Switzerland Visitor Visa - Definitive Guide

The visitor permit is issued for individuals seeking entry into Switzerland to meet their relatives or friends who are living in the country. Also known as the Switzerland Schengen visitor visa, this Schengen category permit is issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry type and can be used to travel across the Schengen region.

The applications for the visitor visa for Switzerland is done through the VACs (Visa Application Center). The application, although, has to be made offline. Before starting the process, ensure that you check if you are eligible to travel as a visitor. After that, you may start the application as follows - 

1. Obtain all the documents as per the document checklist for the visitor permit. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC, or the Embassy of Switzerland and download the Schengen application form. 
3. Fill in the Schengen visa application form with all the relevant details and then print it. You must mention the purpose of your visit as ‘visiting family/friends’.
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 visa fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here. 

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics for any 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 false information can lead to visa rejection. 

To be eligible to obtain this visitor visa, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living within the country you are making the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign country, you can apply it to the respective embassy.
• You must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Your primary motive of the visit must be to meet your friends and family living in Switzerland and you must be invited by them.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the stay in Switzerland.
• You must apply for the permit only if Switzerland-

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

The following are the list of documents you would need to apply for the visitor permit -

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  3. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter - 
  1. This must include the applicant's details as well as that of the visit.
  2. It must 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. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight booking
  3. Proof of accommodation 
• Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30000 Euros
• Invitation letter from the relative/friend living in Switzerland including all the details of the visit. They should match the details on the covering letter
• Residence proof of sponsor (if any)
• 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 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 to process the Swiss visitor permit application is dependent on a few factors such as the number of entries, the allowed stay duration, the validity, the volume of applications at the embassy, your previous travel history, and so on. Normally, it takes around 15 working days to process. However, due to the uncertainty, it is suggested that you apply well in advance, but no more than 3 months before the intended date of travel.

The fees for the Swiss visitor visa depends on the embassy’s decision and the currency exchange rates. Apart from the application fee, the fees also include the biometric charges, number of entries, as well as any other service charges. As a result, it is suggested that you check the exact amount before applying. 

Once you have submitted the application for the visitor permit, 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 decision making power over the processing. This is completely done by the Embassy.  

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 check the status of your visitor permit application by clicking here and 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. 

Upon successfully being issued with the permit, you must keep in mind the following points, 

• Do not forget to carry all the necessary travel documents. You will be denied entry into Switzerland without these. 
• Keep a note of the expiry date, stay duration, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the sticker. You must not stay back in the Swiss confederation beyond this period.
• Always carry a copy of your travel documents while you are travelling within the country.
• While you are on a visit visa, you cannot take part in any paid work in Switzerland. Engaging in work will make your visa void and will lead to deportation.
• You cannot extend the permit in normal conditions.
• You can visit any of the Schengen nations with this permit.