The response to this question is unequivocally “NO”. However, it is essential to provide a flight ticket for visa application purposes. This article will guide you on how to meet this requirement without actually booking a flight. In fact, based on our experience processing over 30,000 visas per month, more than 30% of our customers have successfully applied for visas without booking flights in advance.
The good 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.
What steps can you take to obtain a visa without initially booking a flight ticket? And what should you do if your visa is denied after already booking a flight?
You have the option to provide a flight itinerary for your visa application rather than purchasing a fully paid flight ticket. This approach safeguards you from financial loss in case your visa application is denied. Numerous online services offer flight itineraries, and one commonly used by our customers is the FlightGen App.
Include the statement “A flight itinerary from a visa agent. The same will be ticketed once my visa is approved” in your cover letter, and you’re all set (We use the BlinkDocs App to create cover letters).
We utilize the FlightGen app to generate flight itineraries because it functions similarly to booking a plane ticket. This approach allows us to select the flight we are most likely to take if our visa is approved, ensuring a smooth process at immigration. Additionally, it provides the flexibility to choose our preferred currency instead of being limited to USD.
Alternatively, you can opt to purchase a fully refundable flight ticket, which can be costly and sometimes challenging to obtain a refund for. In some cases, you may also need multiple flight tickets as proof of your trip. Therefore, using services like FlightGen, which allows you to create unlimited flight itineraries for $15, is often a better choice.
The decision largely depends on your unique circumstances. If you are confident in your ability to secure a visa, booking the flight ticket in advance may be a sensible choice. However, if there is any uncertainty regarding your visa approval, it’s advisable to initiate the visa application process first and hold off on booking your flight ticket until it has been approved. This way, if your visa application is rejected after purchasing a ticket, you can avoid wasting money on an unnecessary plane fare!
I’m in a situation where the consulate is requesting proof of a return or onward flight ticket, but I’m uncertain about my return date. What should I do?
In this situation, you can make use of the FlightGen App. You can obtain a temporary flight itinerary from them with a tentative return date, ensuring that this date falls beyond your intended duration of stay. This temporary itinerary can be used as proof of your travel plans for your visa application. Once your visa is approved, you can proceed to make an actual flight booking with a clear return date in mind. Anna Emilia provides further insight into this approach.
Is it possible to make a flight reservation without having a visa?
While it is technically possible to book a flight ticket without holding a visa, most embassies strongly advise against doing so. They have consistently stated that they are not responsible for any financial losses in the event of a visa rejection, even if you have a valid ticket.
Furthermore, many airlines have a mandatory requirement to verify that passengers possess a valid visa for their intended destination country before the visa is approved. It is far more preferable to obtain a visa before making any flight bookings to avoid the risk of being denied entry upon arrival in the destination country. Here’s what a fellow traveler has shared on this matter.
Is it recommended to purchase a flight ticket while awaiting your visa approval?
The decision depends on your identity, the specific country’s visa you are applying for, and the likelihood of approval. If I am reasonably confident that my visa will be approved, I would go ahead and purchase the tickets. Visa’s are often granted when there is evidence of travel plans. However, if there is any uncertainty and you are not required to provide ticket proof, it might be wise to wait, unless having tickets could influence your decision.
I understand that this response may not provide a definitive answer, but I am working with limited information.
It’s worth noting that non-flexible Business Class tickets are usually more expensive than flexible Economy Class tickets if you need to purchase refundable tickets in advance. Non-flexible tickets typically allow for cancellation with a small administration fee, minimizing your potential losses if your plans change.
Another option is to ensure that your ticket is in a class that allows for easy changes with minimal fees. If your visa is denied, you can switch to a “flexible” class and cancel it within a day or two.
Is it acceptable to reserve a dummy flight ticket with a PNR for visa application purposes?
No, it is not advisable to apply for a Schengen visa with dummy tickets. In fact, many of our customers have had negative experiences when attempting to do so, as embassies often reject visa applications based on forged documents. The best approach is honesty. Declare in your cover letter that you are submitting a flight itinerary and intend to purchase the ticket once your visa is approved. In the worst-case scenario, you may be asked to provide an actual flight ticket or proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses. This approach is much more reliable and avoids the risks associated with submitting temporary or fake PNRs as genuine documents.
Is it legal to apply for Schengen visa with dummy tickets ?
Using dummy tickets when applying for a Schengen visa is not permissible. However, it is perfectly acceptable to use a flight itinerary for a Schengen visa application. In fact, consulates often encourage visa applicants not to book their flight tickets until after their visa is approved, and they specify that they are not responsible for any financial losses incurred.
Embassies generally accept flight itineraries for visa applications, and in some cases, they recommend that visa applicants only purchase flight tickets after their visa has been approved. It’s important to note that this recommendation may not apply to transit visas, as you may be required to have a fully paid flight ticket for your onward journey.
When submitting your visa application, it’s advisable to provide an email confirmation or a website screenshot printout of your intended flight itinerary directly from the airline. This itinerary should clearly show your planned date of departure and route. It is highly recommended not to purchase your flight tickets until your visa application has been approved.
Some Schengen authorities accept the flight itinerary as part of the visa application process, but they may request the original air ticket when you collect your visa.
Is it feasible to acquire a flight itinerary for visa application purposes without incurring the cost of booking an actual flight?
You can obtain a flight itinerary through the FlightGen app for approximately $10, and if you have co-passengers, you can add them for free using the app. Additionally, as of 2023, they offer an incredible deal of providing unlimited flight itineraries for 24 hours at just $15.
FAQ:
How do I make an itinerary for my visa?
Create a daily schedule with planned activities.
Although the most important parts of your itinerary are your travel and lodging information, including some notes on what you plan on doing during your stay can be a helpful part of your application.
How long is Air Canada ticket valid for?
A ticket will be valid for transportation for one year from the date of issuance of the original ticket. Extension of Validity Upon request, AC will extend the period of validity of an unused AC ticket for travel on AC operated or AC code flights beyond the original validity expiry date for a maximum of 3 months.
Should I pay for a ticket up front?
It isn’t recommended because if your visa application gets rejected, you will have lost money with no chance of a full refund. The best thing to do is to get a flight reservation for your visa application
What airlines offer a flight reservation service?
There are few airlines that offer this service and the best way to find them is to use the internet and go to Blinkvisa.com who will be able to advise you
What do I need to do to obtain a flight reservation from Visa Reservation?
There are 3 simple steps:
- Visit Blinkvisa.com website to choose the right package
- Submit the travel details and make the payment online
- Receive flight itinerary in email
Do I have to visit an office to obtain a flight reservation?
No, you just apply online and Blinkvisa.com can provide flight reservations via email
