Get an India Visa

Tourist Travel Requirements for an India Visa for Swiss Citizens

1. Passport

   The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:

   • Have two blank facing visa pages
   • Be valid for six months beyond exit date

2. Photograph

   You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://cibtvisas.ch/photo-service to upload your photo.

   
   Alternatively, you may provide two colour, passport type photographs that meet the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against a white background and printed on high quality photo paper; be 5cm by 5cm in size; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photographs should not be affixed to your application and may not display evidence of adhesive or staples.

   and

   One digital Indian passport sized photograph. The photograph must be uploaded with the online application form during the registration process and must be identical to the other photographs provided for the application. A guideline for uploading a digital photograph can be found at http://www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ under the tab "Photo requirements"

3. Proof of Travel Arrangements

   A copy of the flight confirmation showing onward/return travel

4. Letter of Authorisation

   A letter of authorisation, permitting CIBTvisas to represent the applicant is required. This letter must be signed by the applicant and give consent for the CIBTvisas representative to submit and collect the application on their behalf

5. Visa Application Form(s)

   One fully completed and signed application form. This form must:
   • Be completed online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
   • Be printed on two separate pages, forms that are copied back to back are not accepted
   • Be signed in the original on both pages in black ink only
   • Bear a signature that matches the applicant's passport
   • Be submitted to the Embassy within 45 calendar days of completion
   • Must match the number of entries selected on the CIBTvisas website
   • Indicate "Switzerland-Geneva" as the "Indian Mission"
   • Indicate the details of the last held passport or identity card of the applicant's previous or dual nationality, if applicable
   • Indicate the first port of entry which must match the first port of entry as shown in the proof of travel arrangements
   • Indicate under the "Previous Visit Details" the "Visa Number" and "Date of Issue" of the previous visa category, which can be obtained by contacting the Consulate of India. Applicants who have visited India before 2013 and are unable to provide this "Visa Number" must indicate "NO"
   Alternatively CIBTvisas can assist the traveller in completing the online application form which can be a time consuming process. This is offered as a Premium Service in addition to all other service fees and current CIBTvisas handling fees.

   
   In order to facilitate this, please complete the CIBTvisas India Document Preparation Service Request which can be found within the CIBTvisas Application Pack. All questions must be answered as they are mandatory fields on the Indian High Commission website.

   
   Online application document preparation service requests must be received at CIBTvisas before 14.00 hours in order to have it returned to you that day. Once CIBTvisas have completed your online application we will send it to you for your signature. An original signature is required so you will need to return the form to us by post or courier once signed

6. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

   For orders placed on the CIBTvisas website, a copy of the Online Order Confirmation which is sent to you via email, must be submitted.

   
   For all other orders, and where applicable, a completed CIBTvisas Visa Order Form which can be found in the CIBTvisas Application Pack should be submitted.

   
   Please note that all card payments will only be made upon completion of the visa application process. 

7. Former Indian Nationals

   Under the Indian law, people of Indian origin, who have acquired foreign nationality, are required to surrender their Indian passport to the High Commission of India before submitting their visa applications. Once this process is complete, a Surrender Certificate will be issued. A copy of this certificate will need to be submitted with the application. In case the applicant does not have the Indian passports in their possession for any reason, they are required to furnish duly notarised affidavit in this regard. A police report is also required if the passport has been declared lost or stolen

8. Charity and Media Professionals

   Visa approvals for applicants working in charity or media related professions will be referred to officials in India. As a result, processing time may extend for up to twelve weeks and additional consular fees may be charged.

   Media related professionals must provide an original letter stating that no media related work will be undertaken whilst in India

9. Applicants of Sri Lankan Origin

   Applicants of Sri Lankan origin are required to fill in a supplementary form. Please contact CIBTvisas to request this form
   

10. Holders of More Than One Valid Passport

    Applicants who have indicated in the visa application form holding a second passport must provide a copy of this passport

11. Nationality Acquired by Naturalisation

    Applicants who acquired their nationality by naturalisation must provide the passport information of the nationality previously held. Shall the applicant not have this information on hand, a birth certificate will need to be provided.

12. Dual Nationals

    Applicants holding a valid Pakistani passport and another valid passport must apply for their visa with their Pakistani passport.