Switzerland Updates Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Applicants

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland from India, there’s an important visa update you need to know. The Swiss Embassy in India, through its official partner VFS Global, has announced stricter documentation requirements for Schengen visa applications.

As per the new policy, only documents listed in the official checklist for each visa category will be accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Any additional papers, notes, or explanations beyond what’s listed will be disregarded — and applicants will not be allowed to submit missing documents later.

According to the 2025 VFS Global checklist for Switzerland, here’s what you must include with your application:

Mandatory Documents for Schengen Visa (Switzerland):

1. Passport – Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after your return date, and containing a minimum of 2 blank pages.

2. Photograph – One recent, passport-size photo with a white background, no older than 6 months. It must be pasted, not stapled.

3. Visa Application Form – Fully completed and signed. For minors, a legal guardian must sign, along with proof of custody if applicable.

4. Employer Letter – Printed on company letterhead, signed and stamped by HR, specifying your role, travel dates, visit purpose, and a no-objection declaration.

5. Travel Insurance – Must cover at least EUR 30,000 (approx. INR 30,36,660), valid across all Schengen countries for the entire trip.

6. Flight Itinerary – Confirmed return tickets with your full name and details of intra-Schengen travel, if any.

7. Accommodation Proof – Hotel bookings, tour confirmations, or payment receipts are mandatory.

8. Financial Documents (all in A4 format, stamped and signed by the bank):

   • For employees: Last 3 months’ salary slips, personal bank statements, and ITR-Vs (2 years).

   • For business owners: Business registration, 3 months’ business bank statements, and ITR-Vs.

   • For retirees: Last 3 months’ pension slips and proof of any other income like rent.

9. Family Applications – You can apply together, but only the head of the family needs to provide financial documents, insurance, and bookings (with all names listed).

10. Students (16+) – Student ID card and an introduction letter from your school or college.

11. Minors (under 18) – Notarised consent from non-travelling parent(s), or both parents if the child is travelling alone. Copies of parents' passports and PAN cards or driving licences must also be submitted.

Notably, only the first and last three pages of lengthy bank statements will be reviewed, so applicants are advised to prepare accordingly.

Source: VFS Global – Switzerland Visa Information – India