Switzerland tourist visa
The Alps, Lake Geneva, trains that leave to the minute — Switzerland draws Indian travellers all year, and every one of them needs a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) first. Apply through the Swiss mission when Switzerland is your main destination — the country where you spend the longest — or your first point of entry into the Schengen area. From India, the file is lodged through VFS Global on behalf of the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi. Fingerprints and a digital photo are captured at the centre, and if this is your first Schengen visa, you must appear in person.
That single visa opens the whole Schengen area — 29 countries — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every application from India is decided by the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi, and a decision usually lands about 15 calendar days after you submit at VFS, though some cases run up to 45. We read your profile honestly, build the file to the Embassy's own checklist, and handle the VFS appointment and submission for you.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport holders travelling to Switzerland for tourism, sightseeing or a holiday, where Switzerland is the main destination or the first Schengen country of entry
- ✓Applicants who can show sufficient funds through the last 3 months' salary slips, personal bank statements and personal ITR (ITR-V) for the last two assessment years
- ✓Applicants holding travel medical insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000 cover valid across the Schengen area, from a recognised insurer meeting Schengen requirements
- ✓Self-employed applicants (business registration/GST, ITR) and retired applicants (pension statements) who can evidence regular income
- ✓Applicants lodging at the VFS Global centre that matches their state of residence, as jurisdiction by state is enforced; all cases are decided by the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi
Visa options for Switzerland
Schengen short-stay visa – Tourist (Type C)
For tourism, sightseeing and holidays in Switzerland; permits up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area.
Schengen short-stay visa – Visitor (Type C)
For visiting family or friends resident in Switzerland, supported by their invitation and, where relevant, sponsorship.
Multiple-entry Schengen visa
Issued at the Embassy's discretion to frequent, bona-fide travellers; valid for one or more years with each stay capped at 90 days per 180.
Documents typically required
- ✓Valid national passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 months' validity beyond your scheduled return and at least two blank pages (handwritten passports are not accepted); submit old passports too
- ✓Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (free)
- ✓Two recent passport photos (35 x 45 mm) on a light background, taken within the last 6 months
- ✓Introduction/cover letter on employer letterhead, signed and stamped by HR, stating your position, length of service, a no-objection for the trip, and the travel dates and purpose
- ✓Flight tickets naming all travellers, plus intra-Schengen flight, train or car-rental bookings where applicable
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Switzerland/Schengen: confirmed hotel reservations, package tour or advance payments
- ✓Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 cover from a recognised insurer, valid across the Schengen area and covering emergency treatment and repatriation for the entire stay
- ✓Proof of funds as originals in A4 with bank stamp and signature: last 3 months' salary slips, last 3 months' personal bank statements crediting the salary, and personal ITR (ITR-V) for the last two assessment years
- ✓Self-employed/company owners: business registration or GST certificate / partnership deed / proof of proprietorship, plus 3 months' personal bank statements and personal ITR for two assessment years; retired: 3 months' pension bank statements and proof of regular income
- ✓For minors under 18 not travelling with both parents: notarised consent letter from the non-travelling parent(s) plus passport/PAN copies of the parents; students aged 16+: college ID copy and an introduction letter from the school/college
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Applications are submitted through VFS Global and decided by the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi, which processes all Switzerland Schengen visas from India; the VFS centre you use depends on your state of residence. VFS centres accept Switzerland applications in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Lucknow and Cochin — apply at the centre matching your jurisdiction. Lodge no earlier than 6 months (180 days) before travel and at least 15 days ahead. The official Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6-12 (under 6 free), payable at VFS alongside its service charge. The Embassy may request additional documents or a personal interview.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No one honestly can — the decision sits entirely with the Embassy of Switzerland. What we can do is tell you frankly where your profile stands and build the strongest possible application to the Embassy's own checklist. Across the last 2-3 years, our clients have seen a 97% success rate.
How long does the Switzerland Schengen visa take?
Usually about 15 calendar days from the day you submit at VFS. The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi decides every case and may stretch this to 45 days when further checks are needed. Apply at least 15 days before you travel — ideally 3-4 weeks — and no earlier than 6 months ahead.
Can I visit other Schengen countries on this visa?
Yes. A Type C visa covers the entire Schengen area — 29 countries — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Route your application through Switzerland only when it is your main destination (your longest stay) or your first point of entry into the Schengen area.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Switzerland?
Yes, without exception. Travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 is a standard Schengen requirement. It must be valid across the Schengen area and cover emergency medical treatment and repatriation for your entire stay.