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Application Process to Apply for Swiss Visa

Wish

Written by Kritika Singh

Updated Sep 10, 2024

Switzerland is situated in the center of Europe and it is surrounded by France, Italy, Australia and Germany. Tourism is one of the key factors boosting the economy of switzerland. 17 billion was generated by tourism which is roughly 3% of the GDP of Switzerland in 2017. Visiting Switzerland gives you once in a lifetime experience with its beautiful landscapes and rich heritage. Switzerland can become one of the best travel experiences whether you explore the city, do thrilling activities, travel by train or explore the view of the alpine peaks.

Best Seasons to Explore Switzerland

Whenever we decide to visit a place during our holidays, ideally it should depend on which is the best time to visit that place. The best time to visit any place is considered when the weather conditions in that place are comfortable for traveling and exploring. we have mentioned below the weather conditions during whole year in Switzerland: 

  1. Summers in Switzerland: Summers in Switzerland is held from June to August and is considered the peak season to visit. It will be warm and sunny and the temperature will  vary from 20 to 25 degrees celsius providing a perfect day to spend outdoors. The summer season will be the perfect time to enjoy hiking, biking in mountains and paragliding in the Alps.
  2. Winters in Switzerland: Winter season in Switzerland is from December to February.  The weather turns cold and snowy with the temperature often dropping below zero degrees. This weather condition makes sports enthusiasts very delighted as the ski resorts are among the top places that any tourist would want to visit in Switzerland.  Winter is considered another popular season for tourists to visit as it also includes the Christmas season as the Christmas market in Geneva and Zurich are amazing attractions for tourists. The Christmas market has fun and frolic, music, mulled wine and Swiss chocolates to indulge yourself in.
  3. Monsoon in Switzerland: Monsoon is considered in May and from September to November month as it is a rainy and cloudy time. Monsoon season in this country is a mixture of sunshine and showers of rain. The monsoon season is considered unpredictable for their weather and the temperature in this season can vary from 10 to 15 degree celsius.  tourists can expect accommodation and tour packages during this time for Switzerland holiday.

Visa Requirements For Traveling To Switzerland

Visa is basically an official authorization given to you to enter a country. You need a visa permit to visit the country you wish to travel, without it you do not have the allowance to visit that country. It is an official document which you will find glued or stamped in your passport giving you allowances to visit a foreign country. You might want to visit Switzerland for different purposes, like for a vacation, to visit family or friends, for academic purposes or to do a job in that country. You have different visa requirements for different visit purposes which have been listed below for you:

Switzerland Visa Requirements For Tourists 

1. If you are under the age of 18, then you will need the signature of both of your parents. 

2. Having a travel insurance is mandatory as the medical costs can be higher for a foreigner as compared to the national people, especially when you might need to pay for any prescriptions or for any inconvenience.

3. A passport which is valid and has a validity for six months minimum after the visit ends in switzerland.

4. A photocopy of the passport

5. Two Passport-sized photographs

6. Online Application form that you have filled should be filled completely

7. Your flight tickets to  Switzerland and back to your home country

8. Hotel accommodation receipts

9. Submission of the applicable visa fee

10. Bank statements as proof of income you have

11. Prove of link to your home country (like family land papers, family history and people residing in your home country etc)

Switzerland Visa Requirements For Students

Students who stay in international countries need to have a student visa and some additional documents to study in Switzerland. Some important documents that you require to apply for Switzerland student visa are mentioned below:

  1. A passport which is valid and has a validity for six months minimum after the visit ends in switzerland. The passport should have 2 blank visa pages and the passport should be older than 10 years.
  2. Two Passport-sized photographs
  3. You should submit the proof of the bank statement that you have enough money to study in switzerland.
  4. Visa application form filled completely. You may have to fill three long stay visa application forms.
  5. Copies of the payment of the school/university fees.
  6. Accommodation proof copies 
  7. A Copy of invitation letter from school/college
  8. Health Insurance Proof
  9. Write a letter explaining why you want to study in Switzerland
  10. Attach a copy of Loan or Scholarship, if you are applicable.

Switzerland Visa Requirements For Working Professionals

You need the permit to work in Switzerland along with the work visa if required. Some of the things required for you to apply for the work visa in switzerland are mentioned below:

1. A passport which is valid and has a validity for three months minimum after the stay ends in Switzerland and with two blank pages for visa.

2. A proof of the job contract

3. Proof that you have a professional experience

4. Proof of your academic background like your 10th, 12th and your graduation and post-graduation if required.

5. An updated curriculum Vitae

6. Four Passport sized photos

7. Accommodation proof copies 

8. Online Application form that you have filled should be filled completely

Importance of Choosing The Correct Visa Type

Switzerland offers a variety of visa’s which includes long-term and short-term visas. We have mentioned below the visas switzerland offers to the foreigners:

1. Short-term Visas:

  1. Tourist Visa: this is the visa which is allowed to tourist for traveling and for their leisure time in Switzerland
  2. Visit Visa: this is the visa which is allowed to you when you are visiting family or friends in switzerland
  3. Business Visa: this is the visa which is allowed if you are traveling for the purpose of business and this visa requires approval from the switzerland immigration office.
  4. Schengen Visa (Type C):  this is the visa which is allowed if you are touring, studying or attending any event and your stay is for more than 90 days. This visa is valid if you are traveling the whole Schengen area.

2. Long-term Visas:

  1. National Visa:  this is the visa which is allowed for a long term period which is valid for  more than 90 days and within 180 days for the purpose of family visiting, marriage in Switzerland.
  2. Type D: this is the visa which is allowed for more than 90 days and it fulfills its purpose by giving a visa to those people who are studying, doing a job or living in switzerland.

Prepare Detailed Documentation   

You should be very careful while providing your documents because if they are not accurate, the visa will not get approved. Remember to keep all documents like visa application form which is completely filled, four passport sized photographs that are recently clicked, proof of the flight ticket, proof of the accommodation arrangements that you made in switzerland, travel itinerary day-wise, all of your financial documents such as details of your bank, and any other documents which you think are important needs to be carried to avoid last minute hassle or any delays.

Conclusion

Switzerland has always been known for its beautiful places and offers different seasons at different places all over the country. People wish to visit Switzerland and those who wish to do so have to apply for a visa before visiting. Switzerland offers different types of visa to the tourists and working professionals. There are few documents that are very important for your visa to get approved such as valid passport with certain validity, multiple recent photographs, proof of the funds in your bank account, completely filled visa application form, accommodation proof, proof of your health insurance documents and if you are going to study in a college or university then you also need a letter of invitation for your visa to get approved. It is very crucial for you to choose the visa type correctly, whether you are going to get a short-term or long-term visa. To delay the process, it is better to cross check your documents again and again before you submit your documents for a visa.

FAQ’s

Question 1: How to apply for a Swiss visa?

Answer 1: You need to download the Visa Application form, complete it and print the completed form. Bring the completed form to the Visa application center and your visa application will be looked after by the Switzerland embassy situated in Delhi.

Question 2: How long does it take to process visa application for Switzerland?

Answer 2: It takes about 15 days for the visa application to get approved. In case you have filled the form incorrectly or there is any mistake in the process, the process might get delayed.

Question 3: What documents are needed for Swiss visa?

Answer 3: You need to have a passport which is valid and has a validity for six months minimum after the visit ends in Switzerland, a completely filled visa application form and few recent passport-sized photographs.

Question 4: Can I get a Swiss visa online?

Answer 4: yes you can, but you can only get short term visa applications such as tourist, visit or a business visa which can last up to 90 days and can be submitted online.

Question 5: How much bank balance required for Schengen visa Switzerland?

Answer 5: Schengen visa Switzerland requires funds of at least 150 euros per day as per your planned visit. It can extend if you have decided on a luxurious visit.

Wish

Written by Kritika Singh

Kritika Singh is a marketing professional with over 10 years of work experience in the field of insurtech, health, FMCG, renewables, and public policy. KrRead More

Disclaimer

This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.