Whether you need a visa to travel to Switzerland depends primarily on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of travel. Switzerland follows the Schengen visa framework, which governs short-term and long-term entry rules for third-country nationals. For more clarity, visit Switwit
Short-term vs long-term visas
Switzerland issues two main categories of visas:Short-term visas (Schengen visas) for stays of up to 90 daysLong-term visas (National visas) for stays of more than 90 daysOnly short-term visa applications, such as those for tourism, family visits or business travel, can be submitted online, whereas long-term visas are required to be filed directly with the responsible Swiss representation abroad.A Schengen visa application can be submitted at the earliest six months before the intended date of entry into the Schengen Area.
Where to apply
Depending on your place of residence, a Swiss visa application can be submitted in one of the following ways:Directly at a Swiss representation abroadBy filling out the visa application onlineThrough an external visa service providerAt the representation of another Schengen state, if applicableAppointments for both Schengen and national visas may be required, depending on the Swiss representation. Scheduling an appointment is free of charge, but applicants are advised to check the website of the relevant Swiss representation in advance, as waiting periods may apply.
Visa requirements for Indian nationals
For Indian passport holders, a visa is required for travel to Switzerland:For stays of up to 90 days: Yes, a visa is requiredFor stays of more than 90 days: Yes, a visa is requiredIndian nationals holding a diplomatic passport are exempt from visa requirements when entering Switzerland on an official mission or for other travel purposes, provided they do not engage in gainful employment.
Who is exempt from visa requirements?
Certain travellers are exempt from Swiss visa requirements:Third-country nationals who hold both:a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state, ora valid Schengen type D (long-term) visa,along with a recognised and valid travel documentThese exemptions apply only if the individual is not engaging in gainful employment during their stay. Read more: Which country issues passports to falcons, and why?
Travel document requirements for short stays
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA) entering the Schengen Area for a short-term stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period must carry a recognised travel document that meets both of the following conditions:The passport must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen AreaThe passport must have been issued within the last 10 yearsThe date of issue is decisive, regardless of any extension to the passport’s validity.These two conditions do not apply to travellers who hold:a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country, ora valid category D visa (long-term national visa) issued by a Schengen countryIn such cases, the travel document must be valid at the time of entry and remain valid for the entire planned stay in Switzerland or any other Schengen country.
Duration rules under the Schengen framework
The maximum duration of a short stay in the Schengen Area is 90 days within any 180-day period. Both entry and exit dates are counted when calculating the length of stay.For stays in Switzerland exceeding 90 days, a residence permit is required. In principle, this permit must be applied for before entering Switzerland through the relevant cantonal migration office. This requirement also applies to nationals of countries that are otherwise visa-exempt for short stays.Read more: UAE rail revolution: Nation’s first passenger train network launching in 2026, know how it will impact travellers
Important notes on travel documents
Only recognised travel documents are accepted for crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. Switzerland refers applicants to official lists of recognised travel documents, including those issued by third countries, Schengen member states, and international organisations. Temporary stay permits are not considered equivalent to residence permits.Travellers are advised to verify their visa requirements and documentation well in advance by consulting the website of the responsible Swiss representation, as rules and appointment availability may vary depending on location and nationality.
