When applying for a Schengen Visa, whether for tourism, business, or study, you will typically need to provide a travel itinerary and flight reservation as part of your application. This is one of the essential documents that demonstrate your travel plans and help the Schengen embassy or consulate determine your entry and exit dates.
What Is a Flight Itinerary For Visa?
A Flight Itinerary for a visa application is not the same as a real flight ticket, where you pay upfront without knowing if your Schengen Visa will be approved. Instead, it’s simply a document that outlines the details of your planned travel to the Schengen Area.
It includes essential information such as the flight name, your name, a valid reservation number or booking ID, the arrival and departure dates, airport IATA codes, and sometimes the price of the actual ticket.
Why Is It Required?
A flight itinerary or flight reservation is usually required by embassies/consulates to verify your travel dates and confirm that you will leave the Schengen Area once your visa expires. The consulate may ask for this document before approving your visa application.
Does the Embassy/Consulate Tell Me Where to Book My Flight?
Absolutely not. The Embassy or Consulate does not require or recommend any specific airline or travel agent for booking your flight. You are free to choose any option that works for you, whether it’s an online service or a local airline. The choice is entirely yours.
If you purchase a one-way ticket, it may signal to the Embassy or Consulate that you do not plan to return to your home country within the allowed visa period. Instead, you should submit a Booked Round-Trip Flight Itinerary that clearly shows both your departure from your home country and your return from the Schengen Area. This helps demonstrate your intent to comply with the visa’s conditions.
It’s easy to get confused by the variety of terms you may encounter during your online searches or in forums like Reddit, Tripadvisor, or Quora. These terms all essentially refer to the same concept:
- Flight Itinerary
- Flight Reservation
- Air Ticket Booking
- Dummy Ticket
- Flight Confirmation
- Return Ticket
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone!
Navigating the Schengen visa requirements can feel daunting, especially with the extensive list of documents embassies or consulates require for your application. The terms above are all different ways to describe the same requirement: proof of a booked flight itinerary.
Adding to the confusion is the concern about losing money if you purchase a real flight ticket and your visa gets denied.
You might find yourself asking:
- Where and how can I get a flight itinerary?
- Do I need a return air ticket before applying for the visa?
- Is there a way to secure a flight ticket without paying the full price?
If these questions are causing you stress, don’t worry as we will guide you with straightforward explanations that will make the process much easier!
GET FLIGHT ITINERARY & HOTEL BOOKINGS FOR ANY VISA. FREE CONSULTATION.
Should I Be Concerned About Losing Money if My Visa Is Rejected?
We advise against purchasing a full flight ticket before obtaining the visa. Schengen embassies and consulates recognize that pressuring applicants to buy a complete airline ticket is not a wise approach. Additionally, if you choose to buy a ticket in advance, diplomatic offices typically recommend selecting an option with “free cancellation.” However, it’s essential to note that tickets with this flexibility often come with a higher cost compared to regular ones.
Moreover, the advice of the European Union’s visa consulate has been amended.
“Round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Schengen state. Some Schengen authorities accept the itinerary when applying for the visa but, request the original air ticket when the visa is collected“
Still, there is nothing that you should be so concerned about! There is always the opportunity to obtain a flight itinerary and reserved flight ticket instead of buying a costly one.
How to Get a Flight Itinerary Without Paying for the Full Ticket?
While it’s rare to get a confirmed flight itinerary completely free for your visa application, most services charge a small fee to provide a flight reservation. Some airlines may offer free itineraries, but usually, you’ll only be charged once you purchase the actual ticket.
Searching online for dummy flight itineraries can be time-consuming and may not always yield reliable results. Instead, you can opt for the services of a travel agent or an online provider like VisaReservation, which specializes in handling visa requirements, including flight itineraries and hotel reservations. They offer affordable options and provide free consultations via email to guide you through the process.
What Is a Flight Reservation?
Different from an actual Flight Ticket, a Flight Reservation or a Booked Flight Ticket is, in fact, a document showing that you have a reserved seat for flying on a specific date, in a particular destination of the Schengen Area, with a specific airline company. Usually, the reservation or booking is valid only for a week, so be careful afterwards! The company might cancel your reservation if you do not buy the flight ticket by then – risking losing the money you’ve spent on the reservation.
How Can I Get a Confirmed Flight Reservation?
You can obtain a confirmed flight reservation either directly from the airline or through online travel agents, also known as online search travel engines. These agents have access to a wide range of information about different airlines and markets, allowing them to offer competitive and affordable deals. Typically, they charge around 10% of the ticket price, reducing your financial risk compared to buying a full-priced ticket before your Schengen Visa is approved.
Here’s how to get a flight itinerary with a booking number without paying for the full ticket:
- Visit VisaReservation or a similar service.
- Select the right travel package for your visa needs.
- Provide your flight details and complete the payment process.
- You’ll receive an email with all the information about your flight reservation.
This process ensures you have the necessary documents for your visa application without committing to the cost of a real airline ticket upfront.
What Is a Flight Ticket?
A flight or airline ticket is either a paper-printed or an electronic document purchased by a traveller from an airline company or a travel agency. The ticket proves that the traveller has a reserved seat on an airplane, which will take them to their destination.
EU embassies and consulates commonly advise visa applicants not to purchase the complete return air ticket until the visa has been officially issued.
What Are the Different Types of Flight Tickets?
A ticket is a document that permits the holder to travel by public transport. Trains, buses, taxis, and airlines are public transport systems that issue tickets to their passengers. There are different types of tickets. A ticket can be a return ticket (known as a round-trip ticket), an onward ticket, or a one-way ticket.
What is a Return Ticket?
A return ticket or a round-trip ticket is a type of ticket that allows the holder to travel to a destination and then return back to the original starting point.
What is an Onward Ticket?
An onward ticket is a flight reservation or airline itinerary. It looks like a regular airline ticket with a valid PNR / booking code or reference number. And it permits the holder to travel from a destination or country to another destination other than where the traveller is arriving from.
An example of an onward ticket is when a passenger travels from India to Austria and then from Austria to Turkey.
If the passenger travels from India to Austria and then it flies back to India, this is a return ticket.
Onward tickets are usually required if the traveller is transiting a country.
What is a One-Way Ticket?
A one-way ticket permits the holder to travel from one country to another without returning. An example of a one-way ticket is a trip from the Philippines to Germany without returning to the Philippines.
What is a Multi-City ticket?
A Multi-City ticket is a unique airline ticket that deviates from the typical one-way or return flight itinerary. With a Multi-City ticket, passengers can travel from multiple points, such as A to B, then C to D, and beyond. This type of ticket permits layovers and stopovers at different cities, providing travellers with the ability to customize their travel routes to suit their specific needs and preferences.
Multiple-Airlines Itinerary
A multiple-airline itinerary is a travel plan that involves using different airlines for a single journey. Similar to a multi-city ticket, this type of itinerary allows passengers to book flights with different airlines for different legs of their trip. For example, a passenger may book a flight from London to Paris with British Airways and then book a separate flight from Paris back to London with Air France. This type of itinerary provides travellers with flexibility and options when it comes to choosing different airlines for different parts of their trip.
What is a Dummy Ticket?
A dummy ticket, sometimes referred to as a fake ticket or dummy booking, is a temporary flight reservation that is not confirmed by an airline or travel agency. It serves as a placeholder to show proof of onward travel for visa applications, immigration processes, or other travel requirements without the need to buy a real ticket upfront.
Dummy tickets can be generated through various online services that provide flight reservation confirmations. However, they do not represent an actual booking and hold no value for travel.
Can We Use a Fake Generator to Create Dummy Tickets?
Our Schengen visa experts strongly advise against using fake flight itinerary generators to create dummy tickets. It is considered fraudulent and can result in denied boarding, posing risks to the visa application process.
Our professional insight has shown that legitimate sources can provide reserved flight tickets without requiring full payments, ensuring compliance with visa application requirements. Relying on fake or dummy tickets can have serious consequences and adversely affect the visa application process. We urge travellers to adhere to regulations and guidelines provided by relevant authorities to avoid any legal or travel-related issues and ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Will a Dummy Ticket Guarantee My Visa Approval?
No, a dummy ticket does not guarantee visa approval. It is just one of the required documents to demonstrate your travel plans. The decision to approve your visa depends on the full application, including financial proof, accommodation, and compliance with visa regulations.
How Long Is a Dummy Ticket Valid?
A dummy ticket or temporary flight reservation is typically valid for a few days to a week. This depends on the service provider or airline’s booking policy. It is important to ensure your dummy ticket remains valid throughout the visa application process.
What Happens if My Dummy Ticket Expires Before My Visa Is Processed?
If your dummy ticket expires, you will need to obtain a new reservation or extend the validity of the current one. Some services allow for extensions, but you should verify with the travel agent or service provider.
Can I Modify the Dates on a Dummy Ticket?
Yes, most travel agencies or services that provide dummy tickets allow you to modify the travel dates before purchasing the actual ticket. This flexibility is useful in case your travel plans change during the visa processing period.
Is a Dummy Ticket Enough for Entry at Immigration?
A dummy ticket is usually not sufficient for entry at immigration. Once your visa is approved, you must buy an actual flight ticket. Immigration authorities typically require confirmed travel plans for your stay.
Can I Cancel a Dummy Ticket After Receiving My Visa?
Since dummy tickets are not actual tickets, there is no need to cancel them. Once your visa is approved, you can purchase a confirmed ticket based on your travel dates.
What Is the Difference Between a Dummy Ticket and a Real Ticket?
A dummy ticket is a placeholder reservation that shows your intended travel details but does not involve full payment. A real ticket is purchased in full and guarantees a seat on the flight. Dummy tickets are commonly used for visa purposes, while real tickets are required for actual travel.
Are Dummy Tickets Refundable?
Dummy tickets are typically non-refundable because they are a service provided for visa applications. Be sure to confirm refund policies with the service provider before purchasing.
How Can I Ensure My Dummy Ticket Is Accepted by the Embassy?
To ensure your dummy ticket is accepted, always obtain it from a reputable provider or travel agency. Embassies may reject a fake or questionable ticket, so it’s important to use trusted services that meet the Schengen visa or immigration requirements.
Should I Buy a Return Air Ticket Before Applying for a Visa?
Buying a return air ticket is not recommended before applying for a visa. Because if your visa gets denied, you will lose your money. We recommend getting a flight itinerary, and once your visa is granted, you can purchase a real travel flight ticket.
What Should I Do in the Case of Incorrect Booking?
The recommended course of action is to cancel the incorrect booking and make a new one. Alternatively, I can reach out to the travel agent or company to request the necessary corrections to the booking system.
Please note that there is no guarantee that the company or travel agent won’t impose charges for making the required changes to my booking.
Citizens of Which Countries Need to Show a Proof of Onward Travel?
The countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Europe must show proof of onward travel ticket when applying for a Schengen visa. Those countries are:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Cote D’ivoire
- Cuba
- Dem. Rep. Of Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Republic of the Congo
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Syria
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Türkiye
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Can We Make a Fake Flight Reservation?
Technically, you can create a fake flight itinerary by editing an existing template or using an online generator to create fake itineraries. But, instead of asking if you can create a fake flight reservation or a dummy ticket, ask yourself what will happen if the consular officer finds out your flight reservation is fake.
For sure, you already know the answer. If the visa officer finds out that you have provided a fake travel reservation, your visa will be refused, and what is even worse, your visa application might get denied in the future. So, think twice before deciding if you should or shouldn’t use a template or a fake/dummy flight generator.
What Should I Do if My Reservation Gets Cancelled Before I Get a Response on My Visa Application?
There is a great likelihood of booking cancellation before you know if you will or will not get a visa. This is because booking is usually valid for a week, while the visa might need 10-15 working days to process. That is why we recommend you find a travel agent who can agree with you a greater booking validity period, at least up to 10-15 working days.
A good alternative for anyone applying for Schengen Visa is getting Booked Flight Itinerary from VisaReservation, a user-friendly website with high-flexibility options.