The embassy, however, denied the reports and stated: “We have almost 800 daily appointments through the end of September 2023. These include 22 groups.”
“People-to-people contact is at the core of Swiss-Indian relationship. In 2023, the embassy of Switzerland in India has processed more visa applications than it did in 2019. We have surpassed our pre-pandemic times processing level. From January until June, we handled 129,446 applications, as against 120,071 during the same period in 2019 – a 7.8% increase,” the embassy added.
Here’s all you need to know about the Schengen visa:
- A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa granting individuals the opportunity to travel to any member country within the Schengen Area for tourism or business purposes.
- The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days.
- The Schengen visa allows tourists to visit 26 European countries.
- The visa provides its holder with the freedom to enter, travel within, and exit the Schengen zone from any member country.
- The Schengen Area is characterised by the absence of border controls, allowing for seamless travel within the region.
- Schengen embassies/consulates in India typically require applicant to schedule an appointment for visa application 4-6 weeks in advance of travel date.
- Travelers should submit their Schengen visa application at least 15 days before travel date and no earlier than six months.
- Online applications for a Schengen visa in India are unavailable.
- All Schengen visa applicants in India have to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography). Children under the age of 12 are exempt.
- Applicants shall pay a visa fee of EUR 80 (around Rs 7,280).
Where to apply for a Schengen visa?
Applicants cannot submit their documents at whichever embassy/consulate of a Schengen country they wish to.
The Schengen Area has rules in terms of where to submit the visa application:
- If you are visiting one Schengen country – then apply at the body responsible for visa submission of that country in India (the embassy/consulate/visa center).
- If you are visiting more than one Schengen country – then where you need to apply depends on the number of days you plan to spend in each country:
- If you are spending an equal amount of days in two or more countries – apply to the body responsible for visa submission of the country you will be visiting first.
- If you are spending an unequal amount of days in two or more countries – apply to the body responsible for visa submission of the country where you will be spending more days.
- If a Schengen country does not have an Embassy/Consulate in India, or if the present Embassy/Consulate is not issuing visas, a Schengen visa application may be submitted to the Schengen state which “represents” this country for visa matters.
For anyone applying for a Switzerland Schengen visa, several documents must be submitted, including a completed and signed Swiss visa application form, a valid passport, two passport photos, and copies of previous visas.
Additionally, applicants must provide a round-trip flight itinerary, proof of accommodation in Switzerland, evidence of sufficient financial means, and travel health insurance coverage, among other requirements.
(With inputs from agencies)
