Switzerland Visa Guide

Switzerland visa

Overview

A land of many lakes and the high peaks of Alps —Switzerland —landmarked by the Zytglogge clock tower in the capital Bern and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. Known for its ski resorts and hiking trails, this country’s key industries are banking and finance. Also, they are known for the elegant Swiss watches and yummy mouth smacking chocolates. It is bordered by the major countries like; Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein. The Alps, the Swiss plateau and the Jura range divides the country as a landlocked country. Two global cities which are also the economic centres, Zürich and Geneva, are found in the plateau portion.

Switzerland is regarded as one of the most developed countries with the eighth highest per capita gross domestic product. It nearly tops the chart with several national performances, civil liberties, quality of life, economic competitiveness, human development sectors and government transparency.

Its currency is Swiss franc (CHF).

How to Travel to Switzerland?

Switzerland is listed as a member state of the Schengen Agreement and the European Union. The country permits the U.S. citizens to enter the country for 90 days, be it a tourist or business purpose without a visa. However, the passport should be valid three months beyond the period of stay. You also need 10,000 € or equivalent with you and a return air ticket.

The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries. They do not have any border controls between them. The countries are Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Iceland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Sweden, Slovenia, Portugal and Latvia. They have a common short stay visa policy.

Why is a Swiss visa Needed?

You will require a visa to visit the nation of Poland. Your reason for visiting Poland will decide the type of visa you should apply for. There are two types of Polish visas:

Kinds of Visa for Switzerland

A visit to Switzerland can be for any reason. Swiss representations can issue a different type of visa depending on the purpose:

Swiss Tourist/Visitor Visa:

• An invitation from family or friends from Switzerland, along with their address and phone number
• Previous 6 months’ bank statement
• Copies of Passport

Swiss Schengen Visa for Business Purposes:

• An invitation from the Swiss company where you are visiting along with their complete address and your dates of visit
• A certificate stating the purpose of your visit, from your employer
• Proof of any previous trade relationst
• Business bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy, Trade License (oldest and latest), Partnership documents
• The total expenses of your stay must be stated on the invitation

For Medical:

• A medical report
• An attested medical report from the doctor in Switzerland confirming the date and medical situation
• Receipt of medical fees

For culture, sports, film crews or religious purposes:

• An invitation stating the purpose of the visit and expense covered
• Name of the crew members
• Duration and travel itinerary

For members of official delegations:

• The official invitation
• The identity of the member
• Purpose of visit
• Duration and accommodation

For study-related purposes:

• An enrolment certificate
• Certificate of completion or courses attended
• Financial sustainability

For wife/husband of a Swiss citizen:

• Proof of Swiss citizenship
• Swiss marriage certificate
• Swiss family record book

For a transit visa:

• Visa or an alternate entry permit
• Copy of valid visa to your final stop

For underage children:

• Proof of parent’s regular income
• Travel permission from consent parent

For National visa:

• If you plan to stay more than 3 months, you have to apply for a national visa for a further stay

How to Check Status of Switzerland visa?

You can check the status of your Switzerland visa by going online and ‘tracking the application.’

Switzerland Visa Document Requirements

• Download the application or fill it electronically and print the hard copy
• 2 photos with a light background
• Your passport and copies of previous visas — valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date
• 2 blank pages minimum
• Copy of return ticket
• Take a travel visa insurance with a confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within Switzerland and the entire Schengen area Cover letter stating the reason of visit
• Flight itinerary reservation specifying dates and flight number
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of civil status
• Proof of financial means for the period of stay

Documents required as per the position

Employed

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• NOC from the employer
• Income Tax Return form

Self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return form

Student:

• Proof of enrollment
• Approval letter from the school
• Copy of the fee receipt

Retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months or sometimes regular income generated by the property as proof of the previous 6 months will be required

The documents mentioned above are mandatory, otherwise, the visa will not be issued, and your application will be rejected.

How to Apply for Switzerland Visa?

Download the application and fill the form and then you can book an appointment for submission, online. However, you have to submit it in person.

• Step: 1

  Please do give a genuine reason for visiting Switzerland.

• Step: 2

  Schedule an appointment at the visa application centre to submit your Short Stay Tourists, Business, Family/ Friend visit.

• Step: 3

  Choose the right visa category to make the visa application.

• Step: 4

  On arriving at the visa application centre, you will be given a token at the entrance.

• Step: 5

  When called to the counter, the documents will be inspected– your photograph and passport will be checked for validity

• Step: 6

  After that, you will be issued a receipt for the fees and service charge paid as an acknowledgement. Please carry the originals and copies of all documents

• Step: 7

  You can track the status of your visa online

• Step: 8

  The passport will be delivered at your address if you pay ₹450/-

Fees Required for Switzerland Visa Application

The Swiss visa cost varies as per the type of visa applied and the age of the applicant.

Swiss visa application centres

Time taken for document processing:

The time required to process Visa Applications is up to 7 to 10 working days however as per the Schengen Codex it can take up to 15 Working Days.

Visa applications will be rejected until all the said documents are produced.

Of course! You must have a legal guardian’s parental consent letter stating they will bear all the responsibility concerning you.

No. Your partner or employer must sign the company letter. Letters signed by the applicant will not be accepted.

Your legal guardian’s consent letter with their signature stating that they will bear your responsibilities. Also a copy of their passport or valid address-photo id card.

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