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Key Takeaways
• Service launched on October 1, 2025, now operational for Swiss short-stay Schengen visas
• Four VFS Global centres: New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Washington, DC
• Process includes online application, appointment booking, in-person submission, and biometrics
• Swiss consulates still make final visa decisions; VFS Global manages administrative tasks
One week after its official launch, Switzerland’s outsourced Schengen short-stay visa intake in the United States is now running smoothly, establishing a standardized application process across four major American cities.
Since October 1, 2025, U.S.-based applicants who require a visa to travel to Switzerland can now submit short-stay Schengen visa applications via VFS Global centres located in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. This rollout applies to stays of up to 90 days, streamlining the intake process before consular evaluation.
Applicants must first complete the online Schengen visa form, book an appointment, and then visit their chosen VFS centre to submit documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints). The new setup aims to minimize repeat visits and speed up processing during periods of high demand.
According to recent data from SchengenVisaInfo, Schengen member states collectively processed 11.7 million visa applications in 2024, highlighting the importance of efficiency improvements like this one.
Eligibility and Application Timeline
The eligibility criteria remain unchanged. Legal U.S. residents who need a visa to visit Switzerland can apply through any of the four designated VFS Global centres, depending on their place of residence. Applications may be submitted as early as six months before travel and no later than 15 business days before departure.
Optional services such as courier return and real-time notifications are available at most locations, providing additional convenience to those unable to collect passports in person. Applicants are also advised to review requirements carefully, as errors in forms or missing documents can result in costly rejections.
Role of Swiss Consulates and VFS Global
While VFS Global manages front-end procedures—such as scheduling, biometric capture, and document collection—the final decision on all visa applications remains the responsibility of Swiss consular authorities.
This model reflects a broader European approach that separates administrative intake from decision-making, enhancing both security and efficiency. It also aligns with the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to begin phased implementation on October 12, 2025, at external borders across the bloc.
“We have been collaborating closely with the Swiss government since 2007. We are confident that the new service will support the rising demand for travel by making the application submission process smoother and more seamless.”?— Amit Kumar Sharma, VFS Global
What Stays the Same, What Changes
This change affects where and how applications are submitted — not who reviews or approves them. Swiss consulates continue to assess and decide visa outcomes. What’s new is the uniform front-office process, offering online submission, appointment scheduling, and biometric collection through a single, consistent service provider.
Applicants are advised to verify which VFS centre covers their state of residence and ensure their U.S. residence permit remains valid throughout the duration of their travel and return.
For complete guidance on eligibility, documentation, and application steps, refer to the official Swiss visa instructions for U.S. residents.
Source: SchengenVisaInfo – Switzerland’s Outsourced Schengen Visa Processing in the U.S. Now Fully Operational
October 9, 2025
