Switzerland Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

Also known as the Switzerland Schengen tourist visa, this is a permit that is required to enter the Swiss confederation for the purpose of tourism. Similar to visas for other Schengen nations, these are a type of short term C permit and is valid for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. It can be issued for a different number of entries such as a single entry, double entry, as well as multiple entries.

 The applications for the Switzerland tourist visa from India is done through VACs (Visa Application Center). The application, however, is done offline. Before starting the Switzerland tourist visa application, ensure that you check if you are eligible for the tourist category. After that, you may proceed with the application as follows - 

1. Obtain all the documents as per the document checklist for the tourist permit. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC, or the Embassy of Switzerland and download the Schengen application form. 
3. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details and then print it. You must mention the purpose of your visit as ‘tourism’.
4. Proceed to book your appointment at the VAC. You can do this by visiting the online portal of the VAC.
5. Visit the respective VAC with the documents, completed application form, and the fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here. 

Keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In that case, you may send your application through a third party, provided that they carry a letter of authorization signed by you. 

Also, note that you must submit only genuine documents and correct information. Providing fake documents or incorrect information can lead to visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for a tourist permit, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must be in your home country while applying in the country. If you are residing in a residence permit in another nation, you can apply it to the embassy over there. 
• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Your only purpose of the visit has to be to take part in tourism-related activities.
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Switzerland.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Switzerland is your only destination, or
  2. Switzerland is one of your multiple Schengen destinations -  in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Switzerland is your port of entry.

As per the Switzerland tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you must submit at the VAC - 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should not be older than 10 years.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  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 of tourism, and the duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland.

1. Flight reservation for round trip
2. Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings/invitation to stay/residence bookings, etc 
3. Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros

• Proof of occupation - 

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

• Financial documents -

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

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

The processing time for the Swiss tourist visa application is dependent on the validity of the visa,  the number of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it takes around 7-10 working days to process your application. However, this can sometimes take much longer, and as a result, it is suggested that you apply for a visa well in advance. 

The application fees for this Swiss tourist permit is dependent upon the currency exchange rates, as well as the embassy decision. Along with the application fee, there will be biometric charges, delivery charges, as well as any service charges levied by the VAC. As a result, you must check the exact fees before starting the application.

Once you have submitted the application for the tourist visa, it is then processed at the Embassy of Switzerland. Even though you have submitted it at a VAC, they will then forward it to the embassy in New Delhi. Note that the VAC has no control over the processing. They are only in charge of handling the administrative part of the application.  

Once the visa is approved, you can pick up the passport directly from the VAC, or you can have the VAC deliver it to you for an additional delivery charge. 

You can do the Switzerland tourist visa status tracking by clicking here an entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also check your status by contacting your travel agency and have them track it for you. 

While you are travelling on this permit, you must keep in mind the following factors - 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, the duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must follow these during your travel.
• Carry all the travel documents while travelling. You will be denied entry into Switzerland without this. 
• Ensure that you travel to Switzerland within 6 months of the visa issue date, or as mentioned in the Schengen sticker. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the Swiss confederate, ensure that you always carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in paid work for a Swiss company or establishment.  
• You will not be able to extend the tourist visa under any normal conditions
• Being a Schengen permit, you can move freely within the Schengen zone with the tourist visa.