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Switzerland Tourist Visa from India: Requirements, Cost & Processing Time Explained

Last Update: 23-09-2024

Green valley with mountain backdrop and lake in Switzerland

⚡Quick Summary

Do Indians need a tourist visa for Switzerland?

Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Switzerland for tourism purposes.

Switzerland tourist visa processing time

15 Working Days

Switzerland tourist visa fees

Euro 90

Switzerland tourist visa validity

180 Days

How to apply for a Switzerland tourist visa?

  1. Apply through Teleport in under 2 minutes
  2. Apply through VFS Global.

Introduction

Applying for a visa is the first step toward your international journey. It can also be the most frustrating part - lengthy paperwork, unclear instructions, and the complexities that come with it all. So, with this blog, we aim to simplify Switzerland tourist visas for Indians.


This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Switzerland tourist visa, including eligibility criteria, step-by-step application process, documentation requirements, visa validity, etc.

Table of Contents


  1. Do I Need a Switzerland Tourist Visa from India?
  2. How to Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa from India?
  3. Locations Available for Swizterland Tourist Visa Applications in India
  4. Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements
  5. Switzerland Tourist Visa Fees
  6. Switzerland Tourist Visa Processing Time
  7. Financial Requirements for Switzerland Tourist Visa
  8. Switzerland Tourist Visa Validity
  9. FAQs

Do I Need a Switzerland Tourist Visa from India?

Yes, Indians need to apply for a tourist visa to visit Switzerland. Switzerland is a part of the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Therefore, Indian citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa, that allows them to visit Switzerland along with other Schengen member countries for tourism, leisure, and other related purposes. Also, note that Switzerland doesn’t provide visas on arrivals to Indians

How to Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa from India?

Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa with Teleport

Teleport collaborates with the embassy to ensure timely and hassle-free visa processing. To initiate your Switzerland tourist visa application, follow these steps:

  1. Begin Your Switzerland Tourist Visa Application: Initiate your Switzerland tourist visa application on Teleport. The platform is super easy and intuitive to use.
  2. Complete Details and Make Payment: Provide us with essential details like travel dates, and a digital copy of your passport. Make an upfront payment, selecting either a full or partial payment option.
  3. Get Your Documents: Teleport will assign a dedicated Relationship Manager to you who will help you organise all the necessary documents for your Switzerland tourist visa application.
  4. Have Your Appointment Scheduled: Your Relationship Manager will arrange an appointment with the VFS Visa Application Centre on your behalf.
  5. Visit VFS Centre and Submit Biometrics: Attend your scheduled appointment at the VFS Application Centre. They will collect your biometric information and you will have to submit the documents with them as well.

Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa through VFS Global

  • Identify Your Visa Type and its Requirements: The first step is to determine the right visa for your trip. Tourists need a short-term, Schengen-type ‘C’ or ‘tourist visa’ to visit Switzerland. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and know your documentation requirements, the fee, etc. If your documents are not in English, consider translating them before submission.
  • Get Your Visa Application Form Ready: Download and fill out the Visa Application Form. Print it and take it to the Visa Application Centre for submission. You have the flexibility to submit your application in person, via a representative, or through an authorised travel agent.
  • Schedule Your Appointment for Application Submission: Schedule your appointment at the Lithuania Swiss Visa Application Centre. If you’re travelling in a group, you need to book an individual appointment for each member of the group. You’ll receive an email confirming your appointment upon successfully scheduling your appointment.
  • Pay Your Visa Fees: If online payment of service fees isn't feasible, you'll be required to pay the fees at the Visa Application Centre. 
  • Visit the Visa Application Centre: You must personally submit your fully completed visa application form and documents at one of the designated Visa Application Centers across India.
  • Check the Status of  Your Application: If you submitted your application at a VFS visa application centre, use the VFS online application tracking tool to monitor your application's progress. Simply input the your reference number and date of birth.
  • Collect Your Documents and Visa: Once a decision is made on your visa application, collect your documents from the Visa Application Centre.  You can collect the documents in person or avail of their courier services at an additional price. 

Note

The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi handles visa applications and does not accept applications by mail.

Locations Available for Swizterland Tourist Visa Applications in India

CityOperating Hours (Mon to Fri)

Ahmedabad

09:00 - 17:00

Bangalore

08:00 - 16:00

Chandigarh

09:00 - 16:00

Chennai

08:00 - 15:00

Cochin

09:00 - 13:00

Hyderabad

08:00 - 15:00

Jalandhar

09:00 - 13:00

Kolkata

09:00 - 17:00

Mumbai

08:00 - 16:00

New Delhi

09:00 - 16:00

Puducherry

08:00 - 15:00

Pune

08:00 - 16:00

Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements

Following are the documents required for a Switzerland tourist visa from India. Make sure to keep the Switzerland tourist visa checklist ready before starting your application.

Visa Application Form and Appointment Letter

A fully completed and signed application form along with the letter of appointment

Original Passport

  • Must have been issued in the last ten years
  • Must have 2 blank pages
  • Validity - at least 3 months beyond the trip
  • Old passports (if any)

3 Color Photographs

  • Dimensions - 35mm x 40mm
  • Taken within the last 6 months
  • White background

Proof of Financial Adequacy

  • Last 6 months bank statement - signed & stamoed by the bank
  • Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of € 30,000 per person 
  • Last 2 years Income-tax Return

Cover Letter

Cover letter specifying your travel itinerary

Hotel Booking

Confirmation of hotel reservations.

Flight Reservation

Confirmed round-trip flight booking

If Self-Employed

  • Submit proof of business registration  such as Certificate of Incorporation, GST registration 
  • 3 months bank statement of the business 
  • Company ITR for the last 2 years

If Retired

  • 3 months' pension bank statements
  • Proof of regular income that would support your trip to the Schengen Region

If Sponsored

Sponsor's bank statement, cover letter, ID card copy, and document of the source of funds

If a Minor

Minors travelling without both parents need a notarised consent letter from the non-traveling parent

If a Student

  • Copy of the student's college ID card and,
  • Letter from their college/university

If Invited

  • An invitation letter with host details, relationship, purpose, 
  • Copy of the host's passport or ID card.

If Travelling to Another Country After Leaving the Schengen area

Include the visa or travel permit for the next country you plan to visit. (Not needed if returning to India)

Switzerland Tourist Visa Fees

Following are the Switzerland tourist visa price for Indian applicants:

Applicant’s AgeFee TypeAmount

Between 6-12 Years

Embassy Fee

Euro 45

VFS Service Charge

Euro 20

Above 12

Embassy Fee

Euro 90

VFS Service  Charge

Euro 20

Switzerland Tourist Visa Processing Time

The standard processing time for a Switzerland tourist visa is usually around 15 working days from the date the Swiss Embassy receives your visa application. This period may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your application and the workload of the embassy or consulate. In some cases, an applicant may be called for a physical interview at the Embassy or submit additional documentation in which case, it will take even longer to process the visa application.


It's recommended to submit your visa application at least 2 weeks before your travel date and even earlier in case of peak holiday season. Note that a Schengen visa can be applied as early as 6 months from the intended travel date.

Financial Requirements for Switzerland Tourist Visa

For a Switzerland tourist visa (Schengen visa), as with any Schengen visa application, you'll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in Switzerland. The specific financial requirements can vary slightly depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply, but typically include the following:


  1. Minimum Balance: Minimum bank balance requirement for a Swizterland tourist visa from India is INR 3,00,000 per applicant.
  2. Proof of Sufficient Funds: You'll need to provide evidence of adequate financial resources to cover your travel costs, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and other expenses. This can be demonstrated through bank statements, salary slips, and past Income-tax return forms.
  3. Travel Insurance: While not strictly a financial requirement, having adequate travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa. Your travel medical insurance should be valid for the entire Schengen territory, not just Switzerland and the minimum coverage should be € 30,000 per person.

Switzerland Tourist Visa Validity

A Switzerland tourist visa (Schengen visa) is generally valid for 90 days within a 180-day timeframe (6 months timeframe). This means that once you enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country, you can stay for up to 90 days within a period of 180 consecutive days. You may be allowed single or multiple entries, depending on the visa you hold.


The visa's validity period usually begins on the date of your intended entry into the Schengen area, as indicated on your visa sticker. It's essential to note that the validity period does not necessarily correspond to the duration of your stay. Instead, it dictates the timeframe within which you can enter and exit the Schengen area.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive Switzerland tourist visa guide, you should have a clear understanding of the visa eligibility criteria, application process, and essential documents required for your Switzerland adventure. 


Whether you choose to apply through Teleport or VFS Global, ensure you play by the rulebook to strengthen your visa application and increase the chances of approval.

FAQs

Do I need a tourist visa for Switzerland?

Yes, Indian citizens planning a trip to Switzerland for tourism must acquire a tourist visa beforehand. This visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Switzerland.

What are the different types of Switzerland Tourist Visas available for Indians?

The most common tourist visa for Indians visiting Switzerland is the Schengen tourist visa. This allows travel within the Schengen Area, which includes Switzerland.

What documents are essential for a Switzerland Tourist Visa application?

Essential documents include a valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial documents, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit.

Can I book my flight and accommodation before obtaining the visa?

It's generally advisable to wait until you obtain your visa before booking your flight and accommodation to avoid any potential issues with cancellations or changes due to visa processing times.

How much does a Switzerland Tourist Visa cost for Indians?

The fee for a Switzerland tourist visa depends on the age of the applicant. For applicants aged 6 to 12 years, the fee is Euro 40, while for those aged 12 years and above, the fee is Euro 80.

What is the processing time for a Switzerland Tourist Visa?

The processing time for a Switzerland tourist visa can vary but usually takes around 15 days from the date of application. It's recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Is a visa interview required for a Switzerland Tourist Visa?

Visa interviews are not typically required for Switzerland tourist visas. However, the embassy or consulate may request an interview if they need further information regarding your application.

Can I use the Use Teleport platform for my Switzerland Tourist Visa application?

Yes, Teleport offers visa application services for Switzerland and guides you to the entire application process to ensure a streamlined experience.

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