This page contains information about how COVID-19 affects international visitors and guests to Umeå University. The page also includes links to information at other Swedish authorities that you may need to stay updated on. If you are a student or member of staff, please find the university’s COVID information on umu.se/en/covid-19.
Current COVID-related restrictions at Umeå University
On 9 February 2022, most Swedish national COVID measures were lifted. However, everyone must still stay at home and limit close contacts with others if they are ill and have symptoms that could be COVID-19. There are no longer any restrictions regarding visiting Umeå University or spending time in university premises. Staff and students are gradually returning to their regular activities.
Those who are not vaccinated run a higher risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19. If you are not vaccinated, you should be extra careful to protect yourself and others from getting infected. Maintain distance to others and avoid places that are crowded.
According to national guidelines, anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 must stay at home and limit their contacts with others.
PCR testing is not currently recommended for the general populations, but exceptions apply to patients and medical care staff.
Recommendations for all travellers entering Sweden from abroad
The guidelines regarding self-isolation after travels and testing before and and after travels change from time to time. Stay updated on the Public Health Agency of Sweden's website.
There are currently no general recommendations about wearing face masks in Sweden when in public, but you may come across requirements in certain medical healthcare situations or for air travel.
When you are required to use a face mask, use a CE certified face mask, other face coverings are not sufficient.
If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you have a personal responsibility to maintain distance to others regardless of the use of a face mask or face covering.
Vaccination against COVID-19
In Sweden, vaccination is voluntary and free of charge. Vaccination is offered from the age of 12 and a large proportion of the Swedish population has already been vaccinated against COVID-19.
You do not need to be a Swedish citizen to get the vaccine. If you are planning on staying in Sweden for some time, for work or studies, for instance, you are offered vaccination. The vaccines being offered in Sweden are given in two doses, with a booster offered as a third dose.
Please bear in mind that if you begin your vaccination in Sweden, you need to stay long enough to be able to take your second dose in Sweden, or ensure that you can take your second dose in your home country for longer-lasting protection.
Region Västerbotten is the medical authority in charge of vaccination in the local county. If you have questions regarding vaccination, please contact Region Västerbotten by phoning a healthcare centre of your choice for advice and booking an appointment vaccination.
Here is a list of some health centres in Umeå you can contact if you need help to get tested for COVID-19, to book vaccination or need other medical attendance:
Emergency care medicine If you are seriously ill or have been gravely injured, you can seek help at the emergency care clinic (Akutmottagningen) at the University Hospital of Umeå (Norrlands universitetssjukhus) in Umeå.
Call the alarm number 112 if a person’s life is in danger and you need help straight away.
Medical advice
Call 1177 or +46 771 1177 00 if you or someone else gets ill and you need to talk to a nurse for advice on what to do or where to go for help. The nurses speak Swedish and English. Help in other languages is sometimes available.
Insurance during your visit
As an international visitor to Umeå University, you are insured for emergency medical treatment. The insurance covers necessary, reasonable and verified costs for emergency healthcare. Emergency healthcare refers to medical attendance due to illness or injuries suddenly arisen during your insurance period in Sweden and if you need to seek medical attention within a matter of days.
This includes COVID-19 and applies regardless of vaccination status. If you need emergency medical attendance due to COVID-19, your costs for emergency treatment are hence covered. Planned health care is not covered by the insurance.
Medical attendance
If you are seriously ill or have been gravely injured, you can seek help at the emergency care clinic (Akutmottagningen) at the University Hospital of Umeå (Norrlands universitetssjukhus) in Umeå.
Call the alarm number 112 if a person’s life is in danger and you need help straight away.
Call 1177, or +46 771 1177 00 from a foreign mobile phone, if you or someone else gets ill and you need to talk to a nurse for advice on what to do or where to go for help. The nurses speak English and Swedish. Sometimes help in other languages may be available.
Learn more
Find out more about visiting Sweden and COVID-19 from other authorities:
