Official Visa for Switzerland: Step-by-Step Application Process

If you're a Nepali citizen planning a trip to Switzerland for tourism, you will need to apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa. This visa allows you to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applying for this visa can be done conveniently online through VFS Global, where you will need to follow a straightforward application process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Switzerland Tourist Visa:

1. Visa Application Form:
   The first step in your visa application is to complete the visa application form. You need to fill out this form accurately and sign it. If you are a minor (under 18 years), both parents must sign the form, and additional documents like a birth certificate and consent letter from parents will be required if the minor is traveling alone or with only one parent.

2. Passport Requirements:
   Your passport must meet the following criteria:

   • Issued within the last 10 years.

   • Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in Switzerland.

   • Must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

   • A clear photocopy of the passport’s personal data page must be included.

3. Photographs:
   You need to provide two passport-sized photos. The photos must be recent (not older than 6 months) and should meet the standard specifications (35-40mm width, white background).

4. Proof of Financial Status:
   You must prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Switzerland. Depending on your employment status, you may need to submit:

   • Personal and business bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months (if self-employed).

   • Salary slips and bank statements for the last 3 months (if employed).

   • Bank statements from your parents or legal guardians (if you are a student or unemployed).

5. Schengen Travel Medical Insurance:
   You are required to provide Schengen Travel Medical Insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Switzerland. The insurance should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros, ensuring coverage for medical emergencies, repatriation, and urgent medical care.

6. Flight Reservation:
   A round-trip flight reservation is mandatory. The reservation should show your entry to Switzerland and your return to Nepal. If you are traveling within the Schengen area, you will also need to provide proof of intra-Schengen travel (flight, train, or car rental bookings).

7. Accommodation Proof:
   You must provide evidence of accommodation arrangements during your stay. This can be:

   • Hotel reservation confirmation, including the name of the hotel, contact details, and booking reference.

   • If staying with a friend or relative, a letter of invitation from them with accommodation details.

8. Itinerary:
   You need to submit a detailed itinerary of your trip. This should include a day-to-day travel plan outlining the places you intend to visit, activities planned, and other relevant details.

9. Visa Fee:
   The visa fee for the Switzerland Tourist Visa is 90 Euros for adults. For children between 6 to 12 years, the fee is reduced to 45 Euros, while children under 6 years are exempt from the fee. Payments are made at the VFS Global center during your application submission.

10. Visa Application Submission:
    After you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your visa application online via VFS Global. After submitting, you will need to visit the VFS center in person to submit your biometric data (fingerprints) and complete the visa application process.

Processing Time:

The processing time for a Switzerland Tourist Visa typically takes 15 calendar days, although it may vary depending on the season and the complexity of the application. It is advisable to submit your application at least two weeks before your planned travel date to avoid any delays, especially during peak travel seasons.

Additional Information:

The Swiss Embassy reserves the right to request additional documents, verify the authenticity of submitted documents, or refer the application to the Swiss Federal Authority for further evaluation. If any documents are found to be incorrect or forged, the visa application may be rejected.

Checklist of Required Documents for Switzerland Tourist Visa:

1. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.

2. Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond your stay with two blank pages.

3. Passport-sized Photos: Two recent photos, not older than six months.

4. Proof of Financial Status: Bank statements, salary slips, or proof of business income.

5. Schengen Travel Medical Insurance: Coverage of at least 30,000 Euros for the entire stay.

6. Flight Reservation: Round-trip flight booking showing travel dates and name.

7. Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservation or confirmation from a host.

8. Travel Itinerary: Detailed travel plan including activities and accommodations.

9. Visa Fee: Payment of the visa application fee (90 Euros for adults).

For Visa Assistance:

For any assistance with your Switzerland Tourist Visa application, you can visit Yatra For Fun at their office in Koteshwor, near Rastraya Banajya Bank, Nepal. You can contact them at the following numbers for more information or to schedule an appointment:

• +977 9709066517

• +977 9709066745

• +977 9802348957

• +977 9708072951

• +977 9802363869

• 01-5253221