A spokesperson for the FDFA clarified that the Swiss Embassy in India did not issue any notification to travel operators indicating a stop on group visa applications
Switzerland remains accessible to Indian travellers, with its missions in the UAE and India actively processing group and individual visas, reported gulfnews.com. Contrary to recent media reports, the Switzerland Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has confirmed that there is no halt on Schengen visas for Indian passport holders. The Swiss mission in New Delhi continues to process visa applications for individual and group travel daily.
A spokesperson for the FDFA clarified that the Swiss Embassy in India did not issue any notification to travel operators indicating a stop on group visa applications. In fact, the number of visas processed by the mission in India has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The Embassy is operating at full capacity, and appointments for submitting applications for incentive groups are fully booked up to and including September. However, regular individual and group travel applications are being processed without interruption.
For Indian passport holders residing in the UAE, Switzerland is still accessible. Livio Goetz, Director GCC for Switzerland Tourism, confirmed that travel dates may be postponed in individual cases due to the high demand for visas. Nonetheless, groups in the UAE have experienced no issues obtaining visas, and there have been no denials for groups.
In summary, despite an extension in wait times for tourist visas until the end of October, Switzerland has not stopped processing Schengen visas for Indian passport holders. The country remains accessible for both individual and group travel applications, with the Swiss missions in India and the UAE actively processing visa requests
As the official partner of the Swiss Embassy in Switzerland, VFS in Dubai handles visa appointments for new Schengen visas. Currently, appointment slots are fully booked until the end of October, with the earliest available appointment for visa applications being October 30th. This extended waiting period applies to tourist visas, and travellers are encouraged to plan accordingly.
In summary, despite an extension in wait times for tourist visas until the end of October, Switzerland has not stopped processing Schengen visas for Indian passport holders. The country remains accessible for both individual and group travel applications, with the Swiss missions in India and the UAE actively processing visa requests.
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