Switzerland Schengen Visa Rules Updated for Indians

Switzerland has tightened its Schengen visa application process for Indian travellers, introducing rigid documentation rules that leave no room for supplementary submissions. According to VFS Global, only documents listed in the official checklist will be accepted. Any additional papers, including explanatory letters or extra supporting documents, will be rejected outright, and applicants will not be permitted to submit missing documents after filing.

A key change limits financial documentation to only the first three and last three pages of bank statements, regardless of the total length. The mandatory checklist includes a valid passport, recent passport-size photograph, completed and signed visa application form, employer’s no-objection letter, travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, confirmed return flight bookings, accommodation proof, and evidence of financial means.

The Swiss Embassy has emphasised that these measures are intended to streamline and standardise the application process. However, the strict policy increases the risk of delays or refusals if submissions are incomplete or non-compliant. Applicants are urged to follow the checklist meticulously and ensure all documents are accurate and in the required format before applying.

The update comes amid broader Schengen reforms for Indian travellers, including the EU’s “cascade” visa regime, which allows eligible applicants multi-entry visas for up to two years. Switzerland’s rule change, however, focuses specifically on ensuring precision and completeness in documentation at the time of submission.