Weapons — Sweden

Pepper spray, tear-gas sprays and electric stun devices are treated as firearms in Sweden. Under 1 kap. 4 § of the Weapons Act (Vapenlag 2026:408), which replaced the 1996 Act, what the law says about a firearm applies also to "ett targasvapen och andra gasvapen", to "en targasanordning och andra till verkan och andamal jamforliga anordningar" and to "en anordning som kan baras i handen och ar avsedd att med elektrisk strom bedova manniskor" - and 2 kap. 1 § requires a permit (tillstand) to possess any of them. A visitor holds no Swedish permit, so carrying any of these for self-defence is a weapons offence; the Act provides no self-defence exception. Crossbows are covered the same way.

Vapenbrott: imprisonment for up to 5 years (18 kap. 1 §); a minor case is a fine or up to 6 months. Grovt vapenbrott carries 4 to 7 years (18 kap. 2 §) and the most serious grade 6 to 10 years.

Verified Oct 8, 2026

Carrying a knife in a public place is a criminal offence in Sweden whatever your reason for having it. Under 1 § of Lag (1988:254), knives, other stabbing or cutting weapons and other objects suitable for use as weapons in violent crime "far inte innehas pa allman plats" - may not be held in a public place - nor on the grounds of a compulsory or upper-secondary school, nor in a vehicle in a public place. The section allows only equipment issued for a job or possession that is otherwise justified, so a pocket knife or multi-tool carried just in case is not covered.

Intentional breach of 1 or 2 §: a fine or up to 1 year in prison (4 §). Negligence: a fine or up to 6 months. A serious case: 6 months to 2 years in prison. A minor case is not an offence.

Verified Oct 8, 2026