I am indian with uk student visa valid upto nov,08,my wife , son dependent visa,do i need visa for switerland

Question

i want to go to switzerland for 10 days with my family in july2008.do i require to travel by flight.

Answer 1

You need to check with the Swiss Embassy to confirm if your UK student visa means you AND your family are considered "residents" of the UK.

http://www.eda.admin.ch/london.html

According to http://www.skyteam.com/EN/travelPlanner/... you do not need a visa to travel from the UK to Switzerland IF you have proof of UK residence:

National INDIA (IN)            

Residence UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)

Embarkation UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)

Destination SWITZERLAND (CH)    

SWITZERLAND (CH)

Passport required.

Visa not required for a stay of max. 3 months provided holding:

a. residence permit or right of residence; or

b. "Right of Abode", "Leave to Enter" or "Leave to Remain"

   stamps contained in the passport, provided for an

   indefinite period; or

c.  Entry Clearance  for multiple entries (MULT) and provided

   endorsed "indefinite leave to enter the U.K." also accepted

   without regard to the expiry date; or

d. temporary entry permits which must be valid for at least 6

   months upon date of entry provided:

   - stamped "leave to enter the United kingdom is hereby given until (date) ; or

   - containing "The holder is required to register at once

     with the police" at the end of the stamp.

Visitor must hold all documents required for next destination.

If entering on one-way ticket, see For details, click here - item 4 for further information.

If being on a business visit exceeding 8 days within a

consecutive period of 3 months, passenger should contact the local Police Dept., Foreign Control.

Passenger is under no circumstances allowed to take up paidemployment.

WARNING: For passengers arriving at Basle/Mulhouse (BSL) or Geneva (GVA) airports, please see: For details, click here item 2.

Answer 2

You will not require visa for visiting Switzerland if you have current residency visa in UK and same goes for your family.

You will not need any other visa if flying to your destination directly. However, if you intend to travel by land then all of you will need Schengen visa (assuming you would be first landing in one of the Schengen countries).