Switzerland is a beautiful central European country that has created waves in the tourist world with its high standard of living, exceptional education system, super-efficient public services, high-quality healthcare system, rich cultural heritage, scenic natural vistas, and a stable economy. When we think of Switzerland, all that comes to mind is the delicious chocolates, watches, cheeses, and the captivating Alps. However, there is so much to Switzerland beyond these. As you start planning for a wonderful Swizz holiday, understanding the key milestones in your Switzerland Schengen visa journey is an essential step. Let us take you through the entire process of getting your Switzerland visa with full transparency.

Visa-free travel to Switzerland

EU/EEA nationals and Schengen member state citizens do not need a visa before entering the Switzerland border controls. As per the Schengen agreement, nationals of the EU/EEA are freely allowed to move between the region without any border controls. Other countries that have reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen member council are also entitled to a visa-free stay in Switzerland. All short-term Switzerland Schengen visas are permitted for 90 days within six months.

Visa categories for a Swizz Schengen visa

Depending on your travel requirements, you can opt for a Schengen visa category that syncs with your travel purpose. There are various visa categories available with a pre-defined purpose of travel.

Transit visa

This short-term visa applies to travelers landing at a Swizz airport en route to a third country beyond the Schengen region. The applicant must submit the following additional documentation as part of their visa application process:

• Valid passport
• Valid flight tickets and visa copies to the third destination country.

Tourist or visitor visa

This short-term visa is issued to travelers visiting Switzerland or the Schengen region for leisure, tourism, vacationing, and visiting family and friends residing in Switzerland.

Business visa

All business travelers can apply for this short-term visa to cover business-related activities such as meetings, negotiations, business contract closure, conferences, etc. The applicant must submit the following additional documentation as part of their visa application process:

• An Invitation letter on the letterhead of the Switzerland-based firm clearly mentions the applicant’s name, travel dates, places of interest, and purpose of travel.
• The current employer should issue a no-objection letter for traveling to Switzerland.
• Proof of financing of the daily expenses the applicant must meet during their stay in Switzerland, such as boarding & lodging, food, and travel. The applicant’s expenses are sponsored by the current employer or the Switzerland-based firm.

Study visa

This short-term visa allows travelers to travel to Switzerland for study purposes, internship, or conducting research at a Swiss university, school, or institute. The applicant must submit the following additional documentation as part of their visa application process:

• Admission or enrolment letter from the Switzerland university, school, or institute
• No objection letter from the last university, school, or institute attended by the applicant, if applicable.
• An internship agreement signed by both the applicant and the Switzerland-based firm confirms the internship status.

Medical visa

This short-term visa is issued to travelers traveling to Switzerland for medical treatment, consultation, or therapy. The applicant must submit the following additional documentation as part of their visa application process:

• A medical report from a local doctor confirming the applicant’s medical status and the need for their treatment, consultation, or therapy at a Swiss hospital or institute or through a Swiss doctor.
• The Switzerland hospital, institute, or doctor confirms the applicant’s medical status and treatment, consultation, or therapy appointment.
• Proof of financing of the applicant’s medical treatment fees and daily expenses during their stay in Switzerland.

Visa for minors traveling to Switzerland

All minor applicants must validate the following additional documents when traveling to Switzerland.

• Minor’s birth certificate
• Both parents should sign the minor’s visa application form.
• A copy of the family court order should also be submitted if the minor’s full custody is with one of the parents.
• Minors traveling with an adult should submit the accompanying adult’s passport/ID, and original visa copies. Both parents sign a notarized parental authorization for traveling with them.

Visa for cultural, sports, religious events, or film crew members

This short-term visa is issued to applicants traveling to Switzerland to attend or participate in cultural, sports, or religious events hosted in Switzerland by their government or an authorized body. Film crew members traveling with the crew can also apply under this category. The applicant must submit the following additional documentation as part of their visa application process:

• Event itinerary and an invitation letter detailing the event details, travel dates, and purpose of travel
• Entry tickets for the event
• Enrolment or participation conditions laid down by the Switzerland authorities hosting the event.
• Validate any previous performances, such as winners or participation certificates.

For film crew members

• Copy of the film synopsis, filming locations, and crew members who would be traveling to Switzerland
• Permission or authorization for filming at the designated Switzerland locations

Visa for an official delegation team member traveling to Switzerland

This short-term visa is issued to an applicant from an official delegation traveling to Switzerland. The applicant must submit the following additional documentation as part of their visa application process:

• The entire event itinerary, including the travel dates, places of interest, and sequence of events
• Invitation letter from the authorized Switzerland government or authorized authority that details the event details and the purpose of their visit.

Visa for the spouse of a Swizz resident or citizen

This short-term visa is issued to applicants traveling to Switzerland to reunite with their spouses who are Switzerland citizens or residents. The applicant must submit the following additional documentation as part of their visa application process:

• Valid ID or passport copies of the spouse that will confirm their identity as a Swizz national.
• Marriage certificate valid in Switzerland
• Switzerland family book

Documents required for your Switzerland visa application process

The Switzerland immigration authorities have set certain criteria and documentation to be completed as part of the Switzerland visa application process.

Visa application form

All the fields within your online visa application form should be completed in all aspects. Print your completed visa application form and sign it.

Passport

Your original passport should be valid beyond three months from your Swizz exit date. It should be issued in the last ten years and be in excellent physical condition. Two blank pages are required for issuing the exit and entry visa stamps. Please share copies of your previously issued visas if applicable.

Passport-size photographs

Two recently captured passport-size photographs meeting the guidelines per the photo specifications mentioned by the Swizz immigration officials.

Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary

Your confirmed flight itinerary should clearly mention the applicant’s name, flight details, travel dates, source and destination, and other relevant details about their travel to Switzerland.

Proof of accommodation

Share your confirmed hotel confirmation voucher that clearly mentions the traveler’s name, travel dates, hotel name and address, and other relevant details.

Proof of financing

Applicants need to validate their finances by providing their last six months’ bank statement or last three months’ salary slip to confirm their financial capability to cover their expenses during their Switzerland stay.

Travel health insurance

An approved health insurance provider should issue a minimum coverage of 30,000 pounds during your Swizz stay to cover any medical emergency.

Cover letter

Your cover letter should be addressed to the Swizz immigration embassy officials, where you summarize your travel itinerary, including your travel dates, places of interest, and purpose of travel, along with entry and return ticket details.

Proof of civil status

Applicants can validate their civil status by providing their marriage, children’s birth, or spouse’s death certificate.

Switzerland visa application process

Irrespective of your visa category, the visa application process will generally remain the same, with slight variations concerning each visa category.

• Find the nearest embassy, consulate, or visa application center to your current location
• Determine the visa category you want to apply that syncs with your travel needs and requirements.
• Complete your visa application form online. Print it and sign it. Collate all the supporting documents.
• Pay the non-refundable visa fee
• Fix an interview schedule at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center
• Attend the interview and submit all the documents, including the visa fee receipt
• Wait for the visa processing timeline

Visa fee for a Switzerland Schengen visa

Adult applicants must pay 80 Euros per application, and children aged between six and twelve years pay 40 Euros. The visa fees are exempted for kids below six years old.

Visa processing timeline

Your Swizz Schengen visa processing timeline is 15 calendar days, which can be further delayed due to various circumstances. Considering the unforeseen delays in your Swizz visa processing timeline, it is always advisable to apply in advance.

Extension of your Switzerland Schengen visa

Extension of your Swizz Schengen visa is at the discretion of the Swizz immigration officials only and allowed only under exceptional circumstances.

Revoking of your Switzerland Schengen visa

Your Swizz Schengen visa can be revoked if the circumstances under which your Schengen visa was issued no longer stand valid. The traveler is asked to leave the country within 48 hours in such scenarios. The traveler would be deemed as an illegal immigrant if they fail to do so, which can seriously hamper your future travel plans.

Conclusion

Switzerland is a magical land featuring delicious chocolates, cheeses, watches, cosmopolitan cities, towering castles, quaint villages, placid lakes, delectable shopping destinations, and the majestic Alps. You will never be bored a moment when you are in Switzerland. Genova, Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, and Mt. Titlis are some of the tourist hotspots in Switzerland. Uncover the true Swizz flavor in your travel as you look to overcome the key milestones in your Swizz Schengen visa journey.