- Switzerland has implemented stricter requirements for Schengen visa applications.
- Visa submissions are now limited to documents specified on the official checklist.
- The new directive is enforced through VFS Global, the Swiss Embassy’s accredited visa processing partner.
Switzerland has introduced new, tighter requirements for Schengen visa applications, restricting submissions to only the documents listed on its official checklist.
The directive, now implemented through VFS Global the Swiss Embassy’s accredited visa processing partner has sparked concern among travelers with unconventional financial profiles.
According to a TravelBiz report, applicants are no longer permitted to provide additional supporting materials such as property deeds, tax filings, investment statements, or financial reference letters. These documents previously helped freelancers, self-employed individuals, retirees, and digital nomads demonstrate their financial credibility.
The policy also changes how bank statements are evaluated. VFS Global will now only review the first three and last three pages from the most recent three months, disregarding all middle pages, regardless of their content.
Visa experts warn that this stricter approach could lead to higher rejection rates for applicants who lack the standard salaried-employee documentation, such as consistent payslips. For travelers with formal employment, predictable income, and clear travel itineraries, the impact is expected to be minimal.
Documents Still Required
The Swiss Embassy confirms the following items remain mandatory for short-stay Schengen visa applications:
- Completed and signed online visa form
- Valid passport issued within 10 years, with two blank pages and at least three months’ validity after return
- Recent colour passport photo on a white background
- Cover letter detailing travel plans, purpose, and sponsorship (if applicable)
- Schengen travel insurance with a minimum €30,000 coverage
- Proof of travel bookings, including round-trip flights and hotel reservations
- Bank statements for the last three months (only the first and last three pages)
- Employment or student proof, such as NOC, payslips, business registration, or school letter
- For minors: birth certificate, parental consent letter, and parents’ passport copies
Rising Rejection Rates
Nigeria’s Schengen visa rejection rate reached 45.9% in 2024, the third highest in the world, according to Nairametrics. Applicants with complex or non-traditional financial situations may consider applying through other Schengen countries that still accept broader documentation.
While Switzerland’s visa process has always been rigorous, the new rule greatly limits applicants’ ability to provide extra context or evidence outside the standard checklist.
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