If you’re from India and you want to travel to Switzerland but you’re not sure what documentation you might need to enter the country, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will tell you everything about Switzerland visas for Indian nationals, as well as all the details you need to know about the application process.
The types of visas you can apply for, visa fees you can expect to pay, whether you need health insurance, and where it’s possible to apply for a visa are all topics covered in this detailed guide. So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Switzerland visas for Indians so you can start planning your trip to the Alpine country in due time!
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Do Indians Need a Visa for Switzerland?

Yes, nationals of India need to apply for a Schengen visa in order to visit Switzerland. They can do so at the visa application center in the Swiss embassy in New Delhi, or through VFS if they are nationals of Bhutan.
It’s possible to apply for a short-term stay Schengen visa that allows entry into Schengen countries for up to 90 days, but it’s necessary to apply for a national visa for stays longer than 90 days. You must apply for a visa for tourist visits, work visits, and if you want to study in Switzerland.
Types of Swiss Visa Available for Indians
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is what you want to apply for if you’re visiting Switzerland for sightseeing, vacations, and other tourist things. You need to apply for a Schengen visa that allows entrance to Switzerland and other members of the European Union that are part of the Schengen agreement.
You can apply for a tourist visa at the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi, and best-case scenario you would do this a few months before your trip, but not earlier than six months prior. The fees associated with a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days are:
- INR 6,900 for adults (80 Euros)
- INR 3,450 for children aged 6-12 (40 Euros)
- Free for children younger than 6
- Free for spouses, children, and other family members of EU/EFTA nationals
- INR 17,200 for submitting a written objection (195 Euros)
At most, it can take up to 15 days for the embassy the process your visa application, and this is during periods when there is an exceptionally high volume of applications (popular travel seasons). The documents you will need to submit are:
- Visa application form
- Biometric data (fingerprint and facial photo, collected at the embassy)
- A valid national passport
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Personal letter explaining reasons for travel and travel plan
- Introduction letter
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
- Proof of financial status
Business Visa
If you’re traveling to Switzerland from India for business purposes, you will need to apply for a business Schengen visa. The process and the fees are very similar to the requirements for a tourist visa, and you just need a few extra documents:
For a business visa you will need to submit the following documents:
- A visa application
- A valid (national) passport
- 2 passport-size photographs
- An introduction letter from the employer
- Letter of invitation from Swiss business partner
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of flight reservation
- Proof of financial status
- Photocopies of valid visas from USA/UK/Canada if applicable
The visa fee for a business visa in Switzerland is 80 Euros. An important thing to note is that these are the requirements for a business visa for Switzerland, not for work permits for foreign nationals. If you need information on how to apply for a Switzerland work visa/permit, refer to this guide.
The processing time for a business visa is up to 15 days, but the period can be extended in some individual cases.
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Student Visa
Indian nationals can apply for a student visa to Switzerland, and anyone who is considering doing exactly this will be glad to know that this visa is entirely free of charge. This is also a short-stay Schengen Visa that is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and here’s what documentation you need to submit for this visa:
- Visa application form
- Valid national passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Personal cover letter (including the reason for studying in Switzerland)
- Confirmation of acceptance into a school/university etc.
- Proof of academic degree
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of financial status
- Proof of flight reservation
- Photocopies of valid UK, USA, or Canadian visas if applicable
If you want to study in Switzerland for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national visa for students. The requirements are a bit different and you actually need fewer documents, but more copies of certain documents:
- A valid national passport
- Four passport-size photographs
- Three visa application forms
- A personal cover letter
- Two copies of the Curriculum Vitae
- Acceptance letter from university or school
- Proof of academic degree
- Proof of financial status
The national visa is also free of charge, with the exception of Ph.D. applications which are charged the standard visa fee of 80 Euros. The processing time for a national visa for a long-term stay in Switzerland is from 8 to 12 weeks. That’s only an estimation, and the actual processing time may vary depending on many factors.
Airport Transit Visa
The good news is that Indian nationals who have a layover or a stopover in Switzerland do not need an airport transit visa. However, if you don’t have a visa you will have to wait for your connecting flight at the airport’s international transit area, so you might want to consider applying for one if you want to be able to walk around the airport at the very least. If you have a very long layover, it’s a good idea to apply for a transit visa.
You will have to contact the embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi for information on what documents are necessary for an airport transit visa because they do not offer that information online. The fees and processing time are identical to those of a short-term stay Schengen visa, so expect to pay around 80 Euros and your visa application should be processed within 15 days.
Switzerland Visa Application Fees

The standard fee for a Switzerland visa application is 80 Euros. The fee is 40 Euros for children between the ages of 6 and 12, and it’s possible to submit visa applications for younger children for free. If you are denied a visa and you want to submit an appeal, the fee is 195 Euros and it must be submitted in advance to the relevant Swiss authorities.
Students who apply for a student visa in Switzerland can also submit the application for free, whether they’re applying for a short-stay visa or a national visa. There are some exceptions to this rule, namely those who are applying for a student visa in order to pursue a Ph.D., and they must pay the standard 80 Euro fee.
Family members of EU/EFTA nationals are exempt from paying these fees. Also, the fees are the same whether you’re applying for a national visa or a short-term stay visa.
Where Can Indians Apply for a Switzerland Visa?
Indian nationals can apply for a short-stay Switzerland visa at the embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi. All applications must be submitted in person and you must make a Switzerland visa appointment first. It’s best to call the Swiss embassy and inquire how and where you can make the appointment.
Nationals of Bhutan can apply for a national visa at the Swiss embassy in New Delhi, but they cannot apply for short-term stay Schengen visas there. Instead, they need to go through VFS and apply for a visa to Austria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian citizens apply for a Switzerland visa online?
No, Indian citizens cannot apply for a Switzerland visa online. You must submit all the necessary documentation to the embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi, and you must do it in person. However, you can get an overview of necessary documentation online, and download a visa application form.
Can Indian citizens travel to other Schengen countries using a Switzerland visa?
Yes, Indian citizens can travel to other Schengen countries if they are granted a Schengen visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days. Since Switzerland is part of the Schengen zone, you can’t get a visa only for Switzerland, and you’re free to travel to as many Schengen countries as you want as long as you do it within 90 days.
What should I do next if my Switzerland visa application is denied?
If your application for a Switzerland visa is denied, you have a right to submit a complaint within the first 30 days. You must submit a written appeal pleading your case, and you should address the reasons for the visa refusal. The fee for submitting an appeal and having your visa documentation reviewed again is 195 Euros, and there is no guarantee that you will be granted the visa.