The response to this inquiry is a clear and definitive “NO”. Nevertheless, you will still be required to provide evidence of a flight ticket for visa application purposes. This article will provide guidance on how to fulfill this requirement without actually making a flight reservation. Notably, based on our extensive experience processing over 30,000 visas per month, it has been observed that more than 30% of our customers have successfully obtained visas without pre-booking flights.
The encouraging news is that many embassies are aware of this practice and often display leniency when it comes to the flight booking requirement, even in cases where their official websites or visa requirements have not been updated. In most instances, having a flight itinerary for visa application purposes or presenting it at the immigration checkpoint suffices.
How to secure a visa without the initial need to reserve a flight ticket? What steps should be taken if your visa is declined after a flight has already been booked? You have the option to submit a flight itinerary for your visa application instead of committing to a fully paid flight ticket. This approach allows you to protect yourself from financial losses in the event of a visa denial. Numerous online services are available to generate flight itineraries, with one commonly utilized by our clients being 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 good to proceed(We use BlinkDocs App to create cover letter).
We use FlightGen app to create flight itinerary . This approach operates similarly to the process of booking an actual flight ticket. It grants us the freedom to select the flight we plan to take in the event of visa approval, streamlining the immigration process. Moreover, it provides us the flexibility to choose our preferred currency instead of being limited to USD.
Another option is to acquire a fully refundable flight ticket, which can sometimes be expensive and, in certain cases, pose challenges when seeking a refund. Additionally, you may need multiple flight tickets to substantiate your travel intentions. Therefore, it is recommended to utilize services such as FlightGen, which allows you to generate an unlimited number of flight itineraries for a fee of $15.
The choice primarily depends on your unique circumstances.
If you are confident in your ability to obtain a visa, booking the flight ticket in advance may be a prudent decision.
However, if there is any uncertainty surrounding visa approval, it would be wise to initiate the visa application process first and postpone the booking of your flight ticket.
This way, in the event of visa denial following a ticket purchase, you can avoid unnecessary expenditure on an unused plane ticket!
How should I proceed if the consulate asks for evidence of a return or onward flight ticket, but I’m unsure about my return date?
In such a scenario, you can make effective use of the FlightGen App. Obtain a temporary flight itinerary from them, including a tentative return date that extends beyond your planned duration of stay. This can serve as your visa application proof. Once your visa is approved, you can then proceed to book an actual flight when you have a definite return date in mind. Anna Emilia offers additional insights into this method.
Is it necessary to have a visa in order to buy airline tickets?
Although it is technically feasible to purchase a flight ticket without already having a visa, it is generally discouraged by most embassies. They have explicitly stated on multiple occasions that they are not responsible for any losses incurred if your visa application is rejected, even if you have a valid ticket.
Furthermore, many airlines are obliged to verify that passengers possess a valid visa for their intended destination country before allowing them to board the flight. It is far more preferable to obtain your visa before making any flight reservations to avoid the risk of being denied entry upon arrival in the destination country. One traveler has shared their perspective on this matter, emphasizing the importance of obtaining a visa prior to booking any flights.
Is it advisable to buy an airline ticket before obtaining the visa?
The choice of whether to book a flight ticket before receiving visa approval or not hinges on several factors, including your individual circumstances and the visa prerequisites of your intended destination. Here are some factors to weigh when making this decision:
Visa Requirements: Review the visa requirements of the country you plan to visit. Some nations mandate providing a flight itinerary or proof of travel arrangements as part of the visa application process.
Likelihood of Visa Approval: Evaluate your chances of securing visa approval. If you are confident that you meet all the visa prerequisites and have a high likelihood of approval, you might consider booking a flight ticket.
Flexible Booking Options: Explore airlines and booking choices that offer flexibility in case your visa is denied. Certain airlines permit you to book refundable or changeable tickets with minimal fees.
Financial Risk: Contemplate the financial risk associated with booking a flight ticket in advance. If your visa application is rejected, you may lose the money spent on the ticket unless it is refundable or changeable.
Temporary Flight Itinerary: Some travelers opt for temporary flight itineraries or flight reservation services to satisfy the visa requirement without making a full booking. These services provide a reservation that can be canceled or changed without significant cost.
Consult the Embassy/Consulate: If you are uncertain about the visa requirements or whether to book a ticket, it is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit for guidance.
Personal Preferences: Your personal preferences and risk tolerance also influence the decision. Some travelers prefer to have a confirmed ticket before applying for a visa, while others choose to wait until the visa is approved.
In summary, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the decision to book a flight ticket before visa approval depends on your specific circumstances. It is crucial to consider visa requirements, your confidence in visa approval, and the booking options available to make an informed choice.
Is it acceptable to reserve a dummy flight ticket with a PNR for visa application purposes?
No, it is not advisable to book a fake flight ticket with a PNR for visa application purposes. Many applicants have faced difficulties and even visa rejections due to the submission of fraudulent documents. It is better to be honest and declare in your cover letter that you are providing a flight itinerary and will purchase the actual ticket once your visa is approved. In some cases, you may be required to submit a genuine flight ticket or provide proof of funds to purchase one, which is a more reliable and legitimate approach than using fake information.
Do you need real tickets to apply for a Schengen visa?
Exactly, using a genuine flight itinerary instead of a dummy ticket is the correct approach when applying for a Schengen visa. Embassies and consulates generally accept flight itineraries and often advise applicants not to book actual flight tickets until their visas are approved to avoid potential financial losses. Providing accurate information and following the embassy’s guidelines is essential for a successful visa application process.
Yes. Embassies do accept flight itinerary for visa application, in some cases they also recommend the visa applicants to buy a flight ticket only after their visa has been approved. This is not the case if you are applying for transit visas as you must have a fully paid flight ticket for your onward journey.
Please provide an email confirmation or website screenshot print out of your intended flight itinerary either direct from the airline clearly showing your intended date of departure and route. We highly recommend not purchasing your flight tickets until your visa has been approved.
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 visa is collected.
Do I get a travel itinerary to present immigration officials for a visa without paying?
FlightGen app.users can book flights for $10. FlightGen software lets you add co-passengers for free. In 2023, they offer limitless 24-hour flight itineraries for $15, a great price.
