Switzerland! Even saying the name of this country feels enlivening. It is one of the most naturalistic destinations with scenery beyond imagination. With the majestic Alps stretching across, ancient towns flaunting aesthetic castles and alleys, you have a multitude of experiences on hold. Now, the good news is, Switzerland has decided to lift the ban on travel entry. Being an Indian citizen, it’s time for you to get your hands on a visa to unravel your journey. This guide will help you take your first step for an unfussy vacation to witness the nature and culture of Switzerland. So, find out the steps to successfully apply for a Switzerland Visa for Indians.
Switzerland Visa For Indians
On 23rd June 2021, the Swiss Government decided to accept vaccinated travellers from third-world countries. Switzerland Visa for Indians is accessible now. With this, the Switzerland embassy in New Delhi is currently waiting for your application for a Switzerland visa (aka) Schengen Visa. Yes! You have to get your pre-approved visa to visit Switzerland without a doubt. And this will allow you to stay a solid 90 days within 6 months to experience Switzerland and beyond.
Things Indians Need To Know Before Applying for a Swiss Visa
There are certain things you need to be aware of before applying for your Schengen Visa. Take note of the following points to avoid any confusion or accidents on your trip.
Decide what is your reason to visit before starting to apply for the visa. Arriving at this will help you select the right kind, as Switzerland has different visa types: Short-term, Non-Immigrant, & Immigrant Visa. You can also apply for a “Multiple Entry Visa” as per your requirement.
If your plan is for a short stay, there are even more visa varieties. Some of them are Tourist visas, Airport Transit visas, Business visas, Employment visas, Friend Visit visas, Short-term study Visas etc. So, make the right choice for your purpose.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, you also have to be wary of something. Yes! Vaccination. You need to be fully vaccinated using the approved vaccines: Pfizer, Spikevax, Janssen, Sinopharm, Covishield, and CoranaVac.
Did you decide on “How you are going to apply?” for a visa? You can either do it yourself or with the help of a Visa Agent.
Apply for your visa 3-5 months before your travel. It has to be done no more than 6 months or less than 15 days before starting your journey.
You can’t apply by submitting anything through postal. You must visit in person to carry out most of the procedures.
Procedure To Apply for Swiss Visa For Indian Residents
Just like any country, Switzerland is also on guard to protect its people. So, to avoid any mishap, they have some strict procedures, protocols, and expectations for travellers from other countries to follow. Also, remember that all your visa applications will be verified and approved by the Switzerland Embassy in New Delhi.
How To Apply Switzerland Visa for Indian Residents?
Start by applying for your Schengen Visa on the VFS Global Services Private Limited website. Don’t forget to download and print the same.
Book an appointment and visit the VFS Centre in your state.
Carry your application form, required documents, and their copy in A4 format.
Once you submit the documents, the visa centre will send your data and application to the embassy in New Delhi.
After 3-5 days, you will be called by the embassy for an interview.
After the interview, it will take almost 15-30 days for your visa to get processed. During that time, track the progress online without worries.
Switzerland Visa Cost Details For Indian Residents
At present, due to the pandemic and increase in expenses, the fee has been increased.
For adults who are applying for any Switzerland visa, the fee will be INR 7,200.
For children (6-12 years), the fee cost will be INR 3,600.
No charge for children below 6 years.
Required Documents To Submit For Switzerland Visa
First and foremost, you should have your duly signed visa application form.
Your Indian passport should have validity for 6 months since arriving in Switzerland.
Carry 2 of your passport-size photographs (35 x 44) with a white background and matte finish.
Provide a cover letter that explains your situation and reason to visit along with the period you are planning to stay.
Carry your overseas travel insurance proof, bank statement for the last 6 months, payslip from the past 3 months, & income tax statement from the past 3 years. For those who are retired, provide your pension book as proof.
If you are a student, submit your Student ID proof.
If your child will be travelling alone, provide a consent letter signed by both parents and attested by a public notary.
Provide proof of your accommodation & transportation reservation along with your itinerary.
Also, submit your No Objection Certificate without fail.
If you are a frequent traveller, carry a copy of your passport along with a letter of invitation from your family/friends and your bank statement.
Once you submit all these required documents to the embassy, your application will proceed to further steps. This happens only if you are eligible. So make sure not to miss or make any mistakes while providing the documents. After the verification process, your visa will get accepted or rejected accordingly. You have to go to receive all your documents back from the Swiss Embassy. Instead of sending a third person to get your documents, go by yourself. Yes! It is against the rule to send a third person to obtain your verified documents.
Frequently asked questions for Switzerland Visa for Indians
2. Is there a Visa In Arrival in Switzerland for Indian residents?
No. You don’t have that option in any of the European countries. Instead, apply 2-5 months before your journey, through VFS Global Centres.
3. Why should I get Travel Insurance for applying for my Swiss Visa?
Your travel insurance will come in handy to avoid any issues that arise out of a medical emergency, stolen passport, delay in check-in, or any other emergencies.
4. If I get my Swiss Schengen Visa, how many countries can I travel to?
You are eligible to travel to almost 26 countries under some conditions.
5. I am fully vaccinated using Covaxin. Am I allowed to apply for a Switzerland Visa?
Unfortunately, no. In India, only those who are fully vaccinated using Covishield are allowed to apply for Switzerland Visa.
Now that you got a perfect plan to apply for a Schengen visa, it’s time for you to prepare for your vacation to Switzerland. Experience life in Switzerland by skiing in the snow-capped Alps, tasting authentic Swiss chocolate and wandering around the ancient castles. You can start by choosing your favourite pre-designed Switzerland tour package or customising the most amusing Switzerland Itinerary from Growing Global Overseas. Wait no more! Fly to experience!
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