Countries You Can Cover with a Switzerland Schengen Visa

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa requires applicants to apply at the consulate of the country that they desire to visit or if visiting multiple Schengen regions, apply at the primary country you would visit (if visiting countries for equal length) or the country you would spend the most amount of time (if visit in countries is for varying durations of time). The Application must be submitted at the consulate or embassy of the Schengen country in the country you are currently living in and would follow a Visa process:

1. An online application must be downloaded and duly filled with all necessary documents of your visit and length of stay, accommodation, etc.
2. An appointment should be scheduled with your local consulate or embassy of the Schengen Region.
3. The appointment would involve formal procedures and verification along collection of your biometrics ( only has exemptions for a specific category of applicants)
4. Complete the fee payment and await processing of the Visa which might vary between 15-45 days subjective to approval and examination of documents.

• Hassle-Free Travel: Having a Swiss Schengen Visa allows visitors to freely explore the Schengen Area which includes not only the Schengen regions but also the EU Member states and the non-EU countries that comply with the agreement facilitating opportunities for smooth and comfortable travel.
• Streamlined Experiences: A Swiss Schengen Visa is also accepted across many Schengen regions and hence reduces the hassle of border crossing procedures while enhancing the convenience of visitors.
• Increased Accessibility: Not only limited to the Schengen region but also the EU member states, a Swiss Schengen Visa would allow you to travel to a broader range of destinations.
• Enhanced Security: Holding a Swiss Schengen Visa also provides a greater level of acceptance and security for travellers while reducing the impact of visa policies and security measures of the specific member states.

Practical Tips for Travellers

• Visitors to the Schengen regions are often advised to begin their journey from the region they obtained a Schengen Visa from.
• Using Advance reservations for accommodation as well as transportation are beneficial not only for best prices but to also facilitate the process of obtaining a visa effortlessly.
• Ensure to complete your documentation and carry copies of your application and Visa at all times for each country you plan to visit.
• Check with respective consulates and Schengen countries website for changes in policies and travel advisories to stay best prepared for your visit
• Be mindful towards your nature of visit and obtain the required permits and visa accordingly for a hassle-free experience.
• Be respectful and compliant with any border checks and custom procedures that might happen as a safety and formal measure

Can I leave the Schengen country and return to it using the same Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is usually granted for a specific duration and also includes a permit to enter the region for single/double or multiple times and would be indicated on the Visa. With a single-stay (01) visit you can only enter the country once whereas a multiple entry visa (MULTI) permits multiple entry and return to the Schengen countries.

Can I work with a Schengen Visa?
Schengen visas vary in terms of their permit and duration and hence a short-stay visa of 90 days may not be sufficient for a work permit. Individuals are encouraged to apply for a long-stay visa with the evidence of work permit and offer when applying for a Schengen visa.

What if I need to stay longer than 90 days?
A Schengen Visa of short-term stay only grants individuals to stay for a period of 90 days within a 180-day period. Those individuals who might have to stay for unforeseen circumstances may apply for an extension or obtain a visa for longer periods of time by providing related proof and reason for extended stay.

How to extend my Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa extension can only be done if you have stayed less than 90 days in the Schengen Area within the course of the past 180 days and if your visa duration is yet to expire. It is also essential to showcase the reason for seeking extension and the application process can vary across the Schengen regions.

What if my Visa Application gets refused?
A refusal of a Visa Application is usually intimated using a standard form by the Member State’s consulate that refused grant of the Visa. This intimation conveys the grounds of refusal along the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal against the decision of refusing Visa.

Individuals can even re-apply to obtain a Schengen Visa but must be mindful about the original grounds of refusal and make necessary amendments to ensure grant of visa in the new application.