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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Important

It is mandatory, with immediate effect, to provide biometrics each time if the applicants are applying from any VFS visa application centre in India.

Effective from 02.05.2022, India is no longer considered a high-risk country.

The normal entry requirements apply again to any person entering Switzerland.

Long waiting times are to be expected regarding the arrangement of an appointment

Transit to Switzerland 

If you don’t have a nonstop flight to Switzerland, transit through other countries might be restricted. 

Please check with the authorities of concerned countries.

Travelling from Switzerland to another Schengen State

Visiting other Schengen countries internally from Switzerland might be restricted. 

Please check with the authorities of concerned countries.

All visa applications submitted all over India will be processed by the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi.

Where to apply for Schengen visas:  VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.

In order to allow you to plan your visit to Switzerland, kindly be informed that

  • the processing time at the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi is under normal circumstances between 7 to 10 working days after the submission at any VFS Visa Application Center in India. We however recommend  you to start the application procedure as early as possible, but not earlier than 6 months prior to your entry date to the Schengen states, in order to avoid any inconvenience with your travel dates.
  • Application accepted at VFS in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Kolkata,  Cochin, Mumbai, Puducherry, Chennai and Pune will be submitted to the Embassy on the 2nd or 3rd working day

We wish you a pleasant stay in Switzerland!

The Embassy of Switzerland is using personal information of our clients for the sole purpose of the visa application procedure; no information is disclosed to a third party.

Mutual Visa Exemption for Diplomats

Switzerland and India have signed an Agreement on mutual visa exemptions for holders of Swiss and Indian diplomatic passports. The agreement entered into force on 7th December 2016 and is valid for an indefinite period of time.

Holders of Swiss and Indian diplomatic passports are exempt for entries and stays of a maximum of 90 days per period of 180 days, provided that they do not pursue independent or other gainful employment in the visiting country. Not included in this agreement are professional transfers of Swiss and Indian diplomats to work at the Embassies, Consulates of Permanent Missions in India and Switzerland.

Holders of Swiss and Indian special or service passports are not included in this Agreement and need to apply for a visa before entering Switzerland and India.

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

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Last update 26.04.2022