If there’s just that one place that is on everyone’s places to go in my lifetime list, it would probably be Switzerland. Barring Bollywood’s obsession with shooting their romantic songs across the green pastures of Switzerland, it is the perfect destination for everyone else too - right from young couples and honeymooners to a group of friends or your entire family.

From its breathtaking mountains to its fairy-tale-like green meadows and even some gorgeous hiking trails, Switzerland has a lot to offer, including the best chocolates ever!

Now, before you start mapping out your itinerary and count the days to your vacation, ensure you’ve got your visa and important documents such as your travel insurance policy in place.

Yes, all Indian passport holders do need a visa to travel to Switzerland. The maximum stay allowed for the same is up to 90 days.

No, there is no visa on arrival in Switzerland for Indian Citizens. All Indian passport holders are required to have a pre-approved visa to travel to all European countries, including Switzerland.

Yes, an international travel insurance is mandatory for travelers visiting Switzerland from India. You will need to provide the insurance documents at the time of Schengen visa application process.

Indian citizens, as well as foreign nationals who are legal residents of India, are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa for Switzerland directly from India. 

Indian nationals who reside outside of India are required to be legally present in their country of residence and must furnish a legitimate rationale for preferring to apply for Switzerland visa from India instead of from their current place of residence.

If you are planning your holiday to Switzerland sometime soon, keep the following documents ready:

Common Documents Required for Schengen Visa:

1. Schengen Visa Application Form: Duly filled, visa application form. Download forms from the embassy/consulate website of the country you plan to visit first.
2. Valid Passport: Original Indian Passport which cannot be more than 10 years old which should have eligibility for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Switzerland.
3. Photo Requirements for Schengen Visa: Two photographs of the dimension 35X45 mm with matt finish and white background.  
4. Travel Medical Insurance: Copy of your Switzerland Travel Insurance Policy. The policy should cover a minimum of €30,000 per individual for medical emergencies throughout your stay in the Schengen area.
5. Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental property agreements, or a host's invitation letter (if staying with family/friends).
6. Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements fetched 4 to 5 days before the appointment date and salary slips for the last 3 months, income tax returns, or sponsorship documents showing you can support yourself financially during the trip.  
7. Proof of Employment Status for Employed Person: An HR letter from your employer must confirm your job details, salary, and leave approval.
8. Flight Itinerary / Travel Plan: You need to provide round-trip flight bookings and travel details within the Schengen area.  
9. For Business Travel: A business letter from your company and the company in the Schengen state is required, stating the visit's purpose.  
10. Cover Letter: You must write a letter explaining your trip purpose, itinerary, and funding details.  
11. Documents Required for Minor Children: Children under 18 need an unabridged birth certificate and consent from parents if traveling alone or with one parent.  
12. Additional Documents for Specific Situations: Specific documents like invitation letters, bank statements, or legal certificates may be needed based on your situation.

For more details on the required documents, you can check our article: How to Apply for Schengen Visa from India.

Note: If you are a frequent traveler, then you will have to submit these additional documents:

• Letter of Invitation from your family/ friends in Switzerland

• Bank Statement of the last 6 months.

• Copy of Passport.

You can apply for a Schengen visa for Switzerland through VFS Global. Here’s the process:

Initiate the Visa Application on the Switzerland Page of VFS Global Website:

Go to the Switzerland page on the VFS Global website and click on "Apply for a Visa" to start your visa application process.

Select the Right Type of Schengen Visa for Switzerland:

Choose the appropriate Schengen visa for Switzerland based on your travel purpose, such as tourism, business, or visiting family.

Fill Schengen Visa Application Form and Submit Online:

Complete the online Schengen visa application form with your personal, travel, and document details, and submit it online.

Schedule an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre:

Once your application is submitted, schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre.

Once That's Done, Visit the Swiss Visa Application Centre:

On the scheduled date and time, visit the Visa Application Centre with your documents and biometric information.

It will take at least 15 working days for your Switzerland tourist visa to process. However, in some cases, it could take longer, up to 30 days. So, plan well ahead of time.

To make the most of your trip, here are essential tips and information you should know: 

• Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. While euros may be accepted in some places, it's advisable to use francs to avoid unfavorable exchange rates. 

• Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. However, it's always wise to exercise common precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. 

• Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Knowing basic phrases in the local language of the region you're visiting can help. 

• The Swiss public transportation system is renowned for its efficiency and punctuality. Invest in a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on the network of trains, buses, and boats.   

• Switzerland uses type J plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V. Travelers should bring an adapter if their devices don't match the Swiss standard. 

• The general emergency number in Switzerland is 112. It's good practice to have this and other relevant emergency contacts saved on your phone. 

• The tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink and of excellent quality. Carrying a refillable water bottle can help you save money and reduce plastic use.  

• Switzerland takes cleanliness and recycling seriously. Always dispose of your trash properly and follow local recycling guidelines. 

• Ensure you have travel health insurance coverage that is valid in Switzerland. Although Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, medical services can be costly. 

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Switzerland, making the most of everything this spectacular country has to offer.

If your Swiss visa application is rejected, the embassy will provide a reason for rejection of your application. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, or unclear travel purposes. You should review the rejection notice carefully to address the issue and reapply if needed.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of Switzerland visa approval:

• Double-check all your documents for accuracy and completeness.

• Provide clear and concise information about your travel plans and purpose of visit.

• Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses. 

• Maintain a professional and organized application package.

No, generally a Schengen visa cannot be extended unless you have stayed less than 90 days in the Schengen area, in the course of the past 180 days and your visa still has the validity period. 

However, in some exceptional scenarios and depending on the type of visa you hold, you can contact the cantonal migration authority to request an extension. You will need a valid reason, such as personal circumstances or inability to travel back to your country of residence.

One of the most common complaints of tourists in Switzerland is the overall high cost of living there. This includes the cost of day-to-day things such as bottled water, meals, and hotels. You can only imagine what the cost of things such as healthcare and legal processes could be! 

This is exactly when and why travel insurance comes in handy. A travel insurance for Switzerland ensures none of your plans are affected as it covers for you in all unforeseen circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to the following: 

• Medical Assistance: Any medical assistance needed by you when abroad will be covered under the Travel Policy. Suppose you tried skiing or hiking and are injured during the activity. The travel policy will cover expenses for the medical assistance you seek on an immediate basis. 

• Loss of Passport: Imagine that you were at Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and you happen to lose your sling bag which had your passport! This could be the cause of a lot of worries. However, your travel insurance will have your back and cover you for the same! 

• Delay of Check-in Baggage: Imagine this. You are traveling with two bags for Switzerland, followed by a trip to Barcelona. However, just when you land in your checked-in luggage doesn’t turn up and is delayed for a day. In such cases, your travel policy will cover and compensate you. 

• Emergencies: Losing money on vacation is one of the worst things to happen! However, in such cases too - travel insurance will compensate and cover you by providing you with emergency cash. 

• Trip Cancellation/Abandonment: In the case of a trip cancellation, abandonment or change of dates due to any unforeseen circumstances, your travel insurance will cover for all non-refundable expenses of your trip such as hotel and flight bookings.

There are quite a few reasons which make Digit a prime choice as a Switzerland travel insurance provider.

• High Cover Amount at low premium - With premiums beginning at ₹515 (excl. 18% GST) for 4 days trip for 1 adult, Digit offers a high sum insured of $50,000 under its Switzerland travel insurance.

• Flight Delay Compensation - Digit takes wastage of time and the ensuing harassment due to flight delay very seriously, offering reimbursement immediately.

• Trip Cancellation - If any emergency circumstance necessitates you to cancel your trip and get back home, Digit also offers compensation for it.

• Fast Paperless Claim - Digit offers a smartphone-enabled process which makes the whole method of filing a claim easy and fast. Additionally, Digit also offers the option for 24x7 missed call facility for claim settlement.

   

Disclaimer - 

Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

The information mentioned here about the countries, visa fees and others is taken from different sources. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, buy a travel policy or make any other decision.