Indian eVisa Application for Swiss Citizens
Swiss citizens need a valid visa to travel to India. The easiest way is the India e-Visa, available fully online for tourism, business, or medical purposes, with a quick approval process before departure.
β Yes, a visa is mandatory β Swiss citizens need a valid visa to enter India.
Swiss citizens can complete the e-Visa form in minutes.
For Swiss citizens, traveling to India requires applying for a visa before departure. The most convenient option is the India e-Visa, which can be requested entirely online without visiting an embassy. This authorization is available for tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending conferences, offering single or multiple entry options depending on the chosen duration. The process is straightforward: applicants complete the online form, upload their passport and a recent photo, and pay the official fee. Approval is usually granted within a few working days and sent by email. This guide explains requirements, processing times, and practical tips for obtaining an Indian visa from Switzerland.
π Key Facts about the Indian Visa for Swiss Citizens
- Visa requirement: Swiss citizens must hold a valid visa before traveling to India.
- e-Visa available: Apply fully online for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes.
- Processing time: Most applications are approved within 3–5 working days.
- Required documents: Valid Swiss passport, recent passport photo, return flight ticket, and accommodation details.
β Yes, a visa is mandatory – entry is not possible without prior authorization. There is no visa waiver agreement between Switzerland and India, so entry without prior authorization is not possible.
The good news is that the India e-Visa has made the process much simpler. Instead of visiting an embassy, Swiss travelers can now apply entirely online in just a few steps.
β¨ The e-Visa is available for several purposes:
It also comes with flexible validity options: 30 days, 1 year, or even 5 years. This makes it convenient whether you’re planning a short holiday or frequent visits.
βοΈ Entry with an e-Visa is allowed through selected airports and seaports across India. To avoid any delays, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and that all details match the information entered in the online form.
π With these requirements met, obtaining an Indian visa as a Swiss citizen is now a straightforward and stress-free step before departure.
The India e-Visa is the easiest way for Swiss citizens to obtain authorization to travel to India without going to an embassy or visa center. The entire process is electronic and can be completed from home in just a few minutes.
β¨ Main advantages of the India e-Visa for Swiss travelers:
π In short, the Indian e-Visa system offers Swiss citizens a quick, secure, and stress-free way to prepare their trip.
Now that we’ve seen the advantages of the Indian e-Visa, let’s look at the main steps to apply online from Switzerland.
Begin by filling out the application form on the official portal or through an approved private service provider. You will be asked to provide your personal information, travel details, passport data, and other relevant information.
β οΈ Make sure every detail is accurate and complete. Errors or missing data can cause delays or even rejection of your visa request.
After submitting the form, upload the necessary documents. These usually include a copy of your passport, a recent photograph, your travel itinerary, and possibly other supporting files.
Always check the specific requirements carefully and ensure your files are in the correct format, typically PDF or JPEG.
The next step is to pay the visa fee online. The cost of the Indian e-Visa varies depending on the type of visa requested and the intended duration of stay in India. Always check the updated fees in advance before making your payment.
Once the form, documents, and payment are completed, you can submit your visa application online. Review all details carefully before sending, as any mistake could result in rejection.
The processing time for the Indian e-Visa usually ranges between 2 and 5 working days, but it can sometimes take longer during peak travel periods.
For Swiss citizens, the validity of an Indian visa depends on the visa type:
π e-Tourist Visa – Available in 3 versions:
1 month (double entry, 30 days stay)
1 year (multiple entries, 90 days per visit)
5 years (multiple entries, 90 days per visit)
π e-Business Visa – Valid for 1 year with multiple entries, stays of up to 180 days.
π e-Medical Visa – Valid for 60 days, with triple entry permitted.
π Regular Tourist Visas – Can be issued for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years, with stays of 90 to 180 days depending on conditions.
π Work Visa – Usually 1 year, renewable according to the employment contract.
π Student Visa – Valid for the full duration of the course, up to 5 years.
π Medical Visa – 1 year or duration of treatment, depending on medical needs.
π Tourist visas generally cannot be extended, while other categories (work, student, medical) may allow extensions depending on circumstances.
When preparing your Indian visa application from Switzerland, you must provide several supporting documents. The list may vary depending on whether you apply for an India e-Visa (online) or a regular visa at the embassy. For the e-Visa, the following documents are essential:
π Providing complete and accurate documents ensures a smooth application process and reduces the risk of delays or rejection.
For Swiss citizens, the visa rules for India are largely the same as for most European travelers: a valid visa is always required, and the India e-Visa is the easiest option. However, there are a few aspects that make the experience of Swiss applicants stand out.
β¨ Here’s what makes the Indian visa process slightly unique for Swiss nationals:
π Access to long-term e-Tourist Visas
βοΈ Excellent air connectivity between Switzerland and India
πΌ High demand for the Indian e-Business Visa
π€ Stable diplomatic and commercial relations
π In summary: While the Indian visa rules for Swiss nationals are broadly similar to those for other European countries, they benefit from a few advantages:
For Swiss citizens, these factors contribute to a smooth and practical visa application process, suitable for both tourism and business purposes.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
No, India does not offer visa on arrival for Swiss passport holders. All Swiss citizens must apply for a visa before traveling. The easiest option is the India e-Visa, which can be completed online without visiting the embassy. Once approved, the e-Visa is sent by email and must be presented upon arrival in India. To avoid last-minute issues, Swiss travelers should apply several days before departure, as boarding may be denied without a valid visa.
The processing time for the Indian e-Visa is generally between 2 and 5 working days. However, delays may occur during peak travel seasons or if the documents uploaded do not meet the official requirements. For urgent trips, Swiss travelers are advised to apply as early as possible. Regular visas applied for at the embassy may take longer, often a few weeks. The e-Visa is therefore the fastest and most convenient option for Swiss residents traveling to India.
Yes. Swiss citizens are among the nationalities eligible for the 5-year e-Tourist Visa to India. This option allows multiple entries over five years, with each visit limited to 90 days. It is particularly suitable for frequent travelers, those with family connections in India, or individuals planning regular cultural or professional stays. In addition to the 5-year visa, Swiss travelers can also choose the 30-day or 1-year e-Tourist Visa depending on their travel needs.
Yes. Every traveler, including minors and infants, must hold an individual visa for India. Parents must complete a separate application for each child, using the child’s own passport details. The requirements are the same: valid passport (minimum six months), recent photograph, and travel information. Children cannot be added to their parents’ visa application. Swiss families planning a trip to India should therefore apply for each member at the same time to ensure a smooth travel experience.