The answer to your question is a clear “NO.” However, it’s essential to understand that you’ll still need to provide a flight ticket for your visa application. This article will guide you on how to meet this requirement without actually booking a flight. Remarkably, based on our extensive experience of processing over 30,000 visas every month, it’s worth noting that more than 30% of our customers have successfully applied for visas without the need to book flights in advance.
The encouraging news is that many embassies are aware of this practice and tend to be lenient regarding the flight booking requirement, even if their websites or official visa requirements have not been updated. In most cases, having a flight itinerary for visa application purposes or presenting it at the immigration queue is sufficient. This can save you the hassle and risk of booking flights prematurely.
How can you get a visa without booking a flight? If your visa is denied after booking a flight, what should you do?
Instead of buying a fully paid flight ticket, you have the option to provide a flight itinerary for your visa application. This method allows you to protect your finances in case your visa application is denied. There are various online services that offer flight itineraries, and one we often suggest to our clients is FlightGen App.
When creating your cover letter using the BlinkDocs App for your visa application, you may want to consider including the following line: “A flight itinerary from a visa agent. The same will be ticketed once my visa is approved“.
We prefer to use the FlightGen app for generating flight itineraries because it functions much like booking an actual plane ticket. This allows us to select the flight we are likely to take if our visa application is approved, which ensures a smooth immigration process. Another advantage is the ability to choose our preferred currency, rather than being restricted to USD.
On the other hand, purchasing a fully refundable flight ticket is also an option. However, this can be more expensive and obtaining a refund can sometimes be a cumbersome process. Additionally, certain situations may require you to provide multiple flight tickets as proof of your trip. In such cases, services like FlightGen, which offers the creation of unlimited flight itineraries for $15, can be a more convenient choice.
The decision on whether to book a flight ticket upfront or not depends on your individual circumstances. If you are confident about obtaining a visa, booking the flight ticket in advance may make sense. However, if there is any uncertainty regarding visa approval, it’s generally advisable to begin the visa application process first and wait for approval before booking your flight ticket. This way, if your visa is rejected after the ticket purchase, you won’t have wasted money on an unnecessary plane fare.
My return date is uncertain, but the embassy is demanding documentation of a return or onward travel ticket. In this case, what should I do?
When faced with the need to show a return or onward flight ticket for your visa application, even if you’re uncertain about your return date, one practical solution is to use the FlightGen App. You can request a temporary flight itinerary from them with a return date that extends beyond your intended length of stay. This can serve as your visa application proof. Once your visa is approved, you can then go ahead and book an actual flight when you have a clear return date in mind. Here’s how Anna Emilia views this approach.
Is it possible to make a flight reservation without a visa?
Booking a flight ticket without a visa is technically possible, but it’s generally not recommended by most embassies. They have made it clear that they won’t be responsible for any financial losses if a visa application is rejected, even if you’ve purchased a valid ticket.
Additionally, many airlines are obligated to verify that passengers have a valid visa for their intended destination before allowing them to board a flight. To avoid the risk of being denied entry upon arrival at your destination airport, it’s advisable to secure your visa before making any flight reservations. Here’s a perspective from another traveler on this issue.
Should you buy a flight while waiting for your visa?
The decision of whether to purchase a flight ticket while waiting for your visa approval depends on a variety of factors. These include your personal circumstances, the specific country’s visa you’re applying for, and your confidence in the approval process.
If you are confident in your visa approval and the application process requires proof of travel intent, it may be reasonable to purchase the tickets. Visa applications often require evidence of your intention to travel.
However, if there is uncertainty or the visa application does not mandate proof of tickets, it might be wise to wait, especially if having tickets is not a decisive factor in your travel plans.
It’s important to consider ticket flexibility when making this decision. Non-flex Business Class tickets are usually more expensive but may offer the option to cancel with a modest administration fee. Alternatively, choose a ticket class that allows changes with minimal fees. If your visa is rejected, you can change to a “flexible” class and cancel within a day or two.
Please keep in mind that this answer is provided with limited information, and individual circumstances can vary widely.
Is it legal to apply for Schengen visa with dummy tickets ?
No, it is not recommended to use a dummy ticket when applying for a Schengen visa. However, it is perfectly acceptable to use a flight itinerary as part of your Schengen visa application. Many Schengen embassies and consulates actually encourage visa applicants not to book their flight tickets until their visa has been approved. They make it clear that they are not liable for any financial losses incurred in the event of visa rejection.
Embassies typically accept flight itineraries as a valid proof of travel plans during the visa application process. In some cases, they even advise visa applicants to delay purchasing flight tickets until after their visa has been approved. However, for transit visas, a fully paid flight ticket for the onward journey is often a requirement.
To satisfy this requirement, it’s recommended to provide an email confirmation or website screenshot printout of your intended flight itinerary directly from the airline. This should clearly display your intended departure date and the route you plan to take. It is highly advisable not to purchase your flight tickets until your visa application has been approved.
For Schengen visa applications, a round trip reservation or itinerary, including dates and flight numbers specifying the entry and exit from the Schengen state, is typically requested. While some Schengen authorities may accept the itinerary during the visa application, they may request the original air ticket when the visa is collected.
Can I get a travel itinerary for visa applications without paying for the flight?
In 2023, FlightGen app provides a remarkable offer of unlimited flight itineraries for a duration of 24 hours at just $15. This is an excellent deal for obtaining flight itineraries for various travel purposes. Moreover, if you are traveling with co-passengers, FlightGen app allows you to add them to your booking for free, which can result in significant cost savings for group travel plans.
