Switzerland Tourist Visa (Schengen short-stay Type C) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • Valid Indian passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 months’ validity beyond the intended return date and two blank pages.

   • Purpose limited to tourism, visiting family/friends, cultural events, short non-award study (≤ 90 days), or transit. Paid employment, business activities, long-term study, settlement, and overstaying are not permitted.

   • Demonstrable strong ties to India (employment, family, property) and genuine intent to return.

2. Comprehensive Document Checklist & Evidence

   • Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (printed from the official portal).

   • Original passport and any previous passports showing Schengen visas.

   • Two recent passport-size photos per Schengen specifications (35 × 45 mm, white background).

   • Photocopies of passport biodata and previous Schengen visa pages.

   • Detailed cover letter stating trip purpose, dates, itinerary, and accommodation details.

   • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation and full travel itinerary.

   • Accommodation proof for the entire stay (hotel bookings or Swiss host’s invitation/accommodation certificate).

   • Travel insurance covering all Schengen states for a minimum of €30,000 in medical and repatriation expenses.

   • Proof of sufficient funds: bank statements (last 3–6 months, first and last three pages), salary slips, and income-tax returns.

   • Proof of employment (employer’s letter with leave approval), business ownership documents, or student/enrollment certificate; pension proof for retirees.

   • Additional documents as required by individual circumstances (e.g., property deeds, family dependency proofs).

   • For minors: birth certificate, school enrollment proof, and notarized parental consent.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: leisure tourism, visiting family/friends, cultural or sporting events, short non-award courses, and transit.

   • Prohibited: any paid work, conducting business, long-term academic programs, religious residency, or intent to overstay or settle.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • Strict adherence to the official VFS/embassy checklist only listed documents accepted; extraneous papers may lead to rejection.

   • Bank statement submissions limited to specified pages.

   • Enhanced scrutiny of accommodation, insurance, itinerary, and financial documents; early application (at least eight weeks before travel) is advised.

   • Biometrics exemption if fingerprints were collected within the last 59 months; otherwise, in-person biometrics required.

   • Digital application submissions, document uploads, and updated health-entry requirements are mandatory; check for periodic updates.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Pre-register and complete the online application on the official VFS or Swiss embassy portal.

   • Book and attend a VFS appointment to submit documents and provide biometrics as needed.

   • Track application status online; submit originals with required photocopies.

   • Upon approval, collect your passport and verify visa details.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen eligibility and advise on the correct visa type.

   • Provide a customized, up-to-date document checklist and review all paperwork (including translations).

   • Manage online form submissions, digital uploads, appointment scheduling, and status monitoring.

   • Address common errors, respond to additional document requests, and support reapplications if necessary.

   • Professional assistance minimizes errors, reduces refusal risk, streamlines processing, and alleviates client stress while final approval remains at the sole discretion of Swiss (Schengen) authorities and cannot be guaranteed.