A heartwarming story from Shimla is making waves online, especially among Indian travelers planning a European vacation. A student and her mother, a government school teacher successfully secured a Schengen tourist visa for Switzerland without booking actual flights, and their detailed experience is now guiding many others through the tricky visa process.

Their visa approval story was recently shared on Reddit and has become popular among first-time applicants, offering valuable insights and reassurance to those navigating the Schengen visa application process from India.

Visa Granted Without Real Flight Bookings

The mother-daughter duo applied for their Schengen visa via the Embassy of Switzerland through VFS Global in New Delhi on June 13, 2025. Despite facing initial delays and some anxiety due to courier and VFS handling issues, they were pleasantly surprised to receive their passports with visas stamped by June 25, just under two weeks after applying.

They were granted a multiple-entry visa valid for 3 months, allowing them to stay in the Schengen area for up to 30 days.

What Documents Did They Submit?

One of the most helpful parts of their Reddit post is the detailed breakdown of the documents they submitted, especially important for those applying without booked flights.

For the mother (a teacher):

  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from her school department
  • Salary slips
  • Bank statements
  • ITRs (income tax returns) over the last three years

    • For the student:

  • NOC from her university
  • Her own bank and credit card statements
  • Personal ITRs

    • They also received financial support from the student’s brother-in-law, who lives in Switzerland. His Swiss bank statements were included to show financial backing.

    Travel Itinerary and Dummy Tickets

    To prove their travel plans, the duo submitted:

  • Dummy flight tickets
  • Hotel reservations
  • A detailed cover letter explaining their itinerary and financial situation, including a note about recent large financial transactions due to a property purchase.
    • Practical Advice for Visa Applicants

    Their biggest tip? Focus on a strong, honest cover letter rather than spending money on fake flight bookings.

    They also warned others about the stress caused by VFS’s paid SMS and courier services, which they found to be unreliable and more anxiety-inducing than helpful.

    “Putting effort into a well-written cover letter explaining your plans and finances clearly worked better than shelling out for unnecessary extras,” they shared.

    Also Read : Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Places to Stay and Explore

    Key Takeaways for Indian Schengen Visa Applicants:
  • If you have good documentation, you can obtain a Schengen visa without actually booking a ticket.
  • A cover letter that is transparent and easy to read can have a significant impact.
  • Include financial documents from supporting family members abroad, if needed.
  • Be cautious with VFS’s optional services; they may not always be worth the cost.

    • This success story is a great reminder that preparation, honesty, and proper documentation are more powerful than expensive add-ons. If you’re applying for a Switzerland or Schengen visa from India, this example might help guide your steps.

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