Guide for Switzerland Visa Requirements

Author: Zeke

Published: December 13, 2023

If you are heading to Switzerland, you will most likely need to apply for the Schengen Visa for Switzerland. This short-term visa allows you to explore the beauty of Switzerland and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days.

The documents you need may vary depending on your nationality. Whether you’re arriving by land, sea, or air, you must present certain documents to the border police.

Switzerland Schengen visa for Thai citizens

Documents required for Thai Citizens

Application form: This must be duly filled out, dated, and signed by the applicant. Both parents must sign the visa application form for their children. The information on the Switzerland Schengen visa application form such as addresses, phone numbers, etc. must be identical with the applicant’s personal data or the Schengen visa for Switzerland application will be refused.
One passport-sized photo: this must be a colour photo on a white background in the format 3.5 cm x 4 cm and taken from the front without obstruction.
Original passport: Valid for at least three months after the end of the planned stay in Switzerland or another Schengen Member State, at least two blank pages. Please present previous passports if available. Two copies should be provided.
Previous Schengen visa copies (if any). If the applicant continues to travel to a third country (i.e., UK, USA, Canada etc.) after leaving the Schengen area, the visa of the next country must be obtained first before the submission of the Schengen visa application. Documentary evidence of the other visas must be provided.
Proof of name change documentation (if any): originals and a copy.
Confirmed reservation of the round-trip flight ticket: Applicant’s name (same as on passport) must be mentioned on the flight reservation.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.

If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

Proof of accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservation/s for the entire stay in the Schengen countries. Applicant’s name (same as on passport) must be mentioned on the hotel booking/s for the Switzerland Visa Requirements.
Detailed Itinerary: Itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited, providing details on the transport used to move across the Schengen area and any other countries to be visited during this trip.
Employment and financial proof: If Employed: – Work certificate indicating the number of vacation days granted, the position in the company and the monthly salary If Student: – Academic certificate such as an enrolment confirmation of the school or university, show original and submit photocopy.
- If Self Employed: Schengen Tourist visa September 2019 – Business registration stating the applicant’s name.
- To be provided by all applicants: Proof of sufficient funds Bank Statement for the last three months, original with bank stamp; if the trip is sponsored: sponsoring letter and bank statement of the sponsor for the last three months, original with bank stamp, copy of sponsor’s passport.
- If relevant: copy of real estate property (title deed).
Documents related to minor child: Birth certificate, show original and submit photocopy – Parental consent for the minor child that is either travelling abroad alone or with only one parent: a) An official parental consent for the planned travel abroad must be submitted, in case that one of the parents or both are not going to travel together with the minor child. The Amphoe (local district administration or office in Thailand) must issue this document (both original and a photocopy. Alternatively, the declaration of consent letter signed by the parent/s who is/are not travelling with the minor child can sign at the VFS Global Visa Centre in person.
Foreign national residing in Thailand: Original and copy of work permit (if applicable) – Re-entry stamp from Thai Immigration, valid after returning from the Schengen states.
Document checklist: it is recommended to review the document checklist before submitting your Switzerland visa application. Documents in Thai language must be translated into English or into one of the Swiss national languages by a translation office.
Visa fee: this may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your duration of stay.

Appointment: You need to make an appointment to apply for your Switzerland Schengen visa at VFS Global in Bangkok.

Switzerland Schengen Visa for Indonesia Citizens

Documents required for Indonesian Citizens

Application form: This must be duly filled out, dated, and signed by the applicant. Both parents must sign the visa application form for their children. The information on the Switzerland Schengen visa application form, such as addresses, phone numbers, etc. must be identical to the applicant’s personal data or the Swiss visa application will be refused.
One passport-sized photo: This must be a colour photo on a white background in the format 3.5 cm x 4 cm and taken from the front without obstruction.
Original passport: Valid for at least three months after the end of the planned stay in Switzerland or another Schengen Member State, at least two blank pages. Please present previous passports if available. Two copies should be provided.
Previous Schengen visa copies (if any). Suppose the applicant continues to travel to a third country (i.e., UK, USA, Canada, etc.) after leaving the Schengen area. In that case, the visa of the next country must be obtained first before the submission of the Schengen visa application. Documentary evidence of the other visas must be provided.
Proof of name change documentation (if any): originals and a copy.
Confirmed reservation of the round-trip flight ticket: Applicant’s name (same as on passport) must be mentioned on the flight reservation for the Switzerland Visa Requirements.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
  1. If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

Proof of accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservation/s for the entire stay in the Schengen countries. Applicant’s name (same as on passport) must be mentioned on the hotel booking/s.
Detailed Itinerary: Provide an itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited, providing details on the transport used to move across the Schengen area and any other countries to be seen during this trip.
Employment and financial proof: If Employed: – Work certificate indicating the number of vacation days granted, the position in the company and the monthly salary. If Student: – Academic certificates such as an enrolment confirmation of the school or university, show original and submit a photocopy.
- If Self-Employed: Schengen Tourist visa September 2019 – Business registration stating the applicant’s name.
- To be provided by all applicants: Proof of sufficient funds, Bank Statements for the last three months, original with bank stamp; if the trip is sponsored: sponsoring letter and bank statement of the sponsor for the last three months, original with bank stamp, copy of sponsor’s passport.
- If relevant: copy of real estate property (title deed).
Children: Birth certificate, show original and submit photocopy – Parental consent for the minor child that is either travelling abroad alone or with only one parent: a) An official parental consent for the planned travel abroad must be submitted, in case that one of the parents or both are not going to travel together with the minor child. Alternatively, the declaration of consent letter signed by the parent/s who is/are not travelling with the minor child can sign at the VFS Global Visa Centre in person.
Document checklist: it is recommended to review the document checklist before submitting your Switzerland visa application.
Visa fee: This may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your duration of stay.
Appointment: You need to make an appointment to apply for your Switzerland Schengen visa at VFS Global in Jakarta.

Switzerland Schengen visa for Vietnam citizens

Documents required for Vietnam Citizens

Application form: This must be duly filled out, dated, and signed by the applicant. Both parents must sign the visa application form for their children. The information on the Switzerland Schengen visa application form such as addresses, phone numbers, etc. must be identical with the applicant’s personal data or the Swiss visa application will be refused.
One passport-sized photo: this must be a colour photo on a white background in the format 3.5 cm x 4 cm and taken from the front without obstruction.
Original passport: Valid for at least three months after the end of the planned stay in Switzerland or another Schengen Member State, at least two blank pages. Please present previous passports if available. Two copies should be provided.
Previous Schengen visa copies (if any). If the applicant continues to travel to a third country (i.e., UK, USA, Canada etc.) after leaving the Schengen area, the visa of the next country must be obtained first before the submission of the Schengen visa application. Documentary evidence of the other visas must be provided.
Proof of name change documentation (if any): originals and a copy.
Confirmed reservation of the round-trip flight ticket: Applicant’s name (same as on passport) must be mentioned on the flight reservation.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
  1. If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

Proof of accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservation/s for the entire stay in the Schengen countries. Applicant’s name (same as on passport) must be mentioned on the hotel booking/s.
Detailed Itinerary: Itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited, providing details on the transport used to move across the Schengen area and any other countries to be visited during this trip are required for the Switzerland Visa Requirements.
Employment and financial proof: If Employed: – Work certificate indicating the number of vacation days granted, the position in the company and the monthly salary If Student: – Academic certificate such as an enrolment confirmation of the school or university, show original and submit photocopy.
- If Self-Employed: Schengen Tourist visa September 2019 – Business registration stating the applicant’s name.
- To be provided by all applicants: Proof of sufficient funds Bank Statement for the last three months, original with bank stamp; if the trip is sponsored: sponsoring letter and bank statement of the sponsor for the last three months, original with bank stamp, copy of sponsor’s passport.
- If relevant: copy of real estate property (title deed).
Documents related to minor child: the Switzerland visa requirements state that several documents are required: a birth certificate, show original and submit photocopy – Parental consent for the minor child that is either travelling abroad alone or with only one parent: a) An official parental consent for the planned travel abroad must be submitted, in case that one of the parents or both are not going to travel together with the minor child. Alternatively, the declaration of consent letter signed by the parent/s who is/are not travelling with the minor child can be signed at the VFS Global Visa Centre in person.
Document checklist: it is recommended to review the document checklist before submitting your Switzerland visa application.
Visa fee: This may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your duration of stay.
Appointment: You need to make an appointment to apply for your Switzerland Schengen visa at VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Switzerland Schengen Visa for Singapore Citizens

Visa Exemption: According to the regulations, Singapore citizens do not need a Switzerland Schengen visa to enter the countries of the Schengen Agreement, including Switzerland, as tourists or business travellers if their stay is no longer than 90 days within 6 months. Verifying the official Switzerland visa application requirements before travelling is recommended. Singaporean citizens can travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone without a visa or prior authorization. However, it is expected that starting from 2024, all Singaporean citizens will have to obtain a quick online document known as ETIAS before entering any of the EU/Schengen member countries. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will keep a record of who enters and leaves the Schengen zone.

Switzerland Schengen Visa for Malaysia Citizens

Visa Exemption: Malaysian citizens do not need a visa to enter the countries of the Schengen Agreement, including Switzerland, as tourists or business travellers if their stay is no longer than 90 days within 6 months. Verifying the official Switzerland visa application requirements before travelling is recommended. Similarly to Singapore, starting from 2024, all Malaysian citizens will have to obtain a quick online document known as ETIAS before entering any of the EU/Schengen member countries.

What is the cost of a Schengen visa for Switzerland

The cost of obtaining a Schengen Visa for Switzerland can vary based on the applicant’s age, visa type, and nationality. As of the last update, the general visa fee structure for the Switzerland visa requirements is as follows:

Adults: EUR80
Children (6-12 years old): EUR40
Children under 6 years: Free of charge

However, there are exceptions and reductions:

Students: Reduced fees or waivers may apply for students or postgraduates and accompanying teachers on educational trips.
Researchers: Individuals travelling for scientific research may benefit from reduced fees.
Diplomatic passport holders: can obtain a visa for free.
Certain categories of applicants from countries with Visa Facilitation Agreements with the Schengen states may be subject to a reduced visa fee of EUR35.
Long-term visas: National visas or Type D visas, intended for longer stays or any other Schengen country, might have a different fee structure.

Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Additionally, visa processing agencies or centres might charge an additional service fee.

What are the financial support criteria for a Switzerland Schengen Visa application?

A critical aspect of securing a Schengen Visa for Switzerland is demonstrating sufficient financial stability. The authorities want to ensure that you can financially sustain yourself throughout your stay, without burdening the state. Here is a guide on the financial support criteria for the Switzerland Visa Requirements:

Bank Statements: Typically, you must present a bank statement for the last 3-6 months. This should show that you have sufficient funds to support your trip. There isn’t a fixed amount that applicants need to have, but it should cover your accommodation, meals, internal travel, and emergencies.
Sponsorship Letter: A formal sponsorship letter is usually required if someone else (a friend or family member) is covering your costs. This letter should clearly state the sponsor’s willingness and ability to cover your expenses. It should be accompanied by the sponsor’s own bank statements or income documents.
Income Documents: For employed individuals, recent pay slips, employment contracts, or a letter from the employer stating the position, salary, and duration of employment may be required. Business registration documents and recent tax returns might be necessary for self-employed individuals.
For Minors or Dependents: If the applicant is a minor or dependent travelling alone, parents or guardians may need to prove their own financial stability and provide a notarized letter agreeing to support the applicant financially during the trip.
For Students: If the applicant is a student, proof of enrolment in a school or university and a statement of financial responsibility from the parents, along with their bank statements, may be required.
For Retirees: Pension statements or other proof of income and assets may be needed.

Is Travel Insurance mandatory for a Switzerland visa?

Yes. According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa for Switzerland is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area. Please note that you must always apply for your visa at the country’s consulate of your primary destination.

As immigration requirements can change at short notice, you should contact your travel agent or the Embassy in your home country for the latest information.

Get Travel Insurance for Switzerland

How long does it take to process a visa for Switzerland?

The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is typically up to 15 days. However, this duration can sometimes be extended:

30 days if the embassy is handling a large volume of applications or if your application is particularly complex.
60 days in rare situations, especially if the embassy needs to confer with other Schengen member embassies.

Therefore, submitting your the Schengen visa for Switzerland application for a short-stay visa as early as possible but at most three months before your planned trip is advisable.

How do I get a medical certificate for a visa to Switzerland?

You may obtain a medical certificate from your doctor before applying for your Schengen visa for Switzerland. You may wish to check with your local visa application team or consulate on any country-specific requirements before applying.

FAQ for when applying for a Switzerland Schengen Visa

What if my Switzerland Visa is denied?

Visa refusals will always be notified in writing, explaining why. You may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received.

Can I visit other European countries with my Schengen visa?

Yes. According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area. Please note that you must always apply for your visa at the country’s consulate of your primary destination.

As immigration requirements can change at short notice, we recommend contacting your travel agent or the Switzerland Embassy in your home country for the latest information.

LUMA Schengen Pass for Switzerland Travel Insurance

Here are some reasons why you should consider choosing LUMA for your Schengen travel insurance needs:

Extensive coverage: With coverage starting at EUR30,000 LUMA offers comprehensive protection throughout your trip, giving you peace of mind as you explore Europe.
Flexible options: Whether you’re planning an individual trip or multiple trips within a year, LUMA Schengen Pass Travel Insurance has got you covered.
Wide range of eligibility: LUMA is designed to accommodate travellers of various age groups, from 1 year old to 85 years old.
Perfect for South East Asian travellers: If you’re departing from South East Asia, LUMA Schengen Pass Travel Insurance is tailored to meet your needs.

But that’s not all! Here are some additional benefits you can enjoy with LUMA:

Easy application process: Applying for LUMA insurance is a breeze – do it online and receive your insurance certificate via email.
Trustworthy and reliable: Join over 60,000 fellow travellers who have trusted LUMA. With a proven track record, LUMA is a name you can rely on.
Globally recognized: LUMA insurance is widely accepted by embassies around the world, making your visa application process smoother and hassle-free.

So why compromise on your travel insurance? Choose LUMA Schengen Pass Travel Insurance and experience the peace of mind you deserve while exploring Europe.