If you’re planning to visit Switzerland later this year, take note: VFS Global, which handles Swiss Schengen visa processing in India, has introduced strict document rules—now, only items listed in the official checklist will be accepted. Extra documents or late submissions are no longer allowed.
📋 Strict ‘Checklist Only’ Policy
According to VFS Global:
“Only documents listed in the official checklist for the respective visa category will be accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).”
If your documents go beyond the checklist, they’ll be rejected outright—so being both precise and concise is critical.
🧾 Bank Statement Rules Changed
If you’re submitting bank statements, only the first three pages and the last three pages will be considered. Everything else will be ignored during processing.
✅ Updated Switzerland Schengen Visa Requirements for Indians
Here’s what the 2025 Swiss visa checklist requires. Make sure to bring only the following:
- Valid Passport
- Issued within the last 10 years
- At least 3 months validity beyond return date
- Minimum 2 blank pages
- Passport Photo
- White background, less than six months old
- Must be pasted onto the form—not stapled or pinned
- Filled & Signed Visa Form
- For minors, this must be completed and signed by legal guardians
- Include proof of custody if applicable
- Employer Letter (if employed)
- On company letterhead, signed and stamped
- Must include: job title, visit dates, travel purpose, and a no objection statement
- Travel Insurance
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 (₹30,36,660)
- Valid across all Schengen countries and includes medical emergencies
- Travel Bookings
- Confirmed return flight tickets and intra-Schengen itinerary
- Hotel bookings, tours, or paid receipts are mandatory
- Financial Documents
- For salaried individuals: Last 3 months salary slips, stamped/ signed A4 bank statements, and 2 years’ ITR-V
- For business owners: Business registration, bank statements, ITR-V
- For pensioners: Last 3 months pension statements and any other income proof (e.g. rent)
- Family Applications
- All passports submitted together
- Financial proof, insurance, and bookings by the head of family only (with all names included)
- Students (age 16+)
- Student ID and introduction letter from the school/university
- Minors (under 18)
- If travelling without one or both parents: Notarized consent letters required
- Include copies of parents’ identity documents (passport, PAN card, or driver’s license)
Why This Matters
These updates reflect a shift in Switzerland’s visa approach—no more over-documenting, no make-up documents, and no extended wait after interviews. The goal is to speed up processing and improve efficiency, but more importantly—improve the quality of applications.
Tips to Ensure Smooth Submission
- Stick exactly to the official VFS checklist—no extras!
- Keep only the first and last 3 pages of your bank statements.
- Organize each document in the same order as the checklist to avoid confusion.
- Double-check your passport’s expiry date: It should be valid at least 3 months after your return date.
✨ Summary Table
| Requirement | What to Submit |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid within 10 years, 3 months post-return validity, 2 blank pages |
| Photo | Recent, white background, pasted |
| Application Form | Fully completed and signed |
| Employer/Sponsor Letter | On letterhead with travel details and stamp |
| Travel Insurance | €30,000 minimum, must cover entire Schengen Zone |
| Flight & Stay Bookings | Confirmed itinerary and accommodations |
| Financial Documents | Salary slips, ITR, pension statements/sworn bank proof |
| Students and Minors | ID and legal consent letters |
This new rule change matters for Indian travellers applying for Swiss Schengen visas in 2025. Submitting only the exact requested documents—and nothing more—can make all the difference between approval and rejection.
