Embassy of Switzerland Issues Updated Visa Guidelines for Indian Applicants

Indian travellers applying for Schengen visas via Switzerland face new rules that are raising concerns, particularly among those with non-traditional profiles. Following a recent update from VFS Global, the Swiss embassy’s partner in India, applicants must now adhere strictly to a new document checklist for visa submissions.

These measures apply exclusively to applicants in India and aim to streamline processing timelines without impacting visa decision-making.

Key Changes to the Visa Application Process

Under the new policy, applicants may only submit the first three and last three pages of their bank statements if they choose to present a six‑month statement; for the application, only the last three months’ bank statements are required. To support environmental sustainability, applicants are encouraged to print bank statements on both sides of the paper.

VFS Global emphasised that these measures are intended to streamline the process and reduce the application processing timelines. However, the changes apply only to applicants in India and will not affect the final decision‑making process regarding visa approvals.

What Does the Official Checklist Include?

The Swiss embassy’s official checklist for Schengen visa applications sets out the essential documents for Indian travellers, including:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• A valid passport, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages and valid for three months after return
• A recent passport‑style photograph with a white background
• A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit
• Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage for the Schengen area)
• Round‑trip flight and accommodation bookings
• Proof of financial means (bank statements for the last three months, with only the first and last three pages accepted)
• Employment or student proof (NOC, payslips, business registration, or student enrolment)
• For minors: birth certificate, parental consent, and copies of parents’ passports

While the Swiss embassy’s updated visa application procedure aims to streamline processes and reduce administrative delays, it has inadvertently raised concerns about fairness for non‑traditional applicants. Immigration experts and travellers are urging the embassy to consider greater flexibility for profiles that don’t neatly align with standard categories.