : The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

There is no provision for bail in Sweden. U.S. citizens who are arrested may be held in custody until an investigation or trial is concluded, either of which can range in duration from a few days to a year or more.

Drug and Alcohol Enforcement: Swedish law enforcement authorities have no tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana. Marijuana of all forms, including CBD products, are illegal to bring into or possess in Sweden. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Sweden are strict, and convicted offenders can face imprisonment, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering Sweden.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs, is considered a very serious offense. The maximum legal blood-alcohol level is .02% - much lower than in the United States. Swedish police often conduct alcohol tests on roads and highways. Drunk driving rules are strictly enforced and fines can be severe, including possible jail sentences.

Child Protection Laws: The treatment of children is taken very seriously in Sweden. All forms of corporal punishment of children are against the law, and any form of violence, humiliating treatment, or neglect may result in the child being taken away from parents by the Swedish authorities and placed into long-term care by Sweden’s social services and/or criminal charges being brought against the offending parent. Homeschooling is not allowed in Sweden, except under extraordinary circumstances.

Compulsory Military Service: In March 2017, Sweden reintroduced military conscription for men and women. Dual U.S.-Swedish citizens are also subject to conscription, although persons who have previously done military service may be excluded from the requirement and should contact the Swedish Ministry of Defense for more information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Sweden.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Sweden prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. Accessibility to public facilities and transportation in Sweden is extensive. The Swedish Government actively funds programs promoting disability access to streets, public buildings, stores, restaurants, and public transportation. For more information on accessibility in Sweden, visit the  Tourist Bureau ’s website.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  women travelers .

Medical care in Sweden is comparable to that found in the United States. Non-residents are expected to pay their own medical costs in full.

For emergency services in Sweden, dial 112. Assistance in English is available.

Ambulance services are widely available.

For non-emergencies, you can visit a local medical center or clinic, called an “Akutmottagning” or “Vardcentral.” Be prepared to present your passport.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept credit card payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Sweden’s  Medical Products Agency  to ensure the medication is legal in Sweden. Please note that local physicians may not prescribe the quantities or dosages of medication that a U.S. doctor would. Stringent Swedish customs regulations prohibit the shipment of drugs to Sweden. Most pharmacies (“Apotek”) are open during normal shopping hours, but major cities will have a 24-hour pharmacy.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of local hospitals and health facilities here .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Swedish roads are comparable to those in the United States, though secondary roads may be less heavily traveled. Road signs use standard international symbols and Swedish text. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transportation only.

All vehicles on the road must have their headlights turned on, no matter the time of day. You must use snow tires between December 1 and March 31, and you should be experienced driving on ice and snow if you are going to drive in the winter.

You must use seat belts, and children under 135cm (4ft 5 inches) in height must be seated in approved child or booster seats.

Gas stations in rural areas can be far apart. Some stations are unattended and require a credit card with a chip to purchase fuel.

Slower vehicles should move onto the shoulder to allow faster moving vehicles to pass.

Traffic Laws: You can use a valid U.S. driver’s license while visiting Sweden, or as a resident in Sweden registered for less than one year, but you must be at least 18 years old to drive.

The maximum speed limit is 120 kilometers per hour (approximately 75 miles per hour).

Public Transportation: Public transportation in Sweden is the recommended way to travel within larger cities. Taxis are more expensive than in major U.S. cities. Most local residents use public transport in Stockholm, as parking can be expensive. The bus, train, and subway systems are considered safe. Cyclists are common on many roads, especially in urban areas.

See our  Road Safety page  or Driving in Sweden website for more information. Visit the website of Sweden’s  national tourist office  and  national transport administration  responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Sweden’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Sweden’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Sweden should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA maritime safety information website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Sweden . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Ändra språk: Change to Swedish

Apply for a U.S. Visa

• Payment Options
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule My Appointment
• Change Document Delivery Address
• Track & Retrieve My Passport
• Apply for an Expedited Appointment
• Renew My Visa
• Application Refused Under INA 221(g)
• Visa Information
• Immigrant Visa Applicants from Denmark and Norway
• Check My Immigrant Visa Petition Status
• Immigrant Visa Wait Times
• Select Document Delivery Address
• Travel Coordinator
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• Visas for Children
• U.S. Embassy
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-Off Locations
• Bank Locations
• Security Regulations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holidays and Closures
• Rights and Protections
• Helpful Links

You are here: Home / Rights and Protections

Learn and know about your rights and protections when you visit the United States.

Read more here .

© CGI Federal Inc.

• NIV Information
• NIV Application
• Immigrant Visas
• Local Visa Programs
• General Information

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Critic’s Notebook

Exit the Modest Merchant Prince

Bruce Nordstrom was both the force behind his family’s multibillion-dollar retail dynasty and a stealth godfather to the fashion trade.

By Guy Trebay

“Nice” tends to be dirty word in business. The cliché holding that nice guys finish last has seldom seemed more true than in the landscape of contemporary retailing, where business is dominated by corporate consolidation, monopolistic practices and shareholder returns as the ultimate value.

Yet nice, as it turns out, may not be altogether pejorative — at least judging by the career of Bruce Nordstrom, who died May 18 at age 90 . It may even be a key to success.

For decades, Mr. Nordstrom helped lead the Nordstrom retail empire, which was founded in Seattle in 1901 by his grandfather, an immigrant from Sweden. The fashion retail colossus began as a shoe store, and ultimately expanded to include 150 locations worldwide.

Publicly traded since the 1970s and still family-run, the Nordstrom chain was predicated on an ethos of decency and niceness, Robert Spector wrote in “The Nordstrom Way,” his 1996 book about the company’s vaunted reputation for customer service.

“I came at the reputation with skepticism,” Mr. Spector said by telephone from his home outside Seattle. “I wish it were more complicated, but they are who they say they are, decent and humble and focused on the customer first.”

The Nordstrom culture of customer care is not only real, it originated from a family tradition of bottom-up managerial training. Bruce Nordstrom may have run a multibillion-dollar company, but he never forgot his beginnings sweeping floors and breaking down boxes for 25 cents an hour. “It may be the biggest competitive advantage they have,” Mr. Spector said of Nordstrom’s unusual company structure.

A familiar story in retail circles would appear to underscore this mind-set. “The C.E.O. of a huge retail chain was dealing with a series of problems,” the fashion brand consultant Josh Peskowitz said by telephone this week. “And someone in the corporate office said: ‘You know what? Call up Mr. Nordstrom and ask for his advice.’”

By then some years into his tenure as president of the family business, Mr. Nordstrom promptly issued an invitation. “He said, ‘If you want to come out to Seattle, I’m happy to have a chat and tell you what we do,’” Mr. Peskowitz recalled.

Mr. Nordstrom opened up his company’s books to the C.E.O., Mr. Peskowitz said, showing him “the employee guide, the return policies, everything, and then, at the end of the meeting, the man said: ‘Wow, thank you. I really appreciate you doing this.’”

Not surprisingly, he asked Mr. Nordstrom why. “The way the story’s told,” Mr. Peskowitz said, “Mr. Nordstrom’s response was, ‘I’m happy to show you anything we do because I know you can’t do it.’”

While the tale smacks of myth, it is not altogether implausible, say those in the garment business, where the Nordstrom reputation for almost sleepy solidity is buoyed by an aptitude for innovation and a willingness to bet on new talents and stand by them. One of the company’s largest sales producers, Jesse James Barnholdt, was early to social-media commerce, and is reported to have sold $2 million worth of designer shoes through Instagram. Given the volume of labels currently exiting the business, this approach is no small thing.

“They took a chance on Bode and have continued to support our growth in many forms, from helping us build our first shop-in-shop retail experience to bringing us to the Met gala,” the designer Emily Bode said by text message on Monday. “I’ve always been honored to work with them because of their family history, brand values and honesty in this wild industry.”

When the men’s wear designer Joseph Abboud was starting out in the 1980s, the 1930s cuts of his suits, with their slouchy attitude and ventless jackets, were deemed too sophisticated and European to market to consumers accustomed to boxy Brooks Brothers suits. “There was a general mandate not to buy nonvented clothing,” Mr. Abboud said this week. “Then one brave Nordstrom’s buyer bought 230 units.”

As the buyer rightly predicted, Mr. Abboud was onto the zeitgeist. Thirties glamour was to be the next evolutionary stage in men’s wear, and he went on to sell millions of dollars at Nordstrom in the coming decade and to win the men’s wear designer of the year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America two years in a row. “To a large extent, we’ve lost that creative courage at retail,” Mr. Abboud said.

Merchant princes like Mr. Nordstrom, he added, have largely been replaced by consultants well-versed in corporate-speak and omni-channel marketing and yet lacking the gut instincts that once made department stores essential cultural destinations — places to encounter novelty, to experience great showmanship and to track that ineffable yet central dimension of fashion: buzz.

“True, Nordstrom never had the Bloomingdale’s hype or the Barneys sizzle,” Mr. Abboud said. “But in their quiet, decent way, they led in innovation, and did it with an added weapon, which was this incredible old world concept that the customer comes first.”

Guy Trebay is a reporter for the Style section of The Times, writing about the intersections of style, culture, art and fashion. More about Guy Trebay

Explore Our Style Coverage

The latest in fashion, trends, love and more..

FaceTime Calls With Mom: What started as a way for the filmmaker Josh Seftel and his mother, Pat, to stay in touch has become  a popular feature on “CBS Sunday Morning.”

Breaking Mr. Beast’s YouTube Rules: Many creators bend over backward to optimize videos for the platform’s algorithm, but some are experimenting with another concept: trusting their audience .

Changing the Way We Party: When the siblings James and Alexa Hirschfeld started Paperless Post, some saw its digital invitations as a fad. Instead, they have become a fixture of events , even spawning imitators.

A Mahjong Tournament for the Young: Green Tile Social Club hosted its first tournament , where a younger generation gathered to play an old game and meet new friends.

Teen Boys Take on Cologne: Some Gen Z kids can’t seem to get enough of luxury fragrances  that cost as much as $300.

‘Five Minute Journal’: Alex and Mimi Ikonn are the duo behind the popular journal , ubiquitous on night stands and on social media, that promotes gratitude.

Ändra språk: Change to Swedish

Apply for a U.S. Visa

• Payment Options
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule My Appointment
• Change Document Delivery Address
• Track & Retrieve My Passport
• Apply for an Expedited Appointment
• Renew My Visa
• Application Pending Further Action
• Visa Information
• Immigrant Visa Applicants from Denmark and Norway
• Check My Immigrant Visa Petition Status
• Immigrant Visa Wait Times
• Select Document Delivery Address
• Travel Coordinator
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• Visas for Children
• U.S. Embassy
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-Off Locations
• Bank Locations
• Security Regulations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holidays and Closures
• Rights and Protections
• Helpful Links

You are here: Home / Submitting 221(g) Documents

Submitting 221(g) Documents

On this page:

How to Submit 221(g) Documents

The U.S. Embassy may give you a 221(g) letter directing you to submit additional documents or information related to your visa application. Your application will be kept on hold at the U.S. Embassy until you submit those documents.

All documents and information requested in a 221(g) letter should be submitted at the nearest Post Nord document collection office within one year from the date you received the 221(g) letter. Failure to submit the required information within one year will result in the suspension of your visa application. You will be required to submit a new visa application and pay all associated fees in order to continue with your visa application process.

Electronic Copies via Email

The second option is to mail your documents to the US Embassy/Consulate using the PostNord service. This option requires the payment of a delivery fee which can be done by accessing this link . Once the payment completed, the shipping label will be generated automatically and displayed on your screen. Print the shipping label and apply it to the package containing your application documents.

© CGI Federal Inc.

• NIV Information
• NIV Application
• Immigrant Visas
• Local Visa Programs
• General Information

Putin’s designs on a Baltic island are leading Sweden to prepare for war

Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex

Disclosure statement

Natasha Lindstaedt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Essex provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

View all partners

Gotland has been a popular holiday destination for decades, but recently Swedish commander-in-chief, Mikael Bydén, claimed that Russian president Vladmir Putin “has his eyes” on the island . Concern was further ramped up, showing Gotland was just one part of Russia’s ambitions in the Baltics, in the last few days when Russia published a document suggesting that it needed to reassess the maritime borders in the Gulf of Finland.

That draft decree by the Russian defence ministry, which has since been removed, proposed that Russia wanted to revise its borders with Finland and Kaliningrad (based on a resolution adopted by the Soviet Union’s council of ministers in 1985 ) and expand its territorial waters.

Gotland holds a strategically important location of being in the middle of the Baltic Sea (halfway between Sweden and Estonia) and only 300km from where Russia’s Baltic fleet is based . Sweden joining Nato and giving it access to Gotland has significantly increased the alliance’s ability to deploy and sustain its forces in the Baltic Sea region, and this could make a decisive difference in the defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Poland .

Because of its strategic importance, for most of the cold war Sweden maintained a large military presence on the island. But Gotland was demilitarised in 2005 in order to promote peace and cooperation in the Baltic region.

This gesture of goodwill was immediately tested by the Russians as, not long after doing so, Russian men who did not fit the usual Gotland tourist profile, began regularly visiting the island .

Then, on March 29 2013, two Tupolev Tu-22M3 nuclear bombers came within 24 miles of Gotland on dummy bombing runs. Sweden’s part-time air force had the weekend off on account of the Easter holiday, emphasising both the country’s military weakness and Gotland’s vulnerability to Russia .

After Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, Sweden took significant steps to protect itself, reintroducing 150 permanent troops on the island in 2016 . By 2018, Sweden had expanded the number of permanently placed troops to 400, equipping them with CV90 armoured vehicles and Leopard 2 tanks. Air defence systems were also reactivated by 2021 .

Read more: Why Vladimir Putin seems stronger now than he was a year ago

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to additional reinforcements, exercises, and investment in Gotland’s defence, totalling US$160 million (£125 million). In April 2023, Sweden held its biggest military exercise in 25 years alongside Polish and British troops on the island .

For Swedish commander-in-chief Bydén, the reasons for increasing its defences in Gotland are clear. Gotland is both a major strategic asset and potential liability, and therefore must be protected in order to prevent greater threats from Russia to Nato countries from the sea .

The geographical distances in the Baltics are small, and if Russia seized Gotland in a crisis, it could dominate the Baltic Sea region. This would make it very difficult for the west to provide reinforcement to the Baltic states by sea or by air.

It’s not only Sweden that is concerned. Lithuania borders both the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad (which itself has become increasingly militarised ) and Belarus, it is concerned that it could be attacked, and would then be physically isolated from the rest of the Baltics.

In usual Moscow fashion, when the online document about changing Russian maritime borders was spotted in the west, the Kremlin denied that it had any plans to do so. But there was no explanation from Russian officials as to why the ministry proposal was removed from the government’s portal .

As leaders of the Baltic countries sought clarification, Lithuania warned that this was, at the very least, another Russian intimidation tactic . Estonia’s prime minster, Kaja Kallas, went further, claiming that Russia is engaging in a “shadow war” with the west .

Shadow war in the Baltic

The Baltic Sea has already been an area of heightened tensions this year. Russian ships have stoked hostilities due to their increasingly brazen and careless behaviour, breaching maritime rules and sailing old and uninsured oil tankers, which could potentially cause an environmental catastrophe .

Russian shadow tankers (which are ships that are used in countries that have been sanctioned) have been present in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone off the eastern coast of Gotland, and have loitered off Gotland’s east coast. Russia’s fleet consists of about 1,400 ships that are not officially part of Russia’s military.

Many of these shadow tankers refuse pilotage, the practice of directing the movement of a ships by using visual or electronic observations, even when navigating Denmark’s narrow Great Belt . It appears they are engaging in forms of brinkmanship.

These provocations all take place just outside the 12 nautical mile limit (a country’s territorial waters), making it impossible for Sweden to do anything about it, as these commercial tankers are not part of Russia’s official navy. The Swedish navy has warned that Russia is likely to be using these oil tankers to engage in sabotage, reconnaissance and espionage .

Because of these developments, the Swedish prime minister informed citizens in March that they needed to be prepared for war .

In the past, Gotland was a deterrent against Soviet expansion. But Russia today under Putin seems less easily deterred and more risk-acceptant. What’s not clear is if these provocations are part of a Russian shadow war to psychologically divide and terrorise the west, or if this is a prelude to an actual war, which would certainly begin if Russia attacked Gotland.

As Sweden is now a member of Nato, this means that all members must come to Sweden’s defence should it face an attack. On its own, Sweden has a world-class and modern submarine fleet and air force and a technologically advanced defence industrial base .

Given Sweden’s military capabilities, it’s hard to predict if this is enough to deter conflict with Russia. For now, it seems, Russia is determined to create suspense around its intentions in the Baltics — a region that holds both Nato’s greatest assets and vulnerabilities. As a result, the Baltic region has become a playground in Russia’s shadow war.

• Vladimir Putin
• Baltic states
• maritime ports
• Invasion of Ukraine 2022

Data Manager

Director, Social Policy

Communications Coordinator

Head, School of Psychology

Senior Research Fellow - Women's Health Services

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked