Switzerland, famous for its snow-covered Alps, luxury trains, and beautiful cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne, is a dream destination for Indian tourists. But before you pack your bags, Indian citizens must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to enter Switzerland legally.
This visa doesn’t just allow entry to Switzerland — it also permits travel to all 29 Schengen countries (including France, Italy, Germany, and Spain) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This guide will walk you through the requirements, step-by-step process, documents, fees, processing time, and FAQs for the Switzerland Tourist Visa in 2025.
European Union – Travel Insurance Guidelines
A Switzerland Tourist Visa is a Schengen Visa (Type C) that allows Indian citizens to visit Switzerland and other Schengen countries for short stays.
Visa Type: Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C)
Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period
Entries: Single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry (depending on approval)
Application Mode: Through VFS Global (offline submission with biometrics)
Processing Time: 10–15 working days (longer in peak season)
Where to Apply: VFS Global centers across India
Indian passport holders must apply for a Schengen visa before traveling. Only citizens of Schengen visa-exempt countries (like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter without a visa.
Even if you plan to visit multiple countries in Europe, you must apply at the Swiss consulate if Switzerland is your main destination (longest stay) or first entry point.
If Switzerland is your main destination (longest stay), apply through Switzerland.
If Switzerland is your first entry point in Schengen, apply via Switzerland.
Choose your city (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc.)
Book an appointment for submission and biometrics.
Download the Switzerland Schengen visa form from VFS Global or Schengen Visa Application Form
Fill carefully: travel dates, Schengen countries to visit, accommodation, and sponsor details.
Prepare originals and photocopies. Ensure all documents are valid and recent.
Submit application form, documents, and visa fees at VFS.
Give biometrics (fingerprints + photo).
Biometrics are valid for 59 months; if already given for another Schengen visa, you may not need to repeat.
Use the VFS tracking system.
SMS updates are available at an extra charge.
Once approved, your passport will have the Schengen visa sticker.
Check carefully: Name spelling, visa validity dates, and number of entries.
Here’s the detailed checklist with explanation:
Visa Application Form – Duly filled and signed.
Passport – Valid at least 3 months beyond return date, with 2 blank pages.
Photos – Two recent passport-size photos (white background).
Travel Itinerary - Explain day by day travel plan.
Cover Letter – Explain purpose of visit, travel itinerary, and intent to return.
Flight Reservation – Confirmed round-trip flight tickets.
Accommodation Proof – Hotel booking or invitation letter if staying with family/friends.
Travel Insurance – Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across Schengen states.
Financial Proof – Bank statements for last 3–6 months.
Income Proof – ITR for last 2 years, Form 16, or salary slips.
Employment Proof –
If employed: NOC & leave approval letter.
If self-employed: Business registration, GST, bank statement.
If student: NOC from college/university.
If housewife: Husband’s bank statement & sponsorship letter.
If retired: Pension slips.
|
Category |
Fee (EUR) |
Fee (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Adults (12+ years) |
€90 |
₹9,200 |
|
Children (6–11 yrs) |
€45 |
₹4,600 |
|
Children (<6 yrs) |
Free |
Free |
|
VFS Service Charge |
– |
₹2,950 |
Additional Costs:
Travel insurance: ₹1,000–₹3,000
SMS service (optional): ₹400
Estimated total visa cost from India = ₹15,000–₹18,000 (including bookings & insurance).
Normal: 10–15 working days
Peak Season (May–June, Dec): 20–25 working days
Tip: Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date.
Maximum stay: 90 days within 180-day period
Entries: Single, Double, or Multiple (depends on embassy decision)
Validity: Can be up to 6 months or 1 year (depending on application & travel history)
Here are few common reasons of Schengen visa rejections:
Insufficient financial proof (low balance).
Incomplete or fake documents.
Lack of valid travel insurance.
Poor travel history (overstay in other countries).
Weak cover letter or missing itinerary.
Solution: Be transparent, prepare documents carefully, and show genuine travel intent.
Dos:
Apply 1–2 months in advance.
Provide genuine bank statements & ITR.
Buy valid Schengen travel insurance.
Write a strong cover letter & travel plan.
Don’ts:
Don’t submit fake hotel/flight bookings.
Don’t hide previous visa refusals.
Don’t overstay your visa.
Don’t forget to check visa stamp details.
Housewives: Husband’s documents + sponsorship letter.
Students: NOC + ID card + financial support from parents.
Business Owners: GST + company registration + business bank account.
Retired Travelers: Pension slips + savings proof.
1. Is Switzerland visa a Schengen visa?
Yes, it is a Type C Schengen visa.
2. Can I visit other countries with a Switzerland visa?
Yes, you can travel to all 29 Schengen countries.
3. Do I need confirmed tickets to apply?
Yes, confirmed flight and hotel bookings are mandatory.
4. Can I extend my Switzerland tourist visa?
No, extensions are rare and allowed only in emergencies.
5. Can I apply again if my visa is rejected?
Yes, but address the rejection reason before reapplying.
6. How much bank balance is required?
At least ₹1.5–2 lakhs for a 15-day trip (recommended).
7. Do children also need travel insurance?
Yes, every applicant must have valid insurance.
8. Can I work on a Switzerland tourist visa?
No, work is strictly prohibited.
9. What if my passport is expiring soon?
Renew it before applying; it must be valid for 3 months beyond travel.
10. How do I know if my visa is single or multiple entry?
It will be printed on your visa sticker: “1” = Single, “MULT” = Multiple.
Applying for a Switzerland Tourist Visa from India in 2025 is straightforward if you follow the correct process. Start early, prepare genuine documents, buy valid travel insurance, and submit a strong cover letter. Once approved, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland and explore other Schengen countries without hassle.
Pro Tip: Always check your visa validity and entries before traveling to avoid problems at immigration.
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