India entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to visit India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The eVisa is valid for 60 days from arrival and allows double entry. Apply online at least 4 days before your trip — the process is straightforward and entirely digital.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | India requires all Swiss passport holders to obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure — processing takes up to 72 hours. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the eVisa type (tourist, business, medical).Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Swiss passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready — they will deny entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having hotel bookings or a letter of invitation speeds up the immigration process. Keep a copy of your reservation details in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing available funds — $500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark for short visits. | Recommended |
eVisa not extendable
The Indian eVisa for Swiss passport holders is valid for 60 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and reapply. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
Apply early — don't risk last minute
eVisa processing can take up to 7 days during peak travel seasons (October–March). Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid stress. The official website is indianvisaonline.gov.in — avoid third-party sites that charge extra.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Indian eVisa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $25–$100 depending on duration and nationality) with a credit card. You'll get a confirmation email within 72 hours — sometimes faster.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save on your phone: the eVisa approval email, your return ticket, and your first night hotel booking. Also have your passport ready — make sure it has at least 6 months validity from your arrival date.
3
Arrive at an Indian airport
The eVisa is valid at 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Goa. When you land, follow the 'eVisa' or 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa printout. The officer may ask about your stay and return plans — answer briefly and clearly.
4
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 60-day entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct. You're then free to collect your luggage and exit.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostINR 3,000 (~$36 USD)
Apply at Indian embassy/consulate; requires interview.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 4,000 (~$48 USD)
For frequent travelers; must have valid reason.
Business Visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostINR 7,000 (~$84 USD)
Must have admission to recognized Indian institution.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by an Indian company. Requires job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
INR 7,000 (~$84 USD)
For full-time study at a recognized Indian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD)
For foreign investors setting up a business in India. Requires minimum investment of $100,000 USD. Allows multiple entries and long stays.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (not officially available)
N/A
N/A
India does not offer a specific retirement visa. Retirees may use tourist visas with extensions or apply for a long-term visa on a case-by-case basis.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) - 30 daysFor single entry, valid for 30 days from arrival. | INR 3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) - 1 yearMultiple entries allowed, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 4,000 (~$48 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) - 5 yearsMultiple entries, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 8,000 (~$96 USD) |
| eVisa extension (FRRO)Up to 6 months total stay, apply online before expiry. | INR 2,000 (~$24 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineApplies to overstays beyond visa validity. | INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa for India if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa is required.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-RubellaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in most parts of India, especially in rural areas and during monsoon; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially in rural areas and during the monsoon season (June–September). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travelers to rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block 8, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi - 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extension and registration; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai - 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles eVisa extensions; online appointment recommended.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 96.38 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least 4 days before your flight. In peak season it can take up to 7 days. You'll receive the approval by email.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 60 days, you must leave India and reapply. For longer stays, consider a regular visa from the Indian embassy in Bern.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy or screenshot of your return or onward ticket ready.
No. The eVisa is valid at 28 designated airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, and Kochi. Check the official list before booking flights.
Overstaying can result in a fine of $100–$500, a ban on future eVisa applications, and possible deportation. Always leave before the 60-day expiry.
No, it's not mandatory for the eVisa application. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in India can be high, and a basic policy covers hospital stays and emergency evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.