Switzerland – where Raj and Simran from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge met, is a country that is on the travel bucket list of many Indians. If you too are planning a trip to Switzerland, we’ve some news for you! VFS Global, the official partner of the Swiss Embassy in India, has announced new rules for Schengen Visa applicants eyeing to visit the beautiful country. Applicants must only submit documents listed in the official documents checklist. To know more about this new rule, keep reading!
Switzerland Schengen Visa New Rules
On July 28, 2025, VFS Global released a statement on their official website regarding these new rules, mentioning the following:
“All the applicants are hereby informed that only the documents listed in the official checklist for respective visa category will be accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)”.
VFS Global announced an alert warning for Switzerland Schengen Visa applicants to only submit documents that are listed in the official document checklist and not any other document or lengthy paperwork. This also includes no extra explanations, backup papers, and no chance to appeal with additional material or documents.
It also further clarified that if visa applicants are submitting bank statements, only the “first three pages and the last three pages will be required and accepted at the VAC”.
Switzerland Schengen Visa: What’s On The Official Checklist?
- Valid national passport: Issued within the last 10 years and having at least a 3-month validity after the scheduled return date. It should also have two blank pages minimum.
- 1 passport-sized photograph: A clear photograph on a white background, not older than 6 months. The photograph should be pasted and not stapled or pinned on the application form.
- A duly completed and signed visa application form. If the applicant is a minor, the form needs to be signed by a legal guardian.
- Introduction letter: An original document on the business letterhead of the employer/company. It must be signed or stamped by the HR of the company, mentioning position and duration of service. Additionally, it must also include a ‘no objection statement’ regarding the planned trip to Switzerland.
- Travel insurance: It should cover a minimum of 30,000 Euros (INR 30,45,510) and must cover the entire stay in the Schengen territory.
- Confirmed flight reservations, hotel bookings, advance payments, and intra-Schengen travel plans, if any.
- Proof of financial status: All documents must be original and in an A4 format. For more information, read the official VFS Global Document Checklist for Swiss Visa.
- Family applications: The head of the family must submit their bank statements, insurance, and bookings (with all names mentioned).
- For students aged over 16: Copy of the student ID card and introduction letter of the school/university.
- Minors: If minors are not traveling with both parents, a consent letter of the non-traveling parent or legal guardian (certified by the public notary) is required. If the minor is traveling without both the parents, consent letters of both the parents or the legal guardian (certified by the public notary) is required. In all cases, copies of both the parents’ or legal guardian’s valid passport, PAN Card, or driving license are required.
New Swiss Visa Rules Face Criticism
Since the announcement of these new rules, social media users have expressed their concerns online and criticized this set of rules. Many say that the new rules will set a rigid checklist that might not suit all applicant types. If someone’s profile is not the typical salaried or business profile, the new rules might increase chances of it getting rejected.
Many users also pointed out how many visa applicants need extra documents to prove their case and get their hands on the visa. With the new rules being implemented, it would be really difficult for such visa applicants to prove their cases and get their visas approved.
Summing Up
VFS Global’s new rules for Swiss Schengen Visa has drawn significant criticism on social media by Indian users who pointed out the increased difficulty many applicants would face in getting their visas approved. With a rigid checklist to follow, visa applicants are not allowed to submit any other documents besides the one in the official list. What do you think of this move? Will it help the visa application process become faster and more efficient or will it only lead to more Indians getting their visa rejected?
