India Visa for Swiss Citizens

India is no less than Switzerland when it comes to beautiful snowy hills. Kashmir’s Gulmarg and Himachal Pradesh’s Dalhousie are often called mini Switzerland. If you want to feel at home in India, then don’t forget to add these destinations to your list. 

For Swiss citizens, getting a visa to visit India is easy and entirely online.

Here is everything you need to know about India Visa for Swiss Citizens.

Types of India eVisa for Swiss Citizens

Here are different types of Indian eVisa validity and duration for Swiss tourists:

India eVisa Fees for Swiss Citizens

Visiting India is pocket-friendly for Swiss citizens. Let’s review the India eVisa fees for Swiss nationals:

Note: An additional Consular surcharge of CHF 3 applies to all kinds of Visas.

India eVisa Eligibility Criteria for Swiss Citizens

The generic Indian eVisa eligibility for Swiss citizens is as follows:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arriving in India.
• Purpose: Your visit must be for tourism, business, medical treatment, or a conference.
• Duration: The maximum stay allowed on an eVisa is 180 days.
• Legal Port of Entry: You must enter India through one of the designated airports or seaports.
• Completed eVisa Application: Incomplete or partially completed eVisa applications are rejected immediately. Make sure all the sections are filled out.
• Old Passports: Include all old passports and any others for dual/multiple citizenship along with your current passport. Declare lost or retained passports from other countries in writing.
• Nationality: Current nationality goes in “Current nationality” field. Secondary nationality details (current or past) go in “Any other past/previous nationality” field.
• Compulsory Visa Fee: You will have to pay the latest fee for Indian eVisa for Swiss.

Note: Double-check application information before submitting it at the Indian Embassy in Bern. 

• Mistakes cannot be corrected after submission. 
• You will need to submit a new application with a new fee. 
• Incomplete/erroneous applications will be rejected.

India eVisa Documents for Swiss Citizens

Here’s a list of documents needed for Indian eVisa for Swiss citizens

• Print out the online eVisa application form with the uploaded photo.
• 1 photograph in a light background in 5cm x 5cm size. Check the photograph dimensions.
• Your current original passport with copies. 
• If your passport was issued in the last 6 months, do attach your old passport. 
• If the old passport is unavailable, you may submit an affidavit.
• Other nationality passport/ Identity Certificate, if any.
• Provide a copy of leave approval or a declaration of discharge year.
• All pages of the documentation submitted should be self-attested by the applicant.
• Copy of return ticket
• All your hotel booking reservations
• Invitation letter (if any)
• A valid ID proof

How to Apply for an Indian eVisa for Swiss Citizens?

Here’s how to apply for an Indian eVisa for Swiss citizens:

Step 1: Open the Indian visa application from the official Indian visa online service—type in your basic travel details and your visa type.

Step 2: Fill out the applicant’s personal details and passport details on the application form.

Step 3: Provide your address information and your family details.

Step 4: Fill in the details about the eVisa you requested and if you have any valid visas.

Step 5: Answer the additional questions on the application portal.

Step 6: Upload your image according to the guidelines.

Step 7: Upload a PDF copy of your passport’s bio page with clearly visible details and your photograph.

Step 8: Review all the information you have provided. Please make sure all the details match your passport and all the boxes are answered. You cannot correct the information after submission. You will have to submit a new form if you make any errors.

Step 9: Pay the fee for your Indian eVisa. Keep the payment receipt as proof.

Step 10: You can monitor the status of yourIndian eVisa application online here.

Step 11: If needed, you can reupload the assigned documents through this link.

Step 12: The Indian eVisa processing time for Swiss generally takes 3-4 working days. If it exceeds 72 hours, you can connect with the authorities at eVisa helpdesk.

Step 13: Once approved, you will get your visa delivered by email. You can download, print the copy, and show it at the Immigration facilities at the airport with your passport.

India eVisa Processing Time & Next Steps

The Indian visa processing time for Swiss citizens is 72 hours. If your visa is delayed beyond this time frame, you can contact the Embassy via email or call. 

• Call: (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666 
• E-mail: [email protected]

You can also check the status of your India tourist eVisa for Swiss through the official portal. Here’s the process:

• Visit the eVisa status inquiry page
• Click on Check eVisa status
• Enter the Application ID
• Enter the Passport number 
• Enter the security captcha
• Find out your evisa status

Indian eVisa Rejection Reasons for Swiss Citizens

These are the top reasons for an Indian eVisa rejection for Swiss citizens:

• Providing inaccurate or missing details in the application form 
• Submitting multiple or unnecessary visa applications. 
• If you have a criminal record or a nefarious history. 
• Your passport expiry date should be more than 6 months.
• Not uploading your photos in the correct dimensions.

Top Reasons to Visit India for Swiss Citizens

Here are some top reasons that make India a fantastic destination for your next holiday:

Climate 

India is a sub-continent that experiences all four climate seasons. The best time to visit India is October to March when the climate is cool and windy throughout the country. 

If you want you can experience mountains, beaches, and Islands all at once. India’s winter months are October to February, March to April is Spring, Summer begins in May to July, and Autumn begins in September.

Flight

Flying to India from Switzerland is highly convenient for Swiss tourists. There are multiple airlines at affordable costs. 

• Major Airlines: Air India, SWISS, Oman Air, IndiGo, Air France, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa
• Flight Duration: 8-12 hours
• Non-stop Routes: There are some non-stop flights from Switzerland to India.
• Major Airports: Delhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
• Median Round-Trip Ticket Price: 500 to 1500 CHF 

Visa Requirements & Ease of Entry

While Swiss nationals need an Indian eVisa, the application process is easy and can be completed online. 

• Visa: Yes, required for Swiss citizens
• Visa Type: eVisa
• Visa Application Fee
• Tourist Visa (T) (Up to 1 year): 93 CHF 
• Tourist Visa (T) (1 to 5 years): 185 CHF 
• Processing Time: 72 hours
• Rejection Rate: Low for tourist visas

Currency Exchange & Affordability

India offers a more budget-friendly experience compared to other European destinations. Its currency is lower than the Swiss Franc, and a country where you can experience luxury at affordable rates. 

• Exchange Rate: 1 Swiss Franc = 94.58 Indian Rupee
• One-Week Budget in India: 2500-3000 CHF 

Tourism Trends & Popularity

India has a bustling tourism industry, with over 8 million tourists coming worldwide every year. It is highly tourist-friendly and easy to navigate. 

While Swiss cuisine or dishes are not popular in India, you can easily find various delicious continental foods in every state and city. India offers a range of cuisines, and you will discover amazing Asian, French, German, and Italian restaurants. 

Language Support

Indians are extremely helpful but not fluent in French or German. However, you can use Google Translate to convey your message. 

Indians speak English, and most of the street menus and signage are in English or the state’s local language. For example, in Delhi, you will find street signs in Hindi and English, while in Kolkata, the street signs are in Bengali (its local language) and English. 

Religious & Cultural Ties

India is a multicultural and multireligious country, home to thousands of Temples, Mosques, Buddhist Monasteries, and Churches. You will find this multicultural intersection in every state of India. 

There are numerous churches and cathedrals in India, making cultural ties between the Swiss and Indians stronger. If you visit India during Christmas, you can experience Indianized Christmas Markets and delicious Christmas delicacies.

The Indian Christian community is robust and highly inviting! You can attend midnight mass in their beautiful churches. 

Local Travel Guides & Apps

Finding local travel guides or mobile apps in the German or French language can be difficult. However, you can easily find travel guides and apps in English. Indians are fluent in English. 

You can easily book your Uber or order your food in English language and even converse with the locals. Local transport signage is also in English, which you can translate to your local language.

You can easily find bilingual help desks at major tourist centers to experience Indian culture.

FAQs

What is the Indian eVisa, and who can apply?

Yes, Swiss tourists are eligible for an India eVisa. An Indian eVisa is an electronic visa for tourists who wish to visit the country. You can apply through this official portal. 

What documents are needed for an Indian eVisa?

The documents needed for India eVisa for Swiss nationals are:

• Printed online eVisa application
• Photos
• Passport 
• Other nationality passport/ Identity Certificate, if any.
• Copy of return ticket
• All your hotel booking reservations
• Invitation letter (if any)

How long is the Indian eVisa valid for Swiss citizens?

There are two types of Indian tourist eVisa for Swiss citizens:

• Tourist visa valid for up to one year
• Tourist visa valid for 1 to 5 years

How much does an Indian eVisa cost?

The Indian eVisa for Swiss costs:

• Tourist Visa (T) (Up to 1 year): 93 CHF 
• Tourist Visa (T) (1 to 5 years): 185 CHF 

Can I apply for an Indian eVisa?

Yes, you can apply for an India eVisa as a Swiss citizen. Here is the India eVisa application process for Swiss citizens:

• Register yourself on the Indian eVisa online portal
• Fill out the 10-page visa application form online
• Upload a clear photo and a copy of your passport 
• Review the document and pay the fees online
• Receive your India eVisa in 72 hours

What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?

If your India eVisa is rejected, you can reapply for a new visa application. Review the reasons behind the rejection to prepare your new application properly. 

Is the India eVisa single or multiple-entry?

The India eVisa for Swiss nationals can be a single or multiple-entry visa. 

The only condition is that the maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days for 1 year and 5 year tourist visa.

Do minors need their own India eVisa?

Yes, minors need their own India evisa to visit the country.

Is a printed copy of the eVisa required?

Yes, you need a printed copy of the India evisa to show at the Immigration counter.

How long does eVisa processing take?

The processing time for India eVisa for Swiss citizens is 72 hours. If your visa is delayed beyond this time frame, you can contact the Embassy via email or call. 

• Call: (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666 
• E-mail: [email protected]