Switzerland – The ultimate tourist destination

Explore the beauties of Switzerland with Tourist Visa

Switzerland is a place familiar to most Indians, whether or not we have actually travelled there. Almost every movie made in the India features one song that has been filmed on location at one of the stunningly beautiful locales of this beautiful country. Its no wonder then that whenever someone thinks of taking a holiday in Europe, Swiss is always at the top of their priority list. If you are thinking about taking a trip to this amazing tourist spot you will need to plan a trip and also apply for your tourist visa to Switzerland. We provide a list of must see places as well as procedure to apply for a Swiss visa below

Best places to see in Tessin on a tourist visa

Whenever you think of Switzerland the image of healthy spotted jersey cow peacefully chewing cud in a vibrant green pasture comes to mind as well as a field full of wild flowers. To some this alluring country throws up an image of a cable car running on a rope between ice-capped peaks comes to mind, whereas to others the modern glass façade buildings and efficiently clean public transport comes to mind when thinking about the country. Swiss Canton is a beautiful country and if you are visiting it on a short trip on a tourist visa it is important to plan your itinerary in such a way that you do not miss any of its beautiful sights.

Geneva – Head quarters of UNO

A trip to Switzerland would be incomplete without a visit to its capital Geneva. Indeed if you are flying into the country, then it’s most likely that Geneva will be your port of entry. The best way to explore Geneva is on foot or by riding a bicycle around the beautiful city. Top sights to take in are the place where the United Nations was formed, the famous flower clock in the English garden and the lakefront.

Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the most popular and must see destinations for people on a tourist visa to Switzerland. The Matterhorn situated in this picturesque village is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. The village of Zermatt boasts of beautiful old-fashioned chalets and winding valleys which are perfect for a hike through the Alps and is also a great place to try out Skiing.

Lucerne

Lucerne is town that is ancient and modern at the same time. Anyone who travels to Switzerland on a tourist visa should definitely visit it. It has one of the oldest bridges in Europe as well as a number of historic houses along its streets. In Lucerne, one can visit Lake Lucerne to take a cruise on a steamship and travel by cable car up the beautiful Rigi, Stanserhorn or Pilatus mountains for some stunning views.

Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is a major destination for contemporary art lovers as well as shopping addicts. Art lovers can find any beautiful artworks displayed in the Rietberg as well as Kunsthaus museums. Shoppers will love to shop along the Niederdorf and the Bahnhofstrasse. For people who are looking to letting their hair down, while on a tourist visa, Zurich has 500 different clubs and bars which are open till the early hours of dawn. The city also boasts of an excellent public transport as well as a free bike rental program.

Apply for a tourist visa to Switzerland

To experience all of the beautiful places listed above, you will need a tourist visa to enter the country. Following are the eligibility criteria and procedures for applying for and successfully obtaining a tourist visa to this beautiful country.

1. As Switzerland is a member of the Schengen area, you will be able to visit to Switzerland if you already are in possession of a Schengen visa. If you do not have one then you must apply to the embassy of Switzerland to obtain one
2. A person interested in traveling to Swiss should take travel insurance of at least 30,00 Euros which provides coverage in Switzerland as well as entire Schengen area
3. Completely filled in application form along with two photos and a cover letter clearly stating the purpose of your visit as well as travel plans
4. Passport that is at least three months before its expiry date
5. Proof of flight reservations with entry and exit dates from the country
6. Proof of having sufficient funds to bear travel and living expenses.
7. Proof of accommodation during your stay in Switzerland

Additionally, the following proofs maybe asked

1. In case of students a no-objection certificate from their school or university as well as proof of enrollment
2. In case of professionals – proof of employment contract, leave permission, bank statements from last 6 months as well as Income tax returns will be required
3. In case of retired persons – proof of pension funds from the last 6 months are required.
4. For owners of property proof of income from property may also be attached

It is important to apply for the visa well in advance so that your travel plans are not hampered by the delay in obtaining visa. To know more about applying for a tourist visa to Switzerland get in touch with Global Tree, the most trusted immigration consultant in India

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Travel to UK for a traditional holiday season

Looking for UK Tourist Visitor Visa for Christmas Celebrations?

Christmas is one of the favorite holidays of the world. No matter what religion you are from, the mind-picture of Santa on his sleigh with a sack-full of toys, tall-beautifully decorated Christmas trees, children singing carols and yummy treats all elevate this holiday season in our collective consciousness. Christmas is celebrated all over the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and each region has its own unique stamp on how the holiday season is celebrated. In the United Kingdom, X-mas celebrations are a grand affair and the days around festival are welcomed by one and all as a happy holiday season. Read on to know more about how festivity transforms the atmosphere, celebrated in the United Kingdom and how you can be a part of the celebrations in the days to come.

Christmas traditions in the United Kingdom

As the United Kingdom is predominantly made up of Christians, Christmas is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the country. People of all ages and from all religions come together to celebrate this festival. Weeks before the actual date of the festival which is 25^th December, one can see streets, homes and shop fronts decorated with traditional Christmas designs, lighting and floral decorations such as wreaths made out of ivy and holly and mistletoe decorations. People in UK along with their families begin counting down to Xmas from the final day of advent which falls on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Most stores also have especially themed merchandise and groceries at this time of the year

The advent season culminates on 24^th Dec, which is also known as Christmas Eve. On this day children and adults come together to bake treats, and gather around the tree for caroling and telling each other Christmas themed stories. Little children are encouraged by their parents to write letters to Santa Clause, and to hang stockings over the fireplace before going to bed in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. On the actual day of Christmas everyone in the family gathers together at a mid-day feast of delicacies that are prepared especially for the festival. The feast normally includes roast Turkey and plum pudding as the staples. After dinner, many people in UK come together to watch the Queen deliver her annual Christmas message to the nation and eat a yummy fruit cake with their afternoon tea.

Enjoying Christmas as a tourist

The best way to enjoy an authentic experience of the grand festivity in UK of course is to live with a local family for the holidays however one can also experience the joy of the holiday season by traveling to the United Kingdom on a Standard Visitor Visa.

1. Drive to any of the special Christmas markets which dot the cities and visit store Santa with his elves
2. Walk through the beautifully lit streets decorated with lighting shaped in Christmas themed shapes and colors
3. Go to Kew Gardens in London for a snow-flake trail, a beautifully decorated trail with glittering artificial snowflakes that add a magical touch
4. Go to a traditional tea-house or restaurant to partake of afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is a tradition that is enjoyed by many tourists to London
5. Drive down to Trafalgar square to see a different Christmas Carols (songs) every day and also to admire the giant Norwegian Christmas tree at the center of the square

Getting a standard visitor visa for UK

In order to travel to the United Kingdom for Xmas or any other holiday’s one requires a standard visitor visa to enter the country. A standard visitor visa will allow you to enter the country and stay with time limit.  A person who applies for a standard visitor visa will need to fulfill certain essential conditions which include showing proof of funds. The following are the requirements for obtaining a standard visitor visa to the United Kingdom

1. Persons applying for entering UK as a tourist should apply for a standard visitor visa
2. A person must apply for the standard visitor visa at least 3 months before the date of intended travel
3. Applicants for the standard visitor visa to UK should demonstrate their intention with sufficient proof of returning to their home country at the end of the visa period
4. Applicants should be able to show that they have enough funds to cover the cost of travel and living expenses during their stay in UK
5. Applicants for standard visitor visa need to provide current passport with the application.

To know more about how to apply for standard visitor visa to UK contact Global Tree, Certified Overseas Education Advisers and immigration consultants with their presence across India in 14 branches, the most trusted immigration consultants.