Switzerland tightens Schengen visa application checklist: Here’s what you should know
In case you are planning a trip to Switzerland, you’d better check out the latest updates given in the official checklist for the Schengen visa by the Swiss Embassy's visa partner. A Schengen short term visa is required for anyone who wants to transit through or stay at any of the 29 Schengen European countries.
According to a new update by the visa outsourcing company, VFS Global, only documents listed in the checklist will be accepted at the visa application centre (VAC). This also means any paperwork outside the list will not be accepted at the VAC.
Here is VFS Global’s 2025 checklist for the Schengen visa:
1. A valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with 3 months’ validity beyond the return date and at least two blank pages.
2. One recent passport-size photo (white background, not older than 6 months). Must be pasted, not stapled or pinned.
3. Completed and signed visa application form, and for minors, signed by legal guardians with proof of custody if applicable.
4. An introduction letter from your employer, on company letterhead, signed and stamped by HR. Must include your position, dates of travel, purpose of visit, and a no-objection statement regarding the planned trip to Switzerland/ Schengen states.
5. Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of INR 30,36,660 (EUR 30,000), valid across Schengen countries. Must include medical emergencies and cover the full trip duration.
6. Confirmed return flight tickets with traveller names and include intra-Schengen travel plans, if any.
7. Hotel bookings, tour confirmations, or payment receipts are mandatory according to the Schengen visa alert.
8. Financial proof (all documents in A4, stamped and signed by the bank): Last 3 months’ salary slips, personal bank statements, and ITR-Vs for the last 2 years if you are employed, business registration, 3 months’ bank statements, ITR-Vs if you are self-employed, and pension statements (3 months), proof of other income (e.g. rent) if you are retired.
“In the case of lengthy bank statements, only the first three pages and the last three pages will be required and accepted at the VAC,” the company said.
The new policy and restrictions might affect people with less conventional profiles, like entrepreneurs, homemakers or self-employed travellers. Additional paperwork that may provide context to your background will not be considered.
Other changes in the Schengen visa
The European Union is set to replace paper applications with a completely digital process for the Schengen visa. By 2028, all Schengen visas will be digital. Applicants are to upload documents, pay fees and track applications online. There will be no need for physical stamps or stickers, as once applications are approved, the person will receive a unique barcode that can be scanned at the border office.
Biometric data will still have to be submitted in person.
World