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Switzerland Travel Academy.
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Switzerland Travel Academy is Switzerland Tourism's comprehensive e-learning program which provides a great insight into Switzerland and its various touristic offerings.
By completing the core modules and the latest news section, users will be able to get certified as a Switzerland Travel Expert.
Switzerland Travel Academy also has specialised certification modules on various tourism products such as accommodation, attractions, self-drive, etc.
It is truly a great sales support tool for the Indian travel trade!
Click here for more information and to register.
Claiming back VAT on shopping in Switzerland.
The possibility of travellers to claim a refund of VAT paid by them at the time of shopping is in tune with the policies / guidelines / regulations put forth by the Swiss Government.
The following information needs to be kept in mind by all travellers wishing to claim back VAT on shopping.
Eligibility for Claiming VAT:
If you are leaving Switzerland, you can reclaim the VAT on goods you purchased in Switzerland under certain circumstances. For a VAT refund, travellers need to ensure that the following criteria are fulfilled:
- The permanent residence of the shopper is outside Switzerland
- The goods were purchased in Switzerland (and the purchaser must have all the receipts)
- An export permit is required (This needs to be asked for at the time of purchase)
- The value of the goods exceeds CHF 300 per day
- The application to reclaim the VAT needs to be done within 30 days of purchase
- Shopper has to be older than the age of 18
*Shoppers need to ensure that they export the purchases in their hand baggage whenever possible – this will simplify the refund procedure.
Where can you claim VAT?
If travellers wish to claim back VAT in Switzerland, they can do so as per the following:
- Customs at the Airport, post the security check
- Customs clearance at any of the border crossings in Switzerland
- At any of the Swiss representations nearest to the shopper
Can the VAT be claimed in India?
Travellers can claim their VAT refund for good shopped for in Switzerland at any of the Swiss missions in India, i.e., Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi or the Consulate General of Switzerland in Mumbai.
- The above-mentioned eligibility criteria needs to be fulfilled
- Prior appointment is required
- The purchaser needs to write to mumbai@eda.admin.ch for Mumbai, or newdelhi@eda.admin.ch for Delhi for an appointment
- Once the appointment is confirmed, the respective mission will provide further information on the formalities that need to be followed.
- The visit can take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 11:00.
- The following needs to be submitted at the time of the appointment:
- The original bills have to be presented
- The original tax refund form to be presented
- Original passport in whose name the bil / tax refund was issued to be presented, i.e., proof that the purchaser has travelled to Switzerland
- All goods in their original packaging as per the bill to be presented
*Please note that it is the purchaser’s responsibility to send the certified export document back to the seller and not the Consulate.
- The purchaser(s) need to come personally or they can authorize a third person. However, in both cases, all above-mentioned conditions need to be met.
