Apply for a Visitor Visa to Switzerland from Nepal – Step-by-Step

learnwithopen .ai

Fri, 27 Feb 2026

A Switzerland Visitor Visa is required for Nepali citizens who wish to travel to Switzerland to visit family members, relatives, or friends for a short stay. This visa is issued under the Schengen short-stay visa category, allowing visitors to stay in Switzerland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applications from Nepal are processed through VFS Global on behalf of the Swiss Embassy, and following the correct step-by-step procedure is essential for a successful outcome.

The first step is to clearly identify your purpose of travel as a private visit. A visitor visa is strictly for visiting family or friends and does not allow tourism packages, business activities, or paid work. Once your purpose is confirmed, you must complete the Schengen visa application form, selecting Visit to Family or Friends as the travel purpose. The form must be filled out accurately with your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and host details in Switzerland, then printed and signed for submission.

The next step is booking an appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Nepal. Appointments are mandatory and must be scheduled online in advance. Walk-in submissions are generally not accepted. During peak travel seasons, appointment slots can fill quickly, so it is recommended to book early. On the appointment day, you must appear in person to submit documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

Document preparation is the most critical part of the application. You must hold a valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least three months’ validity beyond your return date and a minimum of two blank pages. Two recent passport-size photographs meeting Schengen standards (35–40 mm, white background, taken within the last six months) are required. A signed invitation letter from your host in Switzerland is mandatory and should include the host’s address, contact details, relationship with you, duration of stay, and accommodation arrangement. Copies of the host’s passport or residence permit must also be submitted, along with proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) where applicable.

Applicants must also provide a cover letter explaining the purpose of travel, length of stay, relationship with the host, and confirmation of return to Nepal. Proof of travel arrangements is required in the form of a round-trip flight reservation. Confirmed ticket purchase is not mandatory at the time of application. In addition, applicants must submit proof of financial means, usually bank statements for the last 3–6 months, showing sufficient funds to cover travel and living expenses. If the visit is sponsored, a sponsorship letter and the sponsor’s financial documents must be included.

Another mandatory requirement is Schengen travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, valid for the entire stay and covering medical emergencies and repatriation. Applicants must also submit proof of their current status in Nepal, such as an employment letter and NOC (for employed applicants), business registration and tax documents (for self-employed applicants), or a student letter confirming enrollment and approved leave. These documents help demonstrate strong ties to Nepal and intent to return.

On the day of submission at VFS Global, applicants must pay the visitor visa fee of EUR 90 (approximately NPR 14,000) for adults, along with applicable VFS service charges. Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused. The standard processing time is around 15 calendar days, though it may be longer during busy periods or if additional verification is required. Once processed, passports can be collected from VFS Global or delivered via courier if selected.

For Nepali applicants who want a smooth, accurate, and stress-free application experience, professional visa assistance can be very helpful. Yatra For Fun is one of the most trusted travel and visa assistance agencies in Nepal, offering complete support for Switzerland Visitor Visas and other Schengen visas. Their experienced team assists with document preparation, invitation letter guidance, VFS appointment booking, travel planning, and compliance with Swiss Embassy requirements.

You can learn more about their services by visiting their official website: