Switzerland Schengen Visa for Chinese citizens: Complete application guide

Traveling to the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland from China, and feeling overwhelmed by the visa process? We’re here to guide you through the Switzerland Schengen Visa application for Chinese citizens.

At iVisa, we are dedicated to simplifying your visa procurement process. With our user-friendly application form, specialized guidance, and resourceful mobile app, getting your visa for this splendid Schengen member state is a breeze.

Let us handle the complicated paperwork while you daydream about your imminent Swiss adventure. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know!

Do Chinese citizens need a Switzerland Schengen Visa?

Yes, Chinese citizens need a Swiss Schengen Visa (also called a tourist visa) to enter the country. This requirement applies to tourism, a business trip, visiting friends and family, or short study programs.

The process includes an online application form, gathering required supporting documents, and an interview.

Those wanting to travel to the stunning Schengen country for more extended stays or other types of visits may need to apply for a different type of visa. Find out more on the Swiss government website.

What is the Switzerland Schengen Visa for Chinese citizens?

The Switzerland Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows Chinese citizens to visit Switzerland. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Agreement, which includes 27 countries that have abolished passport checks and other border controls at their mutual borders.

This means that the Switzerland Schengen Visa permits travel throughout the entire Schengen Zone. It's important to note that it doesn't permit the holder to work or study in the Schengen Zone. For such purposes, a different type of visa is required.

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

The Switzerland Schengen Visa for Chinese citizens allows stays of up to 90 days per entry within 180 days.

We offer a Multiple entry visa application. However, the Swiss government determines the specific type of visa you receive. Depending on your travel plans, you may get a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa. If you are granted a Multiple entry visa, its validity can range from 180 days to a maximum of 5 years.

It's essential to check the visa validity dates on your issued visa sticker to ensure your travel plans fall within this period. Remember, overstaying your visa can lead to penalties and difficulties in obtaining Schengen Visas in the future.

Necessary documents for the Switzerland Schengen Visa for Chinese citizens

Getting a Switzerland Schengen Visa might seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the requirements the process becomes much easier.

To apply for this travel document, you will generally need the following visa requirements:

1. Application form: Fully completed and signed.

2. Valid Chinese passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

3. Two recent photos: Complying with the specific Switzerland Schengen Visa photo requirements. If you don’t have one, use our handy digital photo service!

4. Travel medical insurance: This travel health insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area, covering any potential medical expenses or repatriation with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

5. Flight itinerary: Round trip reservation or itinerary showing your travel plans.

6. Proof of accommodation: Proof of where you will be staying throughout your trip, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.

7. Proof of financial means: Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay, such as a bank statement, payslips, employment contract, or a sponsorship letter.

8. Purpose of visit: Documents indicating the purpose of your visit, such as an invitation letter, tour itinerary, or enrollment confirmation in a course.

Sometimes, other documents are required, such as a marriage certificate or business license. We will use your contact details to request these details, if needed.

Switzerland Schengen Visa passport requirements

When applying for any Schengen Visa, including the Switzerland Visa, you must make sure your passport is valid and meets all the requirements. This means it must:

• Be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area.

• Have at least two blank pages.

• Be issued within the last ten years.

• Be in good condition.

Switzerland Schengen Visa photo requirements

The Switzerland Schengen Visa application requires two recent photos that are:

• In color and taken against a white background.

• Sized 35mm x 45mm.

• A full-face capture: not smiling, no sunglasses, no hats or head covering (unless for religious or medical reasons), and the face should take up 70-80% of the photo.

• Taken within the last six months and reflects your current appearance.

To get updated, government-compliant passport photos from the comfort of your home, use our online passport photo service.

Switzerland Schengen Visa application: How to apply in China

To get your visa to Switzerland quickly and easily, follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Fill out your personal and travel details on our online platform or through our handy app. Double-check all information carefully.

• Step 2: Pay our iVisa service fee with a debit, credit card, or PayPal. You will pay the government fee during your Schengen Visa appointment at the Swiss Consulate, Embassy, or Visa Application Center (VAC).

You’ll receive a complete step-by-step manual with how to fill out all information on the application form and how to prepare for your interview.

• Step 3: Fill out the rest of our simplified visa application form, and upload a passport scan and passport photo before submitting the info for review.

We will review your application and return the completed form, which you must sign and take to your interview appointment. We will make your Schengen Visa appointment on your behalf and provide tips to prepare well.

Once approved, the valid Schengen Visa will be placed in your passport.

How to prepare for the Switzerland Schengen Visa interview in China

Navigating the Switzerland Schengen Visa interview in China is crucial to your visa application journey. Here are some insightful steps for a well-prepared and successful interview for Chinese citizens:

Understand the objective of the interview: The fundamental goal of this conversation is to review the details you've supplied in your application, ensuring that your Swiss travel intentions align with the reasons cited in your application.

Complete paperwork: Gather all the documents indicated in your visa checklist and organize them neatly. Do a thorough check to ensure all your paperwork matches your passport information.

Present yourself professionally: Your attire can make a powerful first impression. Dressing smartly and respectfully signals your seriousness about the interview.

Time management: Ensure you arrive at the embassy or consulate well before your appointment. A late arrival might lead to the rescheduling of your interview and delays.

Be honest: Give truthful answers throughout the interview. Any inconsistency or dishonesty can result in your visa application being rejected.

Remember, the interview is a customary part of the process, and there's no need to be nervous. With preparation and the expert guidance of our team, you can navigate the process with ease and confidence.

Switzerland Schengen Visa processing time in China

Applying for a Switzerland Schengen Visa from China can take some time, so starting the process early is recommended. Here's how long it typically takes:

iVisa processing stage: Our team can take up to 30 days to review your application and ensure everything is in order. We may ask you for more information or additional documents, and set up your appointment during this time. This timeframe doesn't include the government and interview stages.

Government processing stage: After we've done our part, you must attend an interview and the government needs time to process your application. This can take up to 45 days, sometimes even longer.

It’s wise to start applying for your Swiss visa at least two months before your trip. This way, you have plenty of time to get all the required documents sorted, prepare for your interview, and account for any delays that might come up.

Switzerland Schengen Visa cost for Chinese citizens

The Switzerland Schengen Visa fees consist of two parts:

1. iVisa standard processing fee: This fee of USD $349.99 included our exclusive benefits and can be paid securely on our website.

The benefits include exclusive guidance from start to finish and a step-by-step handbook to help you fill out the application form. It also consists of the information you need to prepare for your interview. It does not include the government fee.

2. Government visa fee: The fees at the time of writing are about USD $0.00 (but can change over time) which you pay during the interview appointment. Children between 6 and 12 pay half the price, and kids under six do not pay a fee.

You also won’t need to pay a government fee if you are:

• A child or spouse from a UE, EFTA, or Swiss national.

• A CERN or UN worker traveling on an official trip.

• A student that will study in Switzerland for a maximum of 90 days.

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

If your Switzerland Schengen Visa application didn't go as planned, don't worry! Here's what to do if you are facing a rejection:

1. Check the reason: The embassy or consulate usually gives you a reason if they deny your visa. Typical reasons might be not having travel insurance, not enough funds, incomplete paperwork, or they're not sure if you will comply with the visa conditions.

2. Try again: If something's changed or you can fix the problem that caused the rejection, it might be a good idea to give it another shot. We recommend reapplying through us so you can get expert help every step of the way and avoid more issues.

Remember, just because you were rejected a visa once doesn't mean you can't try again. Keep trying, and don't let this stop you from following your travel dreams!

Need more information about the Swiss Schengen Visa?

If you still have questions regarding the Swiss Schengen please contact our customer service team through help@iVisa or our online chat. We're happy to help!