Several Swedes feel that they cannot afford to get home after being stranded abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' recommendation is to apply for a temporary loan if neither the airline, travel company nor home insurance covers it.
”"If you find yourself in an emergency situation that is not self-inflicted, in some cases it is possible to get a temporary loan from a Swedish embassy for your return trip."”
The number of calls to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from worried Swedes who are now abroad and want to get home has varied from anywhere between 200 and 1,500 calls a day.
”"We are under high pressure and receive many calls every day," writes Tove Lyssarides, Departmental Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an email.
Regarding compensation for tickets for flights that have been cancelled, you should first contact the airline and your insurance company, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not provide compensation for flight tickets.
”"If neither the airline, travel company nor home insurance covers it, it is possible to apply for a temporary loan. If you find yourself in an emergency situation that is not self-inflicted and neither you nor your provided references are able to solve the problem financially, in some cases it is possible to get a temporary loan from a Swedish embassy for your return trip," writes Tove Lyssarides.
If you are granted a loan, you must repay the loan within one month of receiving the invoice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to SRF, the Swedish Travel Agency and Tour Operators Association, between 1,000 and 2,000 people are abroad and want to get home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs writes in the email exchange with Di that it maintains close contact with local authorities to resolve situations that arise and assist in individual cases where Swedes need help.
”"We are continuously coordinating with other countries on various transport options. Our role includes, among other things, obtaining flight and transit permits in contact with local authorities and airlines.".
Source: di.se
