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Schengen Visa Update: Switzerland has updated its Schengen visa application checklist for 2025, introducing stricter documentation requirements that applicants must now follow closely. The Schengen visa, valid across 27 European countries including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, allows travelers to move freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons, these new guidelines apply to all short-stay visa applicants.

Key Changes In 2025 Schengen Visa Checklist

The updated checklist, issued by VFS Global, outlines several mandatory documents for successful visa application. These include:

Passport: Must be issued within the past 10 years, have at least 3 months’ validity after the return date, and contain two blank pages.

Photograph: One recent (not older than 6 months) passport-size color photo with a white background. It must be pasted, no stapling or pinning allowed.

Application Form: A completed and signed Swiss Schengen visa application form. For minors, legal guardians must sign and provide custody proof if applicable.

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Supporting Documentation Requirements

Applicants must also include:

Cover Letter: Clearly stating your purpose of travel, itinerary, and sponsorship details (if any).

Employer Letter: An introduction letter on official letterhead, stamped and signed by HR, stating your position, purpose of travel, dates, and a no-objection declaration.

Travel Insurance: A policy covering at least EUR 30,000 (approx. INR 30,36,660), valid across all Schengen states and covering medical emergencies.

Travel Proof: Confirmed round-trip tickets with the applicant’s name and intra-Schengen travel details.

Accommodation: Hotel bookings, tour confirmations, or advance payment receipts.

Financial And Professional Proof

Financial stability must be shown through:

For Employees: Last 3 months’ salary slips, personal bank statements, and Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the last 2 years.

For Self-Employed: Business registration, 3 months’ bank statements, and ITR-Vs.

For Retirees: Pension statements and other income proof such as rent.

Students need to provide a valid student ID and an official introduction letter from their institution.

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Minors must provide their birth certificate, consent letters from both parents, and copies of parents' passports or IDs. If traveling alone or with only one parent, a notarised consent from the absent parent(s) is required.

Family groups may apply together, but only the head of the family needs to submit financial documents, insurance, and accommodation bookings, provided all names are listed.