Schengen Visa Alert: Switzerland Tightens Rules

Here are some key and interesting facts about Switzerland’s new Schengen visa policy for Indian applicants.

Switzerland Tightens Rules
- No Extra Documents Accepted: The Swiss embassy via VFS Global has announced that only documents listed in the official checklist will be accepted. Any additional paperwork—even if relevant to the applicant’s profile—will be rejected.
- Bank Statement Restriction: For financial proof, applicants can now submit only the first three and last three pages of their bank statements. This change aims to streamline processing but may disadvantage applicants with complex financial histories.

Official Checklist Essentials
Indian applicants must submit the following:
- ✅ Completed and signed visa application form (from Swiss visa portal)
- ✅ Valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid for 3 months post-return, with 2 blank pages)
- ✅ One recent passport-size photo (color, white background)
- ✅ Cover letter (explaining purpose, itinerary, sponsorship)
- ✅ Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across Schengen area)
- ✅ Round-trip travel and accommodation bookings
- ✅ Proof of financial means (bank statements as per new rule)
- ✅ Employment/student proof (NOC, salary slips, business registration, or student enrollment)
- ✅ For minors: birth certificate, parental consent, and copies of parents’ passports

Concerns Raised
- Non-Traditional Profiles at Risk: Travelers who don’t fit the standard salaried or business categories may struggle to prove eligibility without extra documents.
- Public Reaction: Visa policy commentators have warned of increased rejection rates and urged the Swiss embassy to reconsider the rigid checklist-only approach.