Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — TourismVerified 2026-04-13Switzerland Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
A Switzerland Tourist Visa is a Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa for Indian travellers visiting Switzerland for leisure, sightseeing, family visits, or short trips. Valid up to 90 days within any 6-month period and lets you travel across all 29 Schengen-area countries during its validity. Note: if you are a family member of a Swiss, EU, or EFTA citizen, a simplified application process applies directly at the Embassy.
Processing
15 calendar days from when the Embassy receives your complete application
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 6-month period (Schengen area-wide)
Starting Fee
₹9,600
Apply At
13 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Switzerland visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Applications can be submitted only 180 days (6 months) prior to the intended date of departure — not earlier.
- 2From May 1, 2010 onwards, only passports issued within the previous 10 years are accepted.
- 3Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.
- 4Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months longer than your intended stay in the Schengen area.
- 5Handwritten or non-machine-readable Indian passports issued after 01/04/2010 are NOT accepted.
- 6Indian passports containing a MANUAL entry / observation made after 01 April 2010 — where the biographical data (name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, spouse's name, parents' name, address) of the passport holder was changed — are NOT accepted.
- 7If your passport has a handwritten observation "previously known as", you must provide ONE of the following as proof of the name change: (a) your original previous passport showing the old name, OR (b) a photocopy of the data page of your previous passport showing the old name, OR (c) a copy of the name-change advertisement from a local daily newspaper.
Who Can Apply
- Leisure travel and sightseeing in Switzerland
- Family visits (non-Swiss/EU family members)
- Short holiday tours (including ski/winter trips, lake region, Alps)
- Attending private events, weddings, cultural festivals
- Transit travellers combining Switzerland with other Schengen destinations
Not eligible under this visa:
- Paid or unpaid work / professional activities — apply for a Type D work permit instead
- Stays longer than 90 days — apply for a Type D long-stay visa
- Holders of a Swiss residence permit
- Family members of Swiss/EU/EFTA citizens — they can apply directly at the Embassy under simplified rules (see below)
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult visa (Schengen Short-Stay) | ₹9,600 |
| Children 6–12 years | ₹4,800 |
| Children under 6 years | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,690 |
| Courier service (optional) | ₹930 |
| SMS service (optional) | ₹450 |
| Premium Lounge (optional) | ₹4,600 |
| Combo — SMS + Courier Return | ₹1,250 |
All VISA fees and service charges payable in Cash / Card / Online. Fees are non-refundable regardless of visa outcome. Online payment refund processing: 5–7 working days. POS refund processing: 21 working days. A bank charge is deducted on refunds. Fees subject to change without notice as per current exchange rate.
Documents Required
Standard Schengen documents
- !Completed Schengen Visa Application Form (Type C)
New form only — from March 2, 2020 onwards
- !Signed Authorization form
Mandatory along with application form
- !Valid passport
Valid minimum 3 months beyond intended stay; at least 2 blank pages
- !1 recent passport-size photograph
35–40mm, colour, light background, not older than 6 months
- !Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Must cover entire duration of stay across all Schengen states
Financial + ties-to-India documents
- !Personal bank statement — last 3 months
A4 paper only, with original bank stamp & signature
- !Income Tax Returns (ITR) — last 3 years
- !Employer letter (NOC) on company letterhead
If salaried — state designation, salary, approved leave dates. If self-employed, provide business registration.
- ○Property documents / ownership proof
Strengthens case for ties to India
Travel documents
- !Cover letter
Addressed to 'Visa Officer, Embassy of Switzerland' detailing purpose, itinerary, and return intent
- !Return flight itinerary (reservation, not ticket)
- !Hotel bookings for the full duration
Confirmed reservations — Booking.com / Airbnb confirmation letters accepted
- !Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary
List cities, dates, and planned activities
If applicable — family / sponsorship
- ○Invitation letter from Swiss host
If staying with a relative/friend in Switzerland
- ○Sponsor's financial documents + Swiss residence proof
If sponsored by someone in Switzerland
- ○Marriage certificate / relationship proof
If visiting spouse or family
- ○Previous Schengen visa copies
Strengthens case if you have prior travel history
📌 Important — always check the official VFS Tourist checklist
- !Official 'Documents required for Tourist visa' PDF on VFS
Download the latest version from the VFS Global Switzerland website before applying. Requirements are updated periodically by the Embassy.
🇪🇺 Simplified rules — for spouses of EU/EFTA nationals
- !Original + copy of Marriage Certificate attested by UAE MOFA
Only if UAE resident applying as EU spouse; requirements differ in other cases
- !Spouse's passport copy
- !Completed + signed Application Form
- !Original passport + photocopy + previous Schengen visa copies (last 3 years)
- !UAE residence visa copy
If applying from UAE
- !1 coloured passport-size photo, white background
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Finalize your travel plan
Decide exact dates, cities, and book accommodation + return flights. Purchase travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000).
Download the application form
Use the new Schengen Type C form and Authorization form from the VFS Global website.
Gather all documents
Use the tourist checklist above. Ensure bank statements are on A4 with original stamps and photos meet specifications.
Draft a strong cover letter
Address it to the Visa Officer, Embassy of Switzerland. Detail your travel purpose, day-by-day itinerary, funding source, and reasons to return to India.
Book a VFS appointment
Via the VFS Global Switzerland portal. Select the centre nearest to you.
Submit at VFS
Bring originals + photocopies. Biometrics captured on-site. Pay ₹9,600 adult visa fee + ₹2,690 VFS service charge (free for children under 6).
Track your application
Use VFS online tracker or opt for SMS service.
Collect your passport
Via Premium Lounge, courier, or in-person pickup from VFS centre.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen Visa Application Form (Type C — Short Stay)
On the VFS page, select your visa type → scroll to the 'Download Form' section at the bottom → click 'New Visa Application Form Visa C'. Form mandatory from March 2, 2020 — old forms are rejected.
National Visa Application Form (Type D — Long Stay 3+ months)
On the VFS page, scroll to 'Download Form' → click 'National (type D) visa application form'. For long-stay visas (gainful employment, family reunification, study >90 days).
Authorization Form
On the VFS page, scroll to 'Download Form' → click 'Authorization'. Mandatory for ALL applicants regardless of visa type.
VFS Application Centres
Schengen Tourist Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 quick questions to see your likelihood of approval. This is not a guarantee — final decision is always with the Embassy — but it flags common weak spots so you can address them before applying.
What's the primary purpose of your trip?
How long do you plan to stay?
Have you previously visited any Schengen country?
Have you ever been refused a Schengen (or any country's) visa?
Past refusals must be disclosed — they show up in VIS database across Schengen countries.
Do you have confirmed travel bookings?
Reservations are enough — don't buy tickets until visa approval.
What's your current employment status?
What's your typical 3-month bank balance?
Schengen needs ~₹700/day covered. For a 10-day trip, minimum ₹70,000 stable balance.
How many years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) can you show?
What are your strongest ties to India (return-intent)?
Embassies want evidence you'll come back — not overstay.
Who are you travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Travel medical insurance covering minimum €30,000 is MANDATORY for all Schengen countries.
- Personal bank statement (last 3 months) must be on A4 size paper with original bank stamp and signature.
- Do NOT bind two or more passports with a stapler — use rubber bands to avoid passport damage.
- Photo must be recent (not older than 6 months), 35–40mm wide, colour, on photographic paper with a light background.
- Submit your application at least 2 weeks before travel, or earlier during peak holiday season.
- The decision on your application is the sole prerogative of the Embassy — VFS has no role in approvals or rejections.
- Book confirmed (not tentative) hotels and flights — Embassy verifies bookings are realistic.
- Include a detailed day-by-day itinerary — 'Day 1: Zurich Old Town, Day 2: Mt Titlis, Day 3: Lucerne' is far better than 'Tour Switzerland for 10 days'.
- Strong ties to India (job, property, family) are the #1 factor in approval for first-time applicants.
- If you have prior Schengen travel history, include old passport copies — it significantly boosts credibility.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Weak financial documentation — insufficient bank balance or unexplained large deposits
- 2.Vague itinerary or unclear purpose of visit
- 3.Weak ties to India — embassy perceives intent to overstay (especially for young, single, first-time travellers)
- 4.Travel medical insurance not meeting the €30,000 Schengen minimum
- 5.Inconsistencies between application form, cover letter, and supporting documents
- 6.Bank statements not on A4 or missing original bank stamp
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Switzerland Tourist Visa take?+
What is the total cost for a Switzerland Tourist Visa from India?+
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Swiss Tourist Visa?+
I'm a spouse of an EU citizen. Is there a simpler process?+
Can I extend my Swiss tourist visa inside Switzerland?+
Do I need to book hotels + flights before applying?+
What if my visa is rejected?+
Can SureshotVisa help me with the Tourist Visa application?+
Let us prepare your Switzerland Tourist Visa — (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Switzerland Visa Types
Switzerland Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Switzerland Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) from India. Complete fees, documents, and application guide.
Switzerland Incentive Tour Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Switzerland Incentive Tour visa for groups of 50+ travellers. Simplified group application through the Embassy with specific timelines by group size.
Switzerland Student Visa (Short Stay, ≤ 90 days)
Switzerland Schengen Short-Stay visa for Indian students pursuing studies in Switzerland for less than 90 days. Visa fee is FREE — only VFS service charges apply.
Switzerland Visitor Visa (Family / Friends, Schengen Type C)
Switzerland Visitor Visa for Indian citizens visiting family or friends living in Switzerland. Schengen Short-Stay Type C, up to 90 days. Complete fees + document guide.
Switzerland Family Reunification Visa (Long-Stay, Type D)
Switzerland Family Reunification Visa (Long-Stay Type D) for Indian applicants joining family in Switzerland for more than 90 days. Complete guide on process, fees, and documents.
Switzerland Student Visa (Long-Stay, Type D — >90 days)
Switzerland Student Visa (Type D National Long-Stay) for Indian students enrolling in courses longer than 90 days. Submit directly at Embassy Delhi. Visa fee is FREE — only service charges apply.
Switzerland Work Permit (Long-Stay, >120 days) — Informational
Switzerland Work Permit for long-term employment (>120 days). The process MUST be initiated by the Swiss employer via cantonal authorities. Informational guide only — SureshotVisa does NOT handle work permit procurement.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Switzerland website and Embassy of Switzerland. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.