Can I visit Zurich with my business short stay Schengen visa?

Question

I am attending an interview and they want me to apply for business short stay Schengen visa. I am planning to visit Zurich as my friend is there.

So, after interview I am planning to go to Zurich, stay there for 2 days, return back to Amsterdam and fly back to India.

Is this possible with this visa?

Answer 1

Yes, this ought to be okay. The interview is plainly still the main purpose of your visit to the Schengen area, and visiting a friend is incidental to this purpose. So you should apply to a visa from the Netherlands -- once you're in, there will be nothing stopping you from making the side trip to Switzerland.

Answer 2

Yes, this is generally possible, provided your short-stay Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area (which most short-stay Schengen visas do). Here’s how you can ensure a smooth process:

Key Points to Consider:

1. Visa Purpose:

• Since your primary purpose is the interview, you should apply for a business short-stay Schengen visa and list the country where the interview is taking place as your main destination in the application.
• Mention the additional plan to visit Zurich in your itinerary, as transparency is key.

2. Travel Within the Schengen Area:

• With a Schengen visa, you can travel to other Schengen countries without additional documentation as long as you stay within the visa’s validity and duration limits.
• Your travel to Zurich and return to Amsterdam before departing for India is allowed under the same visa.

3. Itinerary and Supporting Documents:

• When applying for the visa, provide a clear and detailed itinerary:
• Business interview details (appointment letter, invitation, etc.).
• Travel to Zurich (hotel booking, planned dates, etc.).
• Return flight from Amsterdam to India.
• Ensure your supporting documents (flight bookings, hotel reservations) align with your itinerary.

4. Duration of Stay:

• Ensure your total stay (interview + Zurich visit) does not exceed the allowed duration on the visa.
• Short-stay visas can permit up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Exact allowed number of days is mentioned in the visa sticker.

5. Schengen Exit:

• You must leave the Schengen Area before your visa expires. Your flight from Amsterdam to India will serve as proof of your intended exit.

6. At Immigration:

• When entering the Schengen Area (e.g., in Amsterdam), mention your primary purpose as the interview.
• If asked about your itinerary, explain your plan to visit Zurich after the interview before flying back to India.

As long as you adhere to the visa terms and provide accurate documentation, your travel plans should work seamlessly.