Is Khat legal in Sweden?
- Legal status
- Banned. PLANT NAMED: Catha edulis was classified as a narcotic by the Riksdag in 1989 on the national narcotics list; the alkaloids are also controlled. Mechanism: NAMED (plant).
- Consequences if caught
- Leaf is illegal and seized on import; small quantities historically drew fines/community service, large smuggling is prosecuted.
- If prescribed or medical
- Khat is traditional plant material with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
- Documentation
- No lawful personal-import route; fresh leaf is prohibited and seized at the border.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Sweden’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →