Indian Travellers Face New Schengen Visa Rules via Switzerland, Sparking Concerns Among Non-Traditional Applicants
Indian travellers applying for Schengen visas through Switzerland are now subject to stricter documentation requirements, following a recent update from VFS Global, the Swiss Embassy’s visa services partner in India. The new policy mandates that applicants submit only the documents listed in the official checklist for their respective visa category, with no additional paperwork accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
In its official announcement, the Swiss Embassy stated that this measure is intended to improve efficiency and ensure uniform processing. However, the move has triggered pushback, particularly from applicants whose profiles do not fit conventional salaried or business categories.
Key Changes to the Visa Application Process
Under the revised rules:
Applicants submitting six months’ worth of bank statements must provide only the first three and last three pages.
For applications requiring only three months of statements, only the first and last three pages will be accepted.
To promote sustainability, applicants are encouraged to print statements on both sides of the paper.
According to VFS Global, these measures are aimed at streamlining the application process and reducing processing timelines. The changes apply exclusively to applications filed in India and will not influence the final visa decision.
Official Checklist for Schengen Visa Applications via Switzerland
Applicants must provide:
Completed and signed visa application form
Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months beyond return date)
Recent passport-size photograph with white background
Cover letter stating the purpose of travel
Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in the Schengen area
Proof of financial means (bank statements of the last three months – first and last three pages only)
Proof of employment, business ownership, or student status (NOC, salary slips, business registration, or enrolment letter)
For minors: birth certificate, parental consent, and copies of parents’ passports
Concerns Over Flexibility
While the embassy asserts that the updated checklist will cut down on administrative delays, immigration experts warn that the rigid approach may disadvantage non-traditional applicants, such as freelancers, gig workers, or those with unconventional income sources. Calls for greater flexibility are growing, with stakeholders urging the Swiss authorities to adopt a more inclusive policy framework.
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