Going to Switzerland? Latest updates from the Swiss Embassy’s visa partner, VFS Global, mean applicants must now follow a more strict process. Under the new rules, only documents listed on the official checklist for each visa type will be accepted at Indian Visa Application Centres (VACs)—no extras, no exceptions. This is to streamline the visa process and reduce paperwork.
Mandatory Checklist for Visa Applicants
The official Schengen visa alert says: “All the applicants are hereby informed that only the documents listed in the official checklist for the respective visa category will be accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).”
And VFS Global has also clarified that if applicants submit lengthy bank statements, only the first three pages and the last three pages will be accepted. This means the embassy is trying to make the process more efficient and align with other Schengen countries.
Key Requirements for Schengen Visa
Applicants for Schengen tourist visa to Switzerland from India must ensure their submissions have:
A valid passport, issued in the last 10 years, with at least three months’ validity beyond the return date and two blank pages.
One recent passport-sized photograph on a white background, not more than six months old, pasted—not stapled or pinned.
A completed and signed visa application form; minors need legal guardian signatures and custody proof if applicable.
An official introduction letter from the employer detailing position, travel dates, purpose and no-objection declaration.
Travel insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, valid across all Schengen countries.
Confirmed return flight tickets and intra-Schengen travel arrangements.
Proof of accommodation like hotel bookings or tour confirmations.
Financial documents including the first three and last three pages of bank statements, three months of salary slips and two years of Income Tax Returns. Self-employed applicants must provide business registration details.
For families, only the head of the family needs to submit financial proof, insurance and bookings naming all members.
Students above 16 years must submit their student ID and official letter from the institution.
Minors travelling without both parents must provide notarised consent from non-travelling parent(s) and copies of parental identification.