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All You Need to Know About Securing a Switzerland Visa Appointment in India

Last Update: 17-10-2024

Snow-capped mountains above a sea of clouds.

Planning a trip to Switzerland and need a visa? Follow our simple guide to understand how to secure your appointment. For Indians, booking an appointment through VFS Global is a crucial step in the Switzerland visa application process. Learn about the necessary documents for a Switzerland Schengen visa, along with guidelines for your appointment day, biometrics information, and exemptions.

Table of Contents


  1. Do Indians Need to Book Switzerland Visa Appoinment?
  2. Right Time to Schedule Switzerland Visa Appointment from India
  3. How Do I Book a Switzerland Visa Appointment?
  4. Locations Available for Switzerland Visa Appointment in India
  5. How to Get a Faster Visa Appointment for Switzerland?
  6. Tips for a Smooth Swiss Visa Appointment
  7. FAQs

Do Indians Need to Book Switzerland Visa Appoinment?

Yes, Indian applicants are required to schedule an Switzerland Schengen visa appointment to submit their visa application at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC). The Swiss consulate works with the VFS visa application centre where you need to get an appointment. Before booking an appointment, ensure that you fill out the online visa application form on the official Switzerland website. 

Right Time to Schedule Switzerland Visa Appointment from India

You have the option to book your appointment through VFS Global. Keep in mind, the slots are limited and might be a bit tricky to get.


To make things easier and avoid any issues, it's a good idea to start your visa application at least 45 days before your intended travel date.


Please note that you can get an appointment as early as 6 months before your travel date.


Choose Teleport for a hassle-free and straightforward Switzerland visa application appointment booking.

How Do I Book a Switzerland Visa Appointment?

Apply for your Switzerland Visa through Teleport (Appointment Booking Included)

Opt for a hassle-free Switzerland visa application process through Teleport, where we handle the appointment booking for you. Here's a straightforward guide:

  1. Start Your Application: Visit Teleport's Switzerland Application portal and click 'Start Application' to initiate your visa application.
  2. Provide Details and Pay Fees: Enter your passport and travel information, and choose between partial or full payment.
  3. Appointment Scheduling: After providing details and paying fees, Teleport assigns a relationship manager to book your VFS appointment.
  4. Attend VFS Visa Application Centre: Show up for your scheduled appointment at the nearby VFS Visa Application Centre with all required documents and the appointment slip. Teleport suggests arriving at the VFS Visa Application centre at least 30 minutes early to avoid entry issues or premium fees for late arrival.
  5. Biometrics Collection: At the centre, your fingerprints and photo will be collected using a digital finger scanner. If you've had a biometric Schengen visa from the Swiss consulate in the last 59 months, previous data may be reused.

The documents are sent from VFS to the consulate for review. Once the consulate makes a decision, they send the documents back to VFS. 


Afterward, you can choose to have your passport delivered to your location or pick it up in person from the VFS visa centre. 

Note

Remember to bring the original receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID for all applicants and the receiver. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free document collection process.

VFS Global Swiss Visa Appointment

Step 1: Start your application

When you're ready to apply, download the Visa Application Form. You can fill out the visa application form, print it, and take it to the Visa Application Centre for submission. 


Step 2: Book your Appointment at VFS Global

Book an appointment and submit your visa application and for biometric data collection, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph. Upon booking, you will receive a confirmation email containing your appointment letter.


Step 3: Visit the Visa Application Centre:

Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you download the application form, print it and bring it to the Visa Application Centre where payment can be made at the time of your appointment. Fees can be paid in cash or by card (Visa, Rupay and Mastercard are acceptable)


Step 4: Track your application

If you submitted your application at a VFS visa application centre, you can use the VFS online application tracking tool to check your application's status. Simply provide the following details:

  1. The reference number issued to you.
  2. Your date of birth

Step 5: Collect Your Visa

Once a decision has been reached on your visa application, you can retrieve your documents and passport from the Visa Application Centre.


Alternatively, if you chose a courier service during your application submission, your documents will be returned to you by the selected courier.


Note

If you choose to have your documents delivered through courier service, an additional fee of INR 690 will apply.

Locations Available for Switzerland Visa Appointment in India

CityOperating Hours (Mon to Fri)

Mumbai

08:00 - 16:00

Chennai

08:00 - 15:00

Delhi

09:00 - 16:00

Pune

08:00 - 16:00

Ahmedabad

09:00 - 17:00

Bangalore

08:00 - 16:00

Chandigarh

09:00 - 16:00

Cochin

09:00 - 13:00

Hyderabad

08:00 - 15:00

Jalandhar

09:00 - 13:00

Kolkata

09:00 - 17:00

Puducherry

08:00 - 15:00

How to Get a Faster Visa Appointment for Switzerland?

Swiss Visa Expedited Appointments and Special Considerations

For urgent medical needs or other critical situations (such as serious accidents or family loss), the process of scheduling an appointment and reviewing your visa application for entry into Switzerland can be expedited. To facilitate the assessment of your situation, fill out the online form for an urgent appointment. 


The Swiss representation will promptly provide information on the visa application procedures. 


Additionally, you can opt to receive direct updates by phone when reaching out to the Swiss representation.

Tips for a Smooth Swiss Visa Appointment

On the day of your appointment, please follow these guidelines:


Arrival Time:

  • Aim to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • You must personally attend the appointment; sending a representative is not permitted.
  • Only applicants, caregivers, and those accompanying children under 18 years are allowed to enter the Visa Application Centre.

Required Documents:

  • Bring a printed copy of your visa application.
  • Carry a valid passport or travel document with at least 2 blank pages on both sides.
  • Ensure you have all supporting documentation in both original and copy forms.

Payment of Fees: If you haven't paid your visa fee online, payment can be made at the centre.


Biometric Information Collection: During your visit, your fingerprints and photograph will be collected using a digital finger scanner. Ensure your fingertips are free from temporary decorations, cuts, or other markings. Exemptions may apply for certain cases.


Exemptions to Biometrics: You may be exempted from providing biometric data (fingerprints) if:

  • You are under 6 years of age (though a photo is still required).
  • If you have provided your fingerprints previously within the last 59 months to the Swiss consulate.
  • The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible, supported by a medical certificate.
  • You are a Head of State, a member of national Governments, or part of official delegations travelling for official purposes.

Photograph Guidelines: Your digital photograph should feature your full face, without sunglasses or head coverings, unless for religious or ethical reasons. Bright-coloured clothing is recommended over light-coloured attire.


Accompanying Children: Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult (not VFS Global staff).


No Electronic Items: Avoid bringing electronic items like laptops, watches and pen drives as you might need to submit it to the authorities and it may charge you to book a locker. 

Conclusion

To sum up, obtaining a visa appointment for Switzerland is a crucial step for Indian travellers. Teleport offers a streamlined experience by managing appointment bookings on behalf of applicants, making it less complex.


Alternatively, if you are applying directly through VFS Global, follow a step-by-step guide for a smooth Switzerland visa appointment booking process. Adhere to documentation requirements, arrive on time, and be ready for biometric information collection.

FAQs

Do Indians Require A Switzerland Visa Appointment?

Yes, Indian applicants must schedule an appointment to submit their visa application at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC). Before booking, ensure you fill out the online visa application form on the official Switzerland website.

Is an Interview Part of the Switzerland Visa Appointment Process?

Typically, there is no interview requirement. However, officials may request an interview if necessary.

Can I Reschedule My Switzerland Visa Appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule your appointment after 24 hours from the original appointment date.

Is It Possible To Apply For a Switzerland Visa Without Making An Appointment?

No, it's mandatory to book an appointment to submit your visa application. Whether through Teleport or directly with VFS Global, scheduling an appointment is a crucial step.

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