Switzerland Visa Guide

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:

• It is not possible to submit a Switzerland visa application online
• An individual needs to submit a request directly to the Swiss representation for a stay of over 90 days (National Visa D)
• For those applying for the Schengen visa for up to 90 days, they will need to submit an application to the Embassy of Switzerland in their home country
  

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.

1. Tourist visa
2. Business visa
3. Student visa
4. Transit visa

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.

Eligibility for tourist visa

• Completed Switzerland visa application form
• Passport must have a minimum of six months' validity
• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
• Confirmed accommodation
• Health insurance
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Bank statement as a proof of funds

Tourist visa validity

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.

Processing time for tourist visas

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.

Eligibility for business visa

• Completed Switzerland visa application form
• Passport must have a minimum of six months' validity
• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
• Invitation letter from the company
• Confirmed accommodation
• Health insurance
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Bank statement as a proof of funds

Business visa validity

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.

Processing time for business visas

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. 

Eligibility for a student visa

• Completed Switzerland visa application form
• Passport must have a minimum of six months' validity
• Invitation letter from the university
• Confirmed accommodation
• Health insurance
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Bank statement as a proof of funds
• Proof of payment of university fee

Student visa validity

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.

Processing time for student visa

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.

Eligibility for transit visa

• Completed application form
• Confirmed flight ticket for a third country
• A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of departure
• First and last page of your passport (scanned colour copy)
• At least two passport-size photographs with a white background
• Proof of payment of the visa fee
• A valid visa for the final country

Transit visa validity

The Switzerland transit visa is valid for 24 hours.

Processing time for transit visas

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.