Switzerland Tourist Visa for Indians

About Switzerland Tourist Visa

To explore Switzerland as a tourist, you must checkout the process for Switzerland tourist visa application. You can apply for a Schengen visa and visit Switzerland and other Schengen countries on a single visa. Before we discuss the details about a Switzerland tourist visa, here are some key facts about the country.

Switzerland Tourist Visa Fee for Indians

The Switzerland tourist visa fee is a non-refundable cost you must pay for a visa. This cost cannot be recovered even if your application is rejected.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

Documents Required for a Switzerland Tourist Visa

As Switzerland is a part of the Schengen area, you can visit the country on a Schengen tourist visa. With this travel permit, you can visit multiple European countries too. Here are the documents that you must submit for getting a Switzerland tourist visa from India.

Types of Switzerland Tourist Visa

Before applying for a Switzerland tourist visa, make sure that you are applying for the right type. Switzerland has come up with two visa types for Indian tourists. Here's a summary of the different Switzerland tourist visa types.

1. Schengen Visa

   This visa allows individuals to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for tourism, visiting relatives or friends, short-term language studies, attending conferences, and participating in sporting or cultural events.

2. Airport Transit Visa

   This visa is for Indian citizens who need to transit through a Swiss airport to another country. Even if staying in the international transit area and not entering the country, this visa ensures compliance with transit regulations for smooth airport passage.

Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements

To improve the chances of getting your Switzerland tourist visa approved, you must follow all the requirements diligently. Here's a summary of various Switzerland tourist visa requirements.

1. Passport: An Indian passport that is not older than 10 years and will remain valid for at least three months after your departure from Switzerland. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
2. Photos: Recent passport-size photographs meeting the Switzerland tourist visa photo requirements. The photo should have a light background and should have dimensions of 35 x 45 mm.
3. Switzerland Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including flight reservations (not confirmed tickets), accommodation bookings, and an outline of your activities in Switzerland.
4. Travel Health Insurance: Health insurance covering medical expenses, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 .
5. Hotel Bookings or other arrangements: Reservation details for where you will be staying in Switzerland (hotel booking, rental agreement, etc.).
6. Proof of Financial Means: You must have funds equivalent to CHF 100 (approximately EUR 100) for every day. If you are a student you must have at least CHF 30 per day of your stay.
7. Employment/Income Proof: If employed, get a letter from the employing entity stating your position, approved leave dates, pay, and the purpose of your visit. If self-employed, business registration documents and financial statements. If a student, evidence of enrollment.
8. Proof of Civil Status: Marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, etc., to prove your family ties.
9. Visa Fees: Payment of the applicable visa fee. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the visa is issued or not.

How to Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a Switzerland visa at the Swiss embassy in New Delhi, through VFS Global. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Switzerland tourist visa. The process is the same for Schengen and Transit visa.

1. Check Visa Requirements:
   • Visit the official website of the Embassy of Switzerland in India or the Swiss consulate to understand the specific visa requirements for Indian citizens.
   • Ensure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay in Switzerland.
2. Complete the Online Application Form:
   • Fill out the visa application form online. This can usually be done on the website of the Swiss consulate or through the visa application centre (VFS Global) website.
   • Provide accurate and complete information as per your passport and travel plans.
3. Gather the Required Documents:
   • Prepare the necessary documents as mentioned in detail above. The documentation should include your passport, income proof, accommodation booking, photos, etc.
4. Book an Appointment:
   • Schedule a visit via the VFS website to submit your form and documents.
5. Attend the Appointment:
   • Arrive at the VFS office on time.
   • Make sure you have all the required documents.
   • Submit the form with supporting documents to the staff.
   • Pay the required fee. Fees are typically payable in cash or via debit/credit card.
6. Biometric Information:
   • Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).
7. Track the Switzerland tourist visa status:
   • After submitting the documents, you will receive a tracking number or receipt from VFS.
   • Use this to view your tourist visa status online through the VFS website or other designated tracking systems.
8. Wait for Processing:
   • Switzerland tourist visa processing time is approximately 10-15 calendar days.