How to apply for Switzerland Visa from Manchester Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a trip to Switzerland from Manchester? Switzerland is a dream destination known for its beautiful scenery and luxury stays with landscapes from the Swiss Alps to lakes and charming villages. It is a mesmerizing experience for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike. The cities of Switzerland, such as Zurich and Geneva, are global financial hubs, thereby making Switzerland a magnet for business travellers.

The country is known to host various international organizations, making it a destination for frequent professionals. The good news is that travellers from Manchester can begin their online Switzerland visa from Manchester, UK process before attending the appointment in person.

If you are wondering how to apply for a Switzerland visa from Manchester, this guide will help you explain how to apply for Switzerland visa from Manchester- from filling out the online form to submitting your biometrics at VFS Manchester.

Why You Need a Switzerland Schengen Visa

Among the 29 Schengen countries. Switzerland holds a position as a part of the Schengen zone, which helps in free movement across borders.

You must apply for a Switzerland Schengen visa to travel for tourism, business, or any other purposes if:

  • You live in the UK but hold a non-EU/non-Schengen passport
  • Your nationality does not have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen regions.

Types of Switzerland Visa You can apply for from Manchester.

While applying for a Switzerland visa, it is necessary to know what kind of visa you may require for the intended purpose of travel. There are different types of Switzerland visas, each varying accordingly. Some are as follows:

1. Switzerland Tourist Visa (Short Stay Visa- Type C)

It is also known as the short stay visa for purposes such as tourism, sightseeing, and more from Manchester, thereby allowing entry to Switzerland and other Schengen countries.

2. Switzerland Transit Visa (Airport Transit Visa- Type A)

This visa is also known as the Type A visa, useful for transiting through Switzerland airports while going to a non-Schengen region.

3. Switzerland Business Visa

This visa is useful for short business trips such as meetings, conferences, training, negotiations, and more. This includes staying up to 90 days in 180 period, and it is important to note that his visa is not a work permit and does not allow you to take up employment in Switzerland.

4. Switzerland Spouse Visa/Family Visa

The spouse visa is divided into two categories based on your intention of visit. This means it depends on whether you are visiting or just moving to live with your spouse. The categories are as follows:

  • Short visit to your spouse in Switzerland (up to 90 days)

This type of short visit to your spouse allows visits to your partner without work or long-term residence rights. This is also considered the short stay visa, allowing applicants to stay for up to 3 months in 180 period with their spouse.

  • Joining spouse to live in Switzerland (more than 90 days)

This type of visa is considered a long stay or family reunification that applies to spouses joining their spouse staying in Switzerland. The proof of marriage certificate and financial stability documents, such as bank statements, may be necessary.

Also check, Apply for Switzerland Tourist Visa from UK – Get Your Appointment Booked NOW!!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Switzerland Visa from Manchester Online

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Switzerland Visa

While applying for a Switzerland visa online, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as completing the Switzerland online visa application form, booking an appointment, and submitting your biometrics with other necessary documents in person at the visa center in Manchester. The process on how to book Switzerland visa appointment is partly online and in person.

But the process starts by figuring out what type of Schengen visa you need, and the nature of your trip should be according to the visa type.

Below is the step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Switzerland visa online from Manchester.

Step 1. Complete the Switzerland Visa Application form online

Fill out the online Switzerland visa application form with the correct details, such as travel dates, purpose of visit, passport details, accommodation proof, and appointment information. Later, print the filled form as it is a mandatory document during the appointment.

Step 2. Upload Required Documents Online

After filling out the application, make sure to upload required documents, if any, such as a UK residence permit, passport bio page, and more.

Step 3. Pay Online Fees & Get your Switzerland Visa Appointment

After entering your details for the Switzerland visa appointment, pay the service fee to book the appointment.

Step 4. Visit VFS Manchester for Biometrics

Reach the visa centre with the required documents on the scheduled day of appointment to get them verified and register the biometric details, and be ready for the interview round.

Step 5. Get your Switzerland visa via post

After successful verification and biometric registration at the centre, your visa is processed. Usually, the visa processing takes up to 10-15 working days. Later, get your visa along with the passport via courier.

Our experts at SWITZERLAND VISA AGENTS are there to help and guide you through the documentation process, with your express appointment booked within two days.

Note: It is recommended to apply 2 months before to avoid delays, especially during peak travel seasons.

Document Checklist: How to apply for Switzerland visa from Manchester

After figuring out the type of Schengen visa, make sure your paperwork meets all the Schengen visa requirements. Here is the list of general documents necessary while applying for a Switzerland visa from Manchester. Some are as follows:

1. Valid passport

The passport needs to be issued within the last 10 years with a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area.

2. Two recent passport-sized photos.

The photo attached to the passport needs to be no older than 6 months, showing appearance, full face, front view with a plain white or off white background.

3. Completed the Switzerland visa application form

The application form for the visa needs to be filled out ca, as it is quintessential to fill the form with correct details so as to avoid rejection. Simultaneously, the form needs to be signed and printed for the interview.

4. UK Residence Proof

It is also known as the UK eVisa/share code, and must be valid for at least 3 months after departure from Switzerland. Earlier, it was known as the British Residence Permit (BRP).

5. Travel insurance

The travel insurance is mandatory and must cover the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000. It is required for medical emergencies, repatriation, etc, during the stay.

6. Proof of accommodation

It includes confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter from the Swiss host.

7. Flight itinerary

It is proof showing entry and exit from Switzerland through confirmed round-trip flight tickets or reservations.

8. Proof of Financial Means

The proof includes the recent three months’ bank statements and payslips or business balance sheets.

9. Employment or Student Documents

It depends on your status if you are self-employed. Employed applicants must submit a letter from their employer. It includes recent payslips from the last 3 months and a No Objection certificate (NOC), sometimes confirming travel permission. Moreover, a student needs an enrollment letter from the institution confirming leave permissions and the expected return date from Switzerland.

10. Cover letter (optional but recommended)

The letter includes the purpose of travel with a travel plan, and sponsorship, if applicable. For any query, contact our experts at SWITZERLAND VISA AGENTS to help you write a convincing cover letter according to your profile.

Note: There are few other additional documents for Switzerland visa, CLICK HERE to see the updated list of documents.

Also check, How to Apply for Switzerland Visa from UK? A Step-by-Step Guide

Important tips on how to apply for Switzerland visa from Manchester

Here are a few tips to remember when applying for a Switzerland visa from Manchester, some are as follows:

  • It is recommended to make appointments in advance, at least 3-4 weeks before travelling, as limited spots are available for submitting documents, especially during peak season.
  • Check cancellations regularly to ensure that your visa is in process.
  • Prepare all documents before booking your appointment and recheck to avoid any delays.
  • Contact SWITZERLAND VISA AGENTS if you come across any difficulties in the smooth visa application process while applying. APPLY NOW!

Final words

Applying for an online Switzerland visa from Manchester, UK, is simple when you follow the right steps and make sure that your documents are in compliance with the Schengen rules. Therefore, it is recommended to book your appointment early when travelling for purposes such as business or any other reasons for a smooth and stress-free visa journey. Plan, stay organized, and enjoy your unforgettable trip to Switzerland.

FAQs

What are the required documents for a Switzerland visa from the UK?

If you’re confused about how to apply for Switzerland visa from Manchester, you need

1. A completed Switzerland visa application form
2. A valid passport with three months’ validity beyond departure
3. The recent three-month bank statement shows financial stability
4. A cover letter detailing the travel purpose
5. Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel receipt or an invitation letter
6. Travel medical insurance covering medical emergencies
7. Travel itinerary showing departure and return

How long does the Switzerland visa from the UK take to process?

Generally, a Switzerland visa from the UK takes up to 10-15 working days to process and deliver via post. However, delays can happen due to high demand or for other reasons. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended date, especially in the peak seasons, which may take up to 30-45 working days.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Switzerland?

UK citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short stays under three months. They need to undergo biometric data collection, which includes fingerprints and a photo at the Schengen border each time for entry after the implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12th October 2025. The EES will track the entries and exits for improved border security and to ensure UK travellers comply with the 90/180 rule for short stays.

Simultaneously, it is important to note that children under 12 years are exempt from fingerprinting at the Swiss border, yet a photo may still be required.

Can I apply online for a Switzerland visa from Manchester?

You can fill the online application form for the Switzerland visa from Manchester and book the appointment online, but you may still need to come in person for biometrics at VFS Manchester.

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