Embajada de la India en Berna

Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens require a visa to enter India for all purposes including tourism, business, medical treatment, conferences, and family visits. India offers several visa categories through its e-Visa system (electronic visa) and traditional visa application process. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, medical treatment, medical attendant, and conference purposes, allowing eligible travelers to apply online without visiting the embassy or application center. E-Visas are processed electronically and typically approved within 2-4 business days for most applicants. Traditional visa applications for longer stays, work, study, research, journalism, employment, or other special purposes require submission through VFS Global, the embassy's authorized visa outsourcing partner. All consular and visa services are processed through VFS Global located at Weststrasse 2, 3005 Bern (phone: +41-31 381 58 04, email: info.inch@vfshelpline.com). Applicants must schedule appointments through VFS Global, submit required documentation including passport with minimum 6 months validity, photographs meeting Indian visa specifications, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and purpose-specific documents. Processing times vary by visa category: e-Visas typically within 2-4 days, regular tourist/business visas within 3-5 working days, and employment/long-stay visas may require several weeks. Swiss travelers should apply well in advance of planned travel. For current visa requirements, fees, and online applications, visit the official Indian visa website or contact VFS Global.

India and Switzerland maintain significant trade relations with Switzerland being an important economic partner for India despite its small size. Swiss exports to India include precision machinery, pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), watches and precision instruments, chemicals and specialty chemicals, medical devices, optical instruments, precious metals and jewelry (particularly gold), electrical equipment, and technology. India exports to Switzerland include pharmaceuticals and generic medicines, textiles and garments (including silk products), jewelry and precious stones (India is a major diamond processing center), leather goods, IT services, chemicals, organic products, tea and spices, and engineering goods. Bilateral trade exceeds USD 20 billion annually with Switzerland being one of India's largest sources of foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in services, financial services, and technology sectors. Swiss pharmaceutical companies have significant research and manufacturing presence in India, leveraging India's strong pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and chemistry expertise. The embassy's commercial section (phone: +41 31 350 11 39, email: com.berne@mea.gov.in) supports Indian exporters and businesses seeking Swiss partnerships, providing trade intelligence, market research, regulatory guidance, and business matchmaking. Switzerland's expertise in precision manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and clean technology creates opportunities for Indo-Swiss business collaboration.

The embassy actively facilitates business relations between India and Switzerland through its commercial and economic sections. Swiss companies exploring Indian markets can contact the commercial section (com.berne@mea.gov.in, +41 31 350 11 39) for market intelligence, regulatory guidance, sector-specific information, business contacts, and facilitation support. The embassy coordinates with Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce, economiesuisse, Swiss business associations, and Swiss Export (Switzerland Global Enterprise) to support bilateral commercial opportunities. Services include business matchmaking, information on investment procedures, facilitation of trade delegations, support for companies attending trade fairs and exhibitions, commercial dispute resolution guidance, and networking events. The embassy also supports Indian businesses seeking Swiss technology partnerships, investment opportunities, research collaborations, or market access in Switzerland. Key sectors of bilateral business cooperation include pharmaceuticals and life sciences, precision engineering and manufacturing, financial services and fintech, clean technology and renewable energy, information technology and digital services, watchmaking and luxury goods (Indian craftsmen contribute to Swiss watch industry), and food processing (Nestlé's significant operations in India). Both countries collaborate on innovation, research and development, and technology commercialization through initiatives including the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme.

The embassy is located at Kirchenfeldstrasse 28, CH-3005 Bern, in Bern's diplomatic quarter near the Swiss Federal Parliament (Bundeshaus) and several government ministries. The location is accessible via Bern's public transportation: Tram lines 6, 7, 8 and bus routes to Helvetiaplatz or Gewerbeschule stops. Bern has an excellent public transportation system operated by BERNMOBIL. Street parking in the area is limited and regulated; public transportation is strongly recommended. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification (passport or Swiss ID card) to enter the embassy premises. The embassy observes both Indian and Swiss public holidays. Major Indian holidays celebrated include Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). For current travel advisories, health recommendations, and entry requirements for India, contact the embassy or consult India's Ministry of External Affairs website and Switzerland's FDFA (EDA) travel advice for India. The embassy can provide information about traveling to India, including visa requirements, health precautions (vaccinations recommended for certain regions, malaria prophylaxis for specific areas), cultural customs, and tourist destinations. India's diverse attractions include historical monuments (Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar), spiritual centers (Varanasi, Rishikesh, Amritsar's Golden Temple), Himalayan regions (Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim), beaches (Goa, Kerala, Andaman Islands), wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves, cultural heritage sites, yoga and wellness centers, and festivals. Indian cuisine, particularly regional specialties, vegetarian food, and Ayurvedic treatments are popular with Swiss travelers. The embassy website maintains current information on travel requirements, health protocols, and any COVID-19 related regulations. For Swiss citizens of Indian origin or persons interested in OCI status, detailed information and application procedures are available on the embassy website and through VFS Global.