Switzerland Launches Unified Schengen Visa Application System in the US Through VFS Global

Switzerland’s new system for processing Schengen short-stay visa applications in the United States is now fully operational, marking a significant shift toward standardized intake procedures across multiple locations.

One week after its launch, the outsourced front-office network, managed by VFS Global, is running smoothly in four major American cities.

As of October 1, 2025, applicants in the United States who require a visa to visit Switzerland are submitting short-stay Schengen visa applications—covering stays of up to 90 days—through VFS Global centres in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. The initiative aims to create a uniform application process before consular review, streamlining operations and improving applicant experience.

Applicants must first complete the harmonized Schengen visa form online and schedule an appointment through the official platform. They then attend one of the VFS Global centres to submit supporting documents and provide fingerprints. According to the partners, this structured sequence is intended to reduce the need for multiple visits and accelerate initial checks during periods of high demand. The update comes as Schengen countries collectively processed 11.7 million visa applications in 2024, underscoring the growing administrative pressure across the bloc.

Eligibility criteria remain unchanged. Legal residents of the United States who require a visa to enter Switzerland may apply through any of the four centres designated for their region of residence. Applications can be lodged up to six months before travel and no later than 15 business days prior to the intended departure date. Optional services—such as passport courier return or SMS and email notifications—are available at many centres to assist applicants unable to collect their documents in person.

Authorities also urge applicants to double-check their documentation to avoid costly mistakes, as reports have highlighted financial losses from rejected filings across the Schengen area.

Despite the shift in processing logistics, Swiss consulates continue to handle the evaluation and decision-making stages of the visa process. VFS Global’s role is strictly administrative, encompassing secure intake of applications and biometric data collection.

This arrangement reflects a wider European move to separate administrative intake from decision-making responsibilities, aligning with efficiency standards adopted by several other Schengen states. The development also coincides with the upcoming launch of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, which will be rolled out gradually at external borders in the following months.

Amit Kumar Sharma, of VFS Global, emphasized the company’s long-standing partnership with the Swiss authorities and its commitment to improving user experience. “We have been collaborating closely with the Swiss government since 2007. We are confident that the new service will support the rising demand for travel by making the application submission process smoother and more seamless,” Sharma stated.

Legal residents of the United States who require a visa for Switzerland are encouraged to verify which centre is competent for their state or region of residence and to ensure that their U.S. residence permit remains valid throughout the travel period and upon return.

The core change lies in the point of submission rather than in adjudication authority.

Switzerland’s consular offices will continue to evaluate visa applications and issue decisions, while VFS Global ensures consistency and efficiency in intake. Applicants will benefit from a single, unified system featuring secure online forms, appointment scheduling, and biometric registration across all four U.S. locations.

By fLEXI tEAM