Switzerland Schengen Visa for Vietnam citizens: Complete application guide for 2023

Welcome to the Switzerland Schengen Visa application guide tailored to Vietnamese citizens! If you're planning a visit to Switzerland as a Vietnamese citizen, this guide will provide you with the necessary information and detailed instructions to navigate the Schengen Visa application process successfully.

With its majestic Swiss Alps, pristine lakes, and charming towns, Switzerland offers travelers a wide array of experiences. This guide will walk you through the application for a Switzerland Schengen Visa, ensuring you are well-prepared and equipped with the knowledge to start your trip without stress.

Learn more about the application process for the Swiss Schengen Visa in this article, and apply instantly on our online platform or via our user-friendly app!

Do Vietnamese citizens need a Switzerland Schengen Visa?

Passport holders from Vietnam are required to apply for a Schengen Visa before your trip, regardless of the purpose of your visit, including tourism, business, or other reasons. This requirement also applies to children from Vietnam. Both parents must sign the application form.

The Schengen Visa enables you to enter Switzerland and all other 26 Schengen Area countries, including popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more, allowing you to travel freely within these countries within the validity of your visa.

To obtain a Switzerland Schengen Visa, you must complete the application process, which involves meeting specific requirements, filling out the application form, submitting necessary supporting documents, and attending an interview at the visa application center or embassy/consulate.

The Schengen Visa does not permit working or residing in Switzerland. For information regarding a work visa or residency permit, it is advisable to consult the Swiss government's official guidelines and regulations on their website.

What is the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

The Switzerland Schengen Visa is popular for Vietnamese travelers who wish to explore Switzerland and the rest of the Schengen Area for business or tourism purposes.

With a Schengen business or tourist visa, you can visit all 27 Schengen states, including popular destinations such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more. This means you can travel freely within these countries without needing individual visas for each country on the same trip.

It is important to remember that while you can visit multiple Schengen states, Switzerland must be the first country you visit or where you will spend the most time during your visit to the Schengen Zone.

Switzerland Schengen Visa costs and processing time for Vietnamese citizens

The visa fees for the Switzerland Visa for Vietnamese citizens are divided into two parts:

iVisa processing: Can take up to 30 days for a fee of USD $349.99, excluding the government fee.

The processing fee includes numerous benefits, such as full support from our experts, a step-by-step handbook to assist you in completing the application form, and tips to prepare for your interview.

Government processing: The Swiss government may take up to 45 days or longer to process your application. We recommend applying for a Schengen Visa at least two months before your intended departure date.

The government visa fee is approximately USD $0.00 and must be paid during your appointment. Children aged between 6 and 12 can apply for a discounted price, and children under 6 are exempt from paying the government fee.

You don’t need to pay a government fee if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You are a child or spouse of a UE, EFTA, or Swiss national.

• You are a CERN or UN worker traveling on an official trip.

• You are a student planning to study in Switzerland for a maximum of 90 days.

Ensure you plan your visa application accordingly, considering the processing times and the payment of both the iVisa standard processing fee and the government fee.

How long is the Switzerland Schengen Visa valid for Vietnamese citizens?

As a Vietnamese citizen, you have the opportunity to stay in Switzerland and the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days per entry within 180 days. You can travel between any Schengen country as often as you like, as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days.

It is important to note that while we provide the option to apply for a multiple-entry visa, the Swiss authorities ultimately decide if you get a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa. The decision depends on various factors, including your supporting documents, travel history, and other relevant considerations.

A Multiple entry visa typically allows you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times within a validity period ranging from 180 days to 5 years after issued. However, regardless of the visa type, the maximum stay duration per entry remains 90 days.

Is it possible to extend the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

In general, it is not possible to extend a Schengen Visa, whether it’s a tourist, business, or transit visa. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as emergencies, extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

If you require more time in Switzerland or the Schengen Area than your visa allows, you must return to Vietnam and apply for a new Schengen Visa.

Switzerland Visa requirements and documents for Vietnamese citizens

To apply for your Switzerland Schengen Visa online with us, you simply need your passport and a passport photo. However, before attending your interview appointment, it is essential to collect the following required documents:

• Valid passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date, with two blank pages.

• Travel itinerary: Show that you have a return flight ticket from and to Vietnam and any confirmed hotel bookings and planned tours in the Schengen territory to prove your travel purpose.

• Enough funds: Prove that you can pay for all your travel expenses by providing bank statements or other documents stating your income and financial stability.

• Travel medical insurance: Ensure your travel insurance policy covers emergency medical expenses and repatriation of up to €30,000 throughout the Schengen area.

• Two passport-size photographs: If you don't have any, use our easy and affordable digital photo service.

• Visa application form: Complete, print, and sign the official application form, which will be provided during the online application process on our platform.

• Additional documentation: Submit documents that prove your professional and social status, if requested. Your visa to enter Switzerland will be placed in your passport once approved.

Swiss Schengen Visa: Passport requirements

When applying for a Swiss Schengen Visa, it is essential to fulfill the passport requirements. Here are the important requirements for your travel document:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date to Switzerland.

• The passport must have at least two blank pages for entry/exit dates and a visa stamped into your passport when traveling within the Schengen Zone.

• If you currently reside in a country different from your country of origin, you may need to submit proof of residency during your visa application. This document verifies your legal residence status and may be required in addition to your passport.

Swiss Schengen Visa: Photo requirements

The following passport photo requirements apply for Switzerland Schengen Visa applications:

• Passport-sized, usually measuring 35x45mm.

• Taken within the last six months, accurately representing your current appearance.

• Clear and high-resolution, with sharp focus and no visible splotches or damage.

• The background should be plain and light-colored, preferably white, without any shadows on your face or the background.

• Neutral facial expression, with your mouth closed and eyes open and visible. Your face should be directly facing the camera, with a natural head position and both ears visible.

• Wearing religious or cultural headwear is permitted if it does not obscure your facial features. Avoid wearing sunglasses or tinted glasses that obstruct your eyes.

Our digital photo service offers an affordable way to get government-compliant pictures for your visa application.

How to apply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa from Vietnam

To easily and efficiently apply for your visa to Switzerland, follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete your personal and travel details on our online platform or through our convenient iVisa app. Ensure that all information entered is accurate.

Step 2:Make the payment for our iVisa service fee using a debit/credit card or PayPal. Please note that the government fee will be paid directly at the Swiss Consulate, Embassy, or Visa Application Center (VAC) during your appointment.

Step 3:Fill out the remaining sections of our simplified application form and upload a scan of your Vietnamese passport and a passport-sized photo. Once all required information has been provided, submit your application for review.

Upon submission, you will receive a comprehensive step-by-step guide that explains how to complete the application form and lists the necessary documents to bring for your mandatory visa interview.

Additionally, we will assist you in scheduling the appointment and provide valuable tips to help you prepare for the interview.

Benefits of getting your Switzerland Schengen Visa with us

The following benefits are included in our iVisa application fees:

• Government-compliant: Our team of iVisa agents will review your information and ensure it’s correct and complete.

• Unlimited access to our iVisa Experts: Our team will guide you through the application process and is available whenever you have questions.

• Simplified application form: Fill out a clear and short application form that’s easier to understand than the government form.

• Fill out at your own pace: Complete the application form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress whenever you need a break.

• Step-by-step guide: Receive instructions with all the tips to answer complex questions, a document checklist, and a preparation guide for your interview.

COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions in Switzerland

In short, COVID-19 tests, vaccination certificates, or quarantining are not required for Vietnamese citizens to enter Switzerland and the Schengen Zone.

However, these rules can change quickly, so we recommend checking all entry requirements with your airline shortly before you go.

My Switzerland Schengen Visa in Vietnam was denied. What should I do?

If your Switzerland Schengen Visa application in Vietnam was rejected, you have several options:

1. Understand the specific reasons for the denial: Take the time to thoroughly comprehend the reasons for the rejection. This will enable you to better determine your next course of action.

2. Consider reapplying: Depending on the grounds for denial, you may choose to reapply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa. However, addressing the concerns raised in the denial letter and strengthening your application with additional supporting documents or clarifications is crucial.

3. Seek assistance: If you believe your visa was unjustly denied or require further assistance, consulting with our visa experts can provide valuable support. They can evaluate your situation, offer advice, and assist you with reapplication.

By understanding the reasons for the denial and seeking appropriate guidance, you can navigate the situation effectively and take the necessary steps toward a successful Switzerland Schengen Visa application.

How to prepare for the Switzerland Schengen Visa interview in Vietnam

To prepare for the Switzerland Schengen Visa interview in Vietnam, follow these essential tips:

• Gather adequate supporting documents: Prepare all the required supporting documents mentioned in the visa application guidelines. These may include your passport, travel itinerary, financial statements, accommodation reservations, travel insurance, employment or education-related documents, and any additional documents relevant to your trip.

• Practice the interview: Prepare for potential interview questions. Anticipate questions related to your travel plans, purpose of visit, financial stability, ties to Vietnam, and any other relevant aspects. Practice your answers to ensure clarity and confidence during the interview.

• Dress professionally: Present yourself professionally and respectfully for the interview.

• Arrive early: Plan to arrive at the interview location well before your appointment. This will allow you to go through any security procedures and have a calm and composed mindset before the interview.

• Be honest and confident: Answer questions truthfully and confidently during the interview. Maintain a polite and respectful demeanor while providing concise and relevant information.

Contact us for more info about the Switzerland Schengen Visa

If you have more questions about the Switzerland Schengen Visa application from Vietnam, we can help. Our team of customer service agents is available via online chat to give you more details, guide you through the process, or simply give you more confidence. You can also email them at [email protected].