Planning a trip to Switzerland? Be sure to follow the new visa rules. VFS Global, which processes visa applications for the Swiss Embassy in India, has announced changes to the Schengen visa process. From now on, only the documents listed in the official checklist for the relevant visa category will be accepted. Any extra paperwork or written explanations will be ignored, and there is no option to submit additional documents later.
“All the applicants are hereby informed that only the documents listed in the official checklist for the respective visa category will be accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC),” the official Schengen visa alert stated. For financial proof, applicants submitting lengthy bank statements should note that only the first three and last three pages will be considered.
According to VFS Global’s 2025 checklist for the Schengen Visa, applicants must submit a complete and precise set of documents as per the official guidelines. These include:
– A valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least three months’ validity beyond the return date and two blank pages.
– One recent passport-sized photograph with a white background, not older than six months, pasted on the application form.
– A fully filled and signed visa application form. For minors, it must be signed by legal guardians with proof of custody, if needed.
– A letter of introduction from your employer, on company letterhead, signed and stamped by HR. It should mention your role, travel dates, reason for the visit, and a no-objection statement.
– Travel insurance covering at least INR 30,36,660 (EUR 30,000), valid in all Schengen countries, and covering medical emergencies for the entire trip duration.
– Confirmed return flight tickets with passenger names and any intra-Schengen travel plans.
– Hotel bookings, tour confirmations, or payment receipts are mandatory.
Financial documents (A4 size, bank-stamped and signed): last three months’ salary slips, bank statements, ITR-Vs for two years for employees; business registration, three months’ statements, ITR-Vs for self-employed; and pension statements or rental income proof for retired applicants.
Family applications: One set of financial and booking documents from the head of the family is sufficient, provided all names are mentioned.
For students aged 16 and above: student ID and an introduction letter from the institution.
For minors under 18: notarised consent from non-travelling parents is required. If travelling alone, notarised consent from both parents and copies of their passports and identity documents must be included.
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