Thoughts of the snow-capped Alps, picturesque towns, tranquil lakes, and beautiful valleys come to mind when we think of Switzerland. It is without a doubt one of the best countries to visit in the world. Here, cities like Zurich, Bern, and Geneva offer amazing museums and interesting art galleries to explore, interesting architecturally built houses to witness, and a series of cafés to sit and unwind after a day’s exploration. So, if you want to explore the stunning sites, you can visit IndiGo and book flights to Switzerland.
Despite the fact that Switzerland is not part of the European Union, you can enter the country with a Schengen visa. Making travel easy and comfortable, not only can you dive into the beauty of Switzerland but also visit neighbouring countries. So, if you are planning on travelling to Switzerland, this visa guide will help you with the visa process, types of visas, how to apply, and more.
To visit Switzerland, you cannot apply online. Each applicant is permitted by law to deliver their visa application to the designated representative. To know more you can check Switzerland online visa system.
The following are the steps you need to keep in mind while applying for visa:
We have a comprehensive Schengen visa guide here which provides detailed information about the visa, how to apply, types of visa and more.
To check your Switzerland visa application, you need to log in on the official website by filling out your visa application number and travel document number.
There are various types of Switzerland visas depending on your purpose of travel. Their details are given below.
A tourist visa is the most popular type of visa, wherein a traveller is allowed to enter Switzerland for the purpose of leisure or tourism activities. No traveller is allowed to work on a tourist visa.
A tourist visa for Switzerland is valid for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period. If you want to stay longer, you need to reapply for another visa from your home country.
The processing time for tourist visas may take up to 15 working days. However, if there are mistakes on the application, the time for the visa to be processed may take longer.
A business visa is provided to an individual who comes to Switzerland to conduct business with a local company. In order to obtain this visa, the local company is required to provide an invitation letter stating the details of the work.
A business visa for Switzerland is valid for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period. If you want to stay longer, you need to reapply for another visa from your home country.
The processing time for business visas may take up to 15 working days. However, if there are mistakes on the application, the time for the visa to be processed may take longer.
To study in Switzerland, you need to apply for a student visa. This visa allows students a short stay for a maximum of three months. Based on the duration of your course, you can apply for a longer stay from your home country.
A student visa for Switzerland is valid for three months. After the visa period is over, students need to reapply for visa extensions from their home country.
The processing time for a student visa may take up to 15 working days. However, if there are mistakes on the application, the time for the visa to be processed may take longer.
A transit visa is required if you are in one of the airports in Switzerland and need to either change flights from another airport or exit the airport for a short duration.
The Switzerland transit visa is valid for 24 hours.
The processing time for transit visas is around two weeks. But, for a specific transit visa or in extraordinary situations, it may take 30 to 60 days.
Where can I apply for a Switzerland visa?
There are many Swiss authorities from where you can apply for your visa. Some of the Switzerland representatives from where you can apply for a visa in your country are:
How long will it take to get my Switzerland visa?
The processing time for a short-stay Switzerland visa may take up to 15 days. However, based on your application, this period may take up to 30 days or more.
Is it possible to extend my Schengen visa in Switzerland?
In select situations, such as humanitarian reasons or force majeure, you can extend your Schengen visa from Switzerland.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Switzerland?
If you overstay your visa in Switzerland, you will likely be deported and may also be fined. You may also not be allowed to enter Switzerland or any other Schengen area again.
How soon can I apply for a Switzerland visa from India?
You can apply for the visa from India not earlier than six months and less than 15 days before your actual date of departure.