1. Identify visa type

Choose the right visa for your trip

The first step is to determine which visa type you need, and check whether you’re eligible to apply for it.
You’ll also need to know the documents that you’ll have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you’ll have to pay.
Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category.
If your documents are not in English, you may need to get translations prepared before applying.

2. Begin your application

Get started with your visa application
Once you are ready to apply, go to the Embassy of Switzerland website to apply for your visa online.
You can also download the visa application form, complete it, print the completed form, and bring it with you to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
Your visa application will be assessed by the Embassy of Switzerland located in New Delhi. However, the centre does not accept applications sent via post.
You can submit your visa application in person or through a representative or an authorized travel agent.

3. Book an appointment

Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment
Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’.

Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.

If you are part of a family, each member of the family will be required to book an individual appointment. So, if you are a family of 4 consisting of 2 adults and 2 children you will have to book 4 individual appointments.
For Group appointment, Travel Agents will need to call us at 022-67866042 to procure a preferred slot for submitting the applications at the Joint Schengen Visa Application Centres across India.
You can mail us at infoswiss@vfshelpline.com in case you face any issues while scheduling your appointment with the following details:
• Name
• Passport number
• Contact number

Alternatively, you can call us at 022- 67866035.
Read through the below instructions before scheduling an appointment.
-You can reschedule your appointment only 2 times.
-You’ll need to reschedule your appointment at least 2 days prior to your scheduled date.
-If you reschedule your appointment more than two times, it will be considered a fresh appointment.
-If you wish to cancel your appointment, the service charges will not be refunded. Appointments can be cancelled only 2 working days prior to the scheduled date.

4. Pay your fees

Find out the amount you need to pay

Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you are applying online for your visa, your payment will be made as part of this process. If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment can be made at the time of your appointment.

Please note if you have paid Visa Fees online by using your Credit Card/ Debit card/Net banking, it may take up to 15 working days to process your request.

If you face an error at the time of online payment, then do not make the payment again online. Kindly contact our helpdesk at infoswiss@vfshelpline.com or nearest Swiss Visa application Center.
To request for a refund mail us at infoswiss@vfshelpline.com and provide the following details.
• Web Reference Number/ Transaction ID
• Name and passport number
• Contact details of the applicant
• Date of Transaction

5. Visit a Visa Application Centre

Attend your scheduled appointment

You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person.

Find out What happens at the Visa Application Centre.

6. Track your application

Stay informed about the progress of your application

You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.

You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.

7. Collect your passport

Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre

After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your documents from the Visa Application Centre or have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee. For some Visa Application Centres your documents will only be returned via courier.

Collecting your documents in person: bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your documents; they will need to present a letter of authorisation signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre and their Government identification.

Please check with the Visa Application Centre at time of your appointment for the options available to collect your documents.