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Last Update: 13-02-2024
⚡Quick Summary
 Do Indians need a visa to visit Switzerland? | Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Switzerland. |
 Switzerland Tourist Visa Processing time | 15 Working Days |
 Switzerland Tourist Visa Fees |
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 Switzerland Visa Validity | 180 Days |
 Switzerland Visa Stay Duration | 90 Days |
 How to apply for a Switzerland visa |
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 Documents required for Switzerland visa |
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 Does Switzerland offer visas on arrival? | Switzerland does not offer visas on arrival to Indians. You need to have an approved visa prior to your departure. |
Is my Switzerland visa a Schengen visa? | Yes, your Switzerland visa is a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows you to travel to and within all 27 Schengen countries, including Switzerland. |
Yes, Indian nationals require a Schengen visa for tourist visits to Switzerland. The visa issued by Switzerland is stamped on your passport, granting you the opportunity to stay in Switzerland for a duration of 90 days.
Planning a journey to Switzerland from India requires careful planning, especially when it comes to securing a visa. This comprehensive guide provides Indian travellers with a step-by-step process for obtaining a Switzerland visa, covering everything from application procedures and document requirements to fees, processing times, and crucial travel tips.
For those seeking convenience, the Teleport platform offers a swift application process. The blog not only outlines the essential documentation but also delves into common reasons for visa rejections and how to navigate the appeal process.
If you have specific questions or need assistance, our dedicated team is ready to help. Feel free to contact us at 073148 52914 or reach out on WhatsApp.
Prepare for a smooth journey to Switzerland – Safe travels! ✈️
Visa on arrival is not available in Switzerland for Indian citizens. To enter Switzerland, Indian citizens must obtain a visa prior to their trip.
Applying for a Schengen Visa at a Swiss Diplomatic Mission:
Example: For instance, if your main purpose is attending a conference in Switzerland while touring multiple countries, apply at the Swiss consulate.
Teleport works with the embassy to ensure that you get your visas on time and without hassle. To apply for a Switzerland visa, follow these steps:
The documents are forwarded from VFS to the consulate for review. Once the consulate reaches a decision, they return the documents to VFS.
Then, you have the option to either have your passport delivered to your address or pick it up in person from the VFS visa centre.
Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type
To begin, figure out the appropriate visa type for your trip and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You should also be aware of the required documents, estimated processing time, and applicable fees. If your documents are not in English, consider getting them translated before applying.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have all the necessary documents for a Switzerland visa. Refer to the document checklist for details.
Step 3: 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.
You have the option to submit your application in person, through a representative, or via an authorised travel agent.
Note
The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi assesses visa applications, and they do not accept applications by mail.
Step 4: Book your Appointment: After submitting your visa application, it's time to book an appointment at VFS Visa Application Centre for biometric data collection, which includes fingerprints and a photo.
Once you've made the appointment, you'll receive a confirmation email along with your appointment letter.
If you're applying as a family or group, remember that each member must schedule their individual appointments.
Step 5: Pay your Fees
If online payment of service fees is not an option, you'll be required to pay the service fees at the Visa Application Centre along with the visa fees during your appointment.
Step 6: 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 in India:
| City | Operating 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 |
Step 7: 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:
Step 8: 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.
Complete your appointment in one session to avoid being logged out. Have your passport details ready. If your account is blocked, try again the next day or contact VFS support.
Appointment Letter | Must carry this letter with you on the day of your appointment. |
Visa Application Form | Sign and bring the completed form with you on your appointment. |
Original Passport |
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Original Old Passport (if any) | Include previously owned passports, securely bound with a rubber band (not stapled). |
3-Three Photographs |
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Bank Statement |
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Cover Letter | Submit an original cover letter along with your travel plan |
Travel Insurance | Covering a minimum of 30,000 Euros for the entire stay in the Schengen territory. |
Proof of Accommodation | Confirmation of hotel reservations. |
Flight Reservation |
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If Employed |
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If Self-Employed |
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If Retired |
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If Sponsored |
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If a Minor | Minors travelling without both parents need a consent letter from the non-traveling parent, certified by a public notary. |
If Student (aged 16+) |
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If Invited by Friend/Family |
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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 your own nationality.) |
Recent Photo: Your visa photo should not be more than 6 months old. Your photo must be a genuine, fresh picture, not a copied or scanned one. Put one photo on your application form, and attach the second one to the last page of your passport. Please avoid stapling or pinning the photo.
Size and Dimensions: Make sure your photo adheres to the following specifications:
Head Position: Your head should be entirely visible and positioned in the centre of the photo.
Eyeglasses and Headgear: If you wear glasses, ensure there is no glare, and your eyes are clearly visible. Religious headwear is allowed, but your entire face, from chin to forehead, including cheeks and ears, must be fully visible.
Background: When taking your photo, choose a background that is plain and lightly coloured, but not pure white. Avoid any patterns or objects in the background to maintain the focus on you.
Teleport’s Expert Tip
Ensure that the photo in your passport matches the one you submitted with your application. To avoid rejection, include a new photo that meets the specifications. If your visa is rejected, provide a new photo to prevent rejection again.
The typical processing time for a Switzerland tourist visa is around 15 working days after your appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
To ensure a smooth processing experience, it's advisable to submit your application at least 30 days before your planned departure. We strongly advise you to initiate the application process well in advance, but no more than 6 months before your intended entry into the Schengen states. This will help prevent any complications regarding your travel dates.
| Visa Type | Fee Type | Amount |
Schengen Visa | VFS Appointment Fees | Euro 20 (INR 1,850/-) |
Embassy Fees (up to 6 years old) | No Fee | |
Embassy Fees (6-12 years) | Euro 40 (INR 3,650/-) | |
Embassy Fees (12+ years) | Euro 80 (INR 7,300/-) |
A Switzerland tourist visa lets you stay in Switzerland for 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. The actual validity may vary, as it is subject to the discretion of the embassy. While they can issue it for up to 6 months (180 days), it's not guaranteed in every case.
Stay informed about the status of your Switzerland visa application with Teleport. If you've applied through Teleport, receive real-time updates via WhatsApp, email, or directly on the Teleport Dashboard.
To check your application status:
Alternatively, you can track your Switzerland visa application status through VFS Global:
No, Indian citizens do not need an airport transit visa for Switzerland. You can transit through Switzerland and stay in the international transit area of the airport without a visa.
If your visa application is denied, you can appeal within 30 days of receiving the refusal notice. The refusal is typically communicated through a standard form. The appeal should be in writing (in German, French, or Italian) with a statement explaining your reasons. You can either submit the appeal yourself or have someone else, like your host in Switzerland, do it for you.
Submit the appeal to:
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Quellenweg 6
3003 Bern-Wabern
If you don't have an authorised representative, you can submit the appeal at a Swiss embassy or consulate.
The SEM will confirm receipt of your appeal and request you to pay an advance on costs of CHF 200 within 30 days.
Teleport’s Expert Tip
Consider reapplying instead of appealing, as the appeal process tends to take longer with no guaranteed timeline.
Yes, when applying for a Switzerland visa, it is mandatory to have minimum travel insurance coverage of 30,000 Euros. It's strongly advisable for travellers to consider acquiring health insurance coverage from reputable providers such as Tata AIG, Digit Insurance, HDFC Ergo, and others.
Upon arriving at Switzerland airport, you should follow these steps to ensure a smooth and trouble-free exit from the airport:
In conclusion, obtaining a Switzerland visa for Indian citizens involves a thorough process with specific requirements and steps to follow. Whether applying through Teleport or VFS Global, adherence to documentation guidelines is crucial to avoid rejection.
The blog provides comprehensive details on the types of visas, application procedures, and essential documents required.
For a smooth Switzerland visa appointment experience, consider applying with Teleport. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the application process, ensuring your submission meets all necessary criteria.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. Our dedicated team is prepared to offer guidance and support.
You can reach us at 073148 52914 or contact us on WhatsApp.
Happy Journey!
