Key Highlights
- #1 most popular Schengen destination for Indians (217K applications)
- 87% approval rate
- Fast processing: 10-15 days
- Next-day VFS appointments available!
- 13 VFS centers across India
- Access to all 29 Schengen countries
- Bollywood connection (DDLJ, etc.)
- Scenic train experiences (Glacier Express)
Switzerland is the #1 MOST POPULAR Schengen destination for Indians, receiving 217,373 applications in 2024 - more than any other Schengen country. The Swiss Alps, Bollywood connection (DDLJ was filmed here), and efficient visa processing make it the top choice. **Why Switzerland is #1 for Indians:** - **Highest application volume:** 217,373 from India (2024) - 87% approval rate - reliable processing - **Fast processing:** 10-15 days typical - **Next-day appointments** currently available! - Bollywood favorite (DDLJ, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) - Scenic trains: Glacier Express, Bernina Express **2024 Statistics for Indians:** - 217,373 applications (HIGHEST among Schengen) - 190,162 visas approved (87%) - 27,211 rejections (13%) - Average processing: 12 days **Important Note on Costs:** Switzerland is EXPENSIVE. Show higher bank balance: - Recommended: €100-150 per day (vs €50-75 for other Schengen) - Bank balance: ₹5,00,000+ recommended - Hotels and meals cost 2-3x more than other European countries **Total Visa Cost:** ₹13,000-15,000 including visa fee (€90), VFS (₹2,680), and insurance.
Visa Types Available
For tourism, sightseeing, and leisure travel to Switzerland
- Swiss Alps and mountain experiences
- Interlaken, Jungfrau, Zermatt, Matterhorn
- Lucerne and Lake Lucerne
- Zurich city exploration
For business meetings and professional activities
- Business meetings
- Banking and finance visits
- Trade fairs and conferences
- Corporate training
For visiting relatives or friends residing in Switzerland
- Visiting family members
- Visiting friends
- Family events
For medical treatment in Swiss hospitals
- Medical treatment
- Specialist consultations
Complete Fee Breakdown
Fees are non-refundable even if visa is denied. Exchange rates fluctuate daily - verify current rates.
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents
Financial Documents 4 items
Employment/Business Proof 3 items
Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm Switzerland as Main Destination
Apply to Switzerland if you will spend the most nights there. Perfect for Alps-focused trips.
5 minutes- Count nights - most nights in Switzerland = apply here
- Great for Interlaken, Zermatt, Lucerne itineraries
- Swiss Alps + Italy combo is popular
Book VFS Appointment
Schedule at any of the 13 VFS centers. Switzerland currently has EXCELLENT appointment availability.
15-30 minutes- Next-day appointments available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru!
- Book anytime - no long wait for slots
- 13 centers across India
Complete Application Form
Fill the standard Schengen visa application form from Swiss embassy website.
30-45 minutes- Use BLOCK LETTERS
- Sign in designated boxes only
- Download from official Swiss embassy site
Purchase Travel Insurance
Buy Schengen-compliant insurance. For Switzerland, consider higher coverage due to expensive healthcare.
30 minutes- Minimum €30,000 coverage required
- Switzerland has expensive healthcare - consider €50,000+
- Must cover all Schengen countries
Gather Documents
Collect all documents. Show HIGHER bank balance as Switzerland is expensive.
3-5 days- Bank statements: 6 months, STAMPED
- Show €100-150 per day (Switzerland is costly)
- Recommended balance: ₹5,00,000+ for Switzerland
Write Cover Letter
Explain your Swiss Alps trip, itinerary, and ties to India.
1 hour- Mention specific places: Jungfrau, Matterhorn, Lucerne
- Include Bollywood connection if relevant (DDLJ, etc.)
- Explain employment and family ties to India
Attend VFS Appointment
Submit documents, provide biometrics, pay fees.
2-3 hours- Arrive 15 minutes early
- VFS fee: ₹2,680
- Optional: Courier ₹930, SMS updates ₹450
Track & Collect
Switzerland processes quickly - typically 10-15 days.
10-15 days- Track online
- Switzerland is known for fast, efficient processing
- Collect or opt for courier delivery
Check Your Visa Readiness Score
Assess your Switzerland application strength before you apply. Get personalized tips to improve your chances of approval.
Check Your ScoreWhere to Apply
Visa Application Centers (VFS) New Delhi • Mumbai • Bengaluru • Chennai • Kolkata • Hyderabad • Ahmedabad • Pune • Chandigarh • Jaipur • Jalandhar • Kochi • Lucknow 13 centers
New Delhi
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Chennai
Kolkata
Hyderabad
Ahmedabad
Pune
Chandigarh
Jaipur
Jalandhar
Kochi
Lucknow
Common Rejection Reasons
Insufficient funds for expensive Switzerland • Weak ties to India • Incomplete documentation ... 4 reasons to avoid
Insufficient funds for expensive Switzerland
Bank balance doesn't cover Swiss costs (2-3x other European countries).
Weak ties to India
No compelling reason to return.
Incomplete documentation
Missing documents or unstamped bank statements.
Unrealistic itinerary vs budget
Planned expensive Swiss trip but insufficient funds shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Switzerland most popular Schengen destination for Indians? • What is Switzerland visa approval rate for Indians? 12+ questions answered
Why is Switzerland most popular Schengen destination for Indians?
Switzerland received 217,373 applications from Indians in 2024 - HIGHEST among all Schengen countries. Reasons: Swiss Alps beauty, Bollywood connection (DDLJ filmed here), efficient visa processing, romantic honeymoon destination, and iconic experiences like Jungfraujoch and Glacier Express.
What is Switzerland visa approval rate for Indians?
Switzerland has 87% approval rate for Indians (2024). Out of 217,373 applications, 190,162 were approved. The 13% rejection rate means proper documentation is important, especially showing sufficient funds for expensive Switzerland.
How long does Switzerland visa take?
Switzerland processes visas in just 10-15 working days - faster than most Schengen countries. Currently, NEXT-DAY VFS appointments are available in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru!
What bank balance for Switzerland visa?
Show €100-150 per day (higher than other Schengen countries because Switzerland is expensive). Recommended total balance: ₹5,00,000+. A 10-day Switzerland trip needs ₹1,00,000-1,50,000 minimum proof.
Is Switzerland in Schengen Area?
Yes! Switzerland is a Schengen member (though not in the EU). Your Switzerland visa allows travel to all 29 Schengen countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more.
What is Switzerland visa fee for Indians?
Switzerland Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults (₹8,500). Children 6-12 pay €45. Under 6 are FREE. VFS charge is ₹2,680. Optional: Courier ₹930, SMS ₹450. Total: ~₹13,000-15,000.
Where can I apply for Switzerland visa in India?
VFS has 13 centers: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kochi, Lucknow. Next-day appointments currently available!
Can I visit Jungfraujoch with Switzerland visa?
Yes! Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) is in Switzerland. Include it in your itinerary. Pre-booking Jungfrau tickets shows trip planning and helps your application.
Is Switzerland good for honeymoon visa?
Absolutely! Switzerland is a top honeymoon destination for Indians. Mention "honeymoon" in cover letter, include marriage certificate, and book romantic destinations (Interlaken, Lucerne, Zermatt).
Can I combine Switzerland with Italy trip?
Yes! Switzerland + Italy is very popular. If spending more nights in Switzerland, apply to Switzerland. Your Schengen visa covers both. Bernina Express train connects Switzerland to Italy.
What is best time to visit Switzerland?
May-September for summer Alps, hiking, scenic trains. December-March for skiing and Christmas markets. Jungfraujoch is year-round but check weather. Avoid November (off-season, many closures).
Where was DDLJ filmed in Switzerland?
DDLJ was filmed in Interlaken, Gstaad, Zweisimmen, and Saanenmöser. These locations remain popular with Indian tourists. Mention in cover letter if visiting these Bollywood locations!
Official Sources & Verification
Need help navigating official portals? Our visa experts can assist you.
Last verified: 2026-02-04 by Times of Visa Editorial Team