Switzerland Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders

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.

Basic Requirements:

1. Indian Passport:
   
   
• Validity: At least three months beyond the intended stay in Switzerland
• Blank Pages: Containing at least two blank pages for visa stamps
• Issue Date: Issued within the last 10 years
  
  
  
2. Completed and Signed Application Form:
   
   
• Source: Download from the Swiss Embassy/Consulate's website or obtain from a VAC
• Language: Fill out in English, German, French, or Italian
• Signature: Signed by the applicant (or legal guardian for minors)
  
  
  
3. Recent Photos:
   
   
• Quantity: 2-3 passport-sized photos
• Specifications: Meeting Schengen photo requirements (35x45mm, white background, recent)
  
  
  
4. Travel Document/Flight Itinerary:
   
   
• Confirmation: Confirmed return ticket or a detailed travel itinerary
• Coverage: Showing entry and exit from Switzerland (and the Schengen Area, if applicable)
  
  
  
5. Travel Health Insurance:
   
   
• Coverage Amount: At least €30,000
• Validity: Covering the entire stay in the Schengen Area
• Policy Details: Clearly stating the policy's validity, holder's name, and coverage amount
  
  
  
6. Proof of Financial Means:
   
   
• Bank Statement: Showing sufficient funds (approximately CHF 100 per day for the entire stay)
• Sponsorship Letter (if applicable): With the sponsor's financial documents
  
  
  
7. Accommodation in Switzerland:
   
   
• Hotel Booking: Confirmation of hotel reservation
• Rental Agreement: If renting a property
• Invitation Letter: From a host in Switzerland, with a copy of their ID/passport
  
  

Additional Documents (as Applicable):

• Proof of Employment or Studies:
  
  
• Leave letter from employer or university
• No-objection certificate (NOC)
  
  
  
• Proof of Retirement or Unemployment:
  
  
• Pension documents or proof of financial independence
  
  
  
• Minor's Documents (if Traveling with/without Parents):
  
  
• Birth certificate
  
  
• Consent letter from both parents (if traveling alone or with one parent)

Step 1: Check the Official Website

• Purpose: Verify the latest visa requirements and application process.
  
  
• Website to Visit: Swiss Embassy/Consulate's website
  
  
• What to Check:
  
  
1. Visa Requirements: Ensure understanding of all necessary documents and specifications.
   
   
2. Application Form: Confirm if the form can be filled out electronically or only in person.
   
   
3. Submission Options: Verify if applications can be submitted through a VAC in your region.

Step 2: Gather Documents

• Purpose: Ensure all required documents are ready and meet the specifications.
  
  
• Actions:
  
  
1. Review the Requirements: From the official website or your previous check.
   
   
2. Prepare Each Document:
   
   
• Valid Indian Passport: With at least two blank pages.
• Completed Application Form: Printed if filled out electronically.
• Recent Photos: Meeting Schengen photo requirements.
• Travel Itinerary/Flight Tickets: Confirming entry and exit from Switzerland.
• Travel Health Insurance: Covering the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
• Proof of Financial Means: Showing approximately CHF 100 per day for the stay.
• Accommodation Details in Switzerland: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Options:
  
  
1. Electronically:
   
   
• Access: Through the Swiss Embassy/Consulate's website.
• Fill Out: Complete all fields accurately online.
• Print: Once completed, print the form.
  
  
2. In Person:
   
   
• Visit: The Swiss Embassy/Consulate or VAC.
• Obtain and Fill: Receive the form at the location and fill it out on the spot.
  
  

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Options:
  
  
1. In Person at the Embassy/Consulate:
   
   
• Location: Swiss Embassy in New Delhi.
• Documents to Bring:
• Completed application form.
• All required documents.
• Payment for the visa fee (if not paid online).
  
  
2. Through a Visa Application Center (VAC), if Available:
   
   
• Additional Service Fee Applies.
• Check the VAC’s Website: For specific requirements and any additional services offered.
  
  

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data

• Requirement: For all applicants, unless exempt (e.g., children under 12, diplomatic passport holders).
  
  
• Location:
• At the Embassy/Consulate: In New Delhi.
• At a VAC: If you chose this submission method.
  

• What to Expect:
• Fingerprint Scanning: For all applicants, unless exempt.
• Photograph: May be taken on the spot, ensuring it meets the requirements.
  
  

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Typical Duration: Up to 15 calendar days.
  
  
• Variations: May take longer; check the application status if concerned.
  
  
• Tracking Your Application:
  
  
• Online Tracking: If available through the embassy/consulate or VAC’s website.
  
  
• Contacting the Embassy/VAC: For status updates.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

• Location: Same as where you submitted your application.
  
  
  
• Required Documents to Bring:
  
• Your Passport: To collect the visa.
  
  
• Receipt/Reference Number: Provided during application submission.
  
  
  
• Outcome:
  
  
• Approved Visa: Attached to your passport or provided as a separate document.
  
  
• Rejected Application: You will be informed of the reason and potentially guided on the next steps.

• Schengen Visa Fee (Short-Stay):
  
  

• Adults: Currently €60 (subject to change; check the latest rate)
• Children (6-12 years): Reduced fee, currently €35
• Exemptions: Children under 6 years, family members of EU/EEA citizens, and others (check eligibility)
  
  

• VAC Service Fee (if applicable):
  
  

• Additional: Varies by VAC; check with the specific center

• Swiss Embassy in India:
  

  • Address: Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
  • Phone: +91 11 4995 9500
  • Email: newdelhi@eda.admin.ch
  • Website: www.eda.admin.ch/countries/india/en/home.html
    
    

• Visa Application Centers in India (if available):
  

  • Check the official government or VAC websites for locations and services.

• Apply Early: To account for any unforeseen delays.
  
  
  
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure all meet the specified requirements.
  
  
  
• Be Prepared for Potential Interviews: Clearly explain your travel purpose and plans.

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