Are you a tourist with plans to visit Switzerland for the holidays? If you are, you need to know the Switzerland tourist visa processing time before you submit your application. Many visa applicants make the mistake of submitting their visa applications too early or too late, which ruins their travel plans. In this blog, we want to review the Switzerland tourist visa, the Swiss visa processing time, and the documents you will need to apply for it. Keep reading to learn more.
Switzerland At A Glance
Switzerland is a country situated in South-Central Europe and one of the world's most peaceful and developed countries. Officially known as the Swiss Federation, it ranks at the top of the list of countries with the best infrastructure, social amenities, and living standards. In terms of metrics used in evaluating social performance, Switzerland passes with flying colors.
It has a population of 8.5 million and a land mass of 41,285 km2. The Swiss don’t have an official capital, but its seat of government is in Bern. However, its most notable cities are the largest, which are Geneva and Zurich, and both serve as global financial and economic centers boasting international organizations and financial institutions. It will also interest you to know that Switzerland is a founding member of the ETA (European Free Trade Zone) but is not a member of the European Union due to its neutral status.
The Switzerland Tourist Visa
Since Switzerland joined the Schengen Union in 2017, the number of visitors and tourists coming into the country has skyrocketed. Having not been involved in any war since 1815, many foreigners like to visit the country due to its luxurious cities and stable social structure. Although their Switzerland Schengen visa policy is quite strict, applicants who meet their requirements can obtain a tourist visa to travel to Switzerland to enjoy the sights and sounds.
The applicant must state the purpose of their visa, how long they plan to stay where they’re going to reside in the country, among other information about their itinerary. Only if they can provide convincing details in their application will they be issued the Switzerland visa. The tourist visa is valid for 180 days and allows the visitor to stay for up to 90 days.
Switzerland Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a tourist Swiss Schengen visa depends on the mode of application and the nationality. Applicants who apply via the Swiss embassy in their country may have to wait up to 15 working days for their application to be processed. Those who apply online may wait for up to 5 working days or less. Besides, other factors may cause delays, such as public holidays, wrong information in your application, or a backlog of unresolved Switzerland visa applications.
Switzerland Tourist Visa Application Requirements
To apply for a tourist visa, you must include the following documents in your Schengen visa application form.
National Passport: Your original passport is valid for at least 3 months from when you plan to depart Switzerland. The passport must not be older than 10 years and must have at least 2 blank pages left for visa stickers.
Photos: 2 passport-sized photographs that meet the size dimension for Schengen visa applications. The photos must show your face, shoulders, and neck clearly.
Previous Visas: If you have been issued a Swiss visa in the past, you must include them in your application.
Return Flight Ticket: A copy of your reserved flight ticket back to your country at the conclusion of your trip. You don’t have to pay for the flight, only book it in advance.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation or house address where you will stay during your visit.
Civil Status Proof: Those traveling with family or visiting family in Switzerland must show proof of civil status, such as a marriage or birth certificate, death certificate, etc.
Proof of funds: Proof of funds to show that you can afford the expenses. The minimum daily expense is €92 per day for every day you stay in the country. For students, the rate drops to €27.
Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining your reasons for the visit and when you plan to visit and depart the country. The letter must be signed.
Medical Insurance: Medical Insurance provides a minimum balance of €30,000 for emergencies during your stay.
How To Apply For a Switzerland Tourist Visa Online
The online application process is the fastest, and you can complete it in just a few steps.
Visit VisaHQ
Select Switzerland as your destination
Select your country of citizenship
Choose “Tourist visa “
Complete the application form
Scan and upload the necessary documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
In line with the Switzerland tourist visa processing time, your visa will be sent to your email address in due course.