Liechtenstein Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

Also known as the Liechtenstein Schengen visa, this is a permit that allows you to enter the country. Be it rail or road, you will need this to visit the principality. However, nationals of EU and EEA countries do not require a permit to enter. This visa is issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-period and is a part of the Schengen C category. They can be issued for any number of entries such as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple entries. 

To make the Liechtenstein tourist visa application from India, you must apply to the Swiss embassy. Since there is no Liechtenstein diplomatic mission in India, Switzerland handles this responsibility. Now, before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country as a tourist. After this, you may proceed to make the application as follows - 

• Collect all the documents required for the process based on the requirements. 
• Visit the website of the Switzerland Embassy in India and download the visa application form. Note that the form for this is the same as the general Schengen visa application form.
• Fill in the application form online and then take a print out of it. 
• Proceed to book an appointment for the application submission at one of the VACs located across India. You can do this by using the online portal of the respective VAC, or by calling them. 
• Visit the appointment centre with the documents, duly filled and signed the application form, and the visa fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here.

Note that if you have already submitted your biometrics for a Schengen application in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Your data is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and is copied and used again. Also, ensure that you follow the right procedure and submit the correct documents and information as required. Failure to do so can lead to a Schengen visa rejection.

To apply for the Liechtenstein tourist visa from India, you must meet the following conditions. If you do not, you are ineligible for a tourist permit. You must then apply for a category that suits you. 

• You must be living in India while making the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the embassy there.
• You must possess a valid passport as per the specifications. 
• Your primary purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Liechtenstein is your primary destination, or
  2. Liechtenstein is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here. In all other cases, you must apply to the country that is apt for your visit. 

As per the Liechtenstein tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you must furnish at the appointment centre. Keep in mind that there may be slight additional documentation depending on your individual conditions. 

• A valid Indian passport- 

• 1. It must consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It must not be older than 10 years.
  3. It should remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter - 
• 1. This must include the applicant's details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland.
• Travel itinerary/documents - 
• 1. Detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight booking
  3. Proof of accommodation 

• Medical travel insurance coverage of up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

• Financial documents -

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc

Ensure that you carry all the original versions of the documents to the appointment as these will be verified. 

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken for processing this permit is dependent on several factors such as the entry type, the validity of the permit, the volume of applications at the embassy, your previous travel history, and so on. Normally, the visa is processed in about 15 working days. However, this can increase significantly based on the above factors. To be safe, it is recommended that you submit the application at least 15 days before the date of travel, but not more than 3 months before the date. 

The fees for the permit depends on a few such as the entry type, the biometric charges, as well as any other service charges for the VAC. It can also vary upon the foreign currency exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting your application.

Upon successful submission, your application is forwarded to the embassy. If you have submitted in the VAC in New Delhi, the application is sent to the embassy on the next working day. In all other VACs around the country, this may take 2-3 days. Please note that the VAC has no power over the processing. The application processing is solely done by the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi. If accepted, you can collect the visa from the VAC in person or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge. 

After submission, it is possible that you would want to know the status of your application. You can perform the Liechtenstein visa status tracking by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-PassportTracking and entering your reference number and date of birth. You can also ask for your travel agency to track it for you.

Once you receive this visa, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you enjoy the trip and face no complications. 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must strictly abide by these. 
• Carry all the travel documents while travelling to the country. 
• Ensure that you travel to Liechtenstein within 6 months of the issue date, or as mentioned on the sticker. After this date, you will not be allowed to travel to the Schengen as the permit will become invalid.
• While you are travelling within Liechtenstein, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a tourist permit, you are not allowed to take part in work activities. However, you are allowed to engage in other activities that fall under the general Schengen short term limits such as visiting friends, take up voluntary charity work, etc.
• You will not be able to extend the tourist visa normally.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone with this permit.