The response to this question is negative; however, you will still require a flight ticket for visa application purposes. This article will provide you with a solution to meet this requirement without actually making a flight booking. In fact, based on our experience in processing over 30,000 visas per month, more than 30% of our clients have reserved their flights prior to visa approval.
The positive aspect is that many embassies are aware of this practice, and they tend to be flexible regarding the flight booking requirement, even if their websites or official visa requirements have not been updated. In most instances, having a flight itinerary for visa application purposes or presenting it at the immigration checkpoint is sufficient.
What is the procedure for obtaining a visa without initially reserving a flight ticket? What should be done if the visa is declined after a flight has been reserved?
You can present a flight itinerary for your visa application instead of buying a fully paid flight ticket. This method allows you to safeguard yourself from potential financial loss in case your visa application is rejected. Numerous online services offer flight itineraries for this purpose, and one we frequently recommend to our customers is FlightGen App.
Include the following line in your cover letter: “A flight itinerary from a visa agent. The same will be ticketed once my visa is approved.” You can create your cover letter using the BlinkDocs App.
We utilize the FlightGen app to generate flight itineraries because it functions similarly to booking an actual plane ticket. This approach allows us to select the flight we are most likely to take if our visa is approved, ensuring a seamless process at immigration. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to choose our preferred currency, rather than being restricted to USD.
Alternatively, you could opt to purchase a fully refundable flight ticket, although this can be relatively expensive and sometimes challenging to obtain a refund. Additionally, in certain cases, you may require multiple flight tickets as proof of your travel plans. Therefore, using services like FlightGen, which enables the creation of unlimited flight itineraries for a fee of $15, might be a more practical choice.
The decision largely depends on your specific circumstances. If you are confident in your ability to obtain a visa, it may be reasonable to book the flight ticket in advance. However, if there is any uncertainty regarding the approval of your visa, it would likely be more prudent to initiate the visa application process first and hold off on booking your flight ticket. This way, if the visa is rejected after the ticket is booked, you can avoid wasting money on an unnecessary plane fare.
What should I do if the consulate requests proof of a return or onward flight ticket, but I am uncertain about my return date?
In such a situation, you can utilize 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) and use it as your visa application proof. After your visa is approved, you can proceed to make an actual flight booking when you have 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 having a visa in hand, it is generally not recommended 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.
Moreover, many airlines are obligated to confirm that passengers possess a valid visa for their intended destination country before allowing them to board the flight. It is far more preferable to secure your visa before making any flight bookings 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 recommended to purchase a flight ticket while waiting for your visa?
The decision depends on various factors, including your identity, the specific country’s visa you’re applying for, and the likelihood of approval. If you’re confident in the approval and believe it will happen, purchasing the tickets in advance might be a reasonable choice. Visas are often granted with the expectation of travel proof.
However, if there’s any uncertainty, and you aren’t required to show tickets as part of the application process, it’s probably wiser to wait. This is especially true if the availability of tickets might affect your decision.
It’s essential to consider your ticket’s flexibility. Non-flex Business Class tickets can be more expensive than flexible Economy tickets, which can often be canceled with a minimal administration fee. Choosing a ticket class that allows for easy changes may be a prudent option. If your visa is declined, you can switch to a “flexible” class and then cancel the ticket within a day or two.
Is it acceptable to obtain a dummy flight ticket with a PNR for visa application purposes?
No, it is not advisable. In fact, many of our customers have faced negative experiences when attempting to use dummy flight tickets with PNRs for visa applications. Embassies may reject your visa application on the basis of forged documents. It is best to be honest and declare in your cover letter that you are submitting a flight itinerary that will be ticketed once your visa is approved. In the worst-case scenario, you may be asked to provide an actual flight ticket or proof of funds for the ticket. This approach is more reliable and avoids the risk of being caught using fake documents.
Can I get a Schengen visa using fake tickets?
Using a dummy ticket is not advisable when applying for a Schengen visa. However, it is perfectly acceptable to use a flight itinerary for your Schengen visa application. In fact, consulates often encourage visa applicants not to book their flight tickets before their visa has been approved, and they explicitly state that they are not responsible for any financial losses incurred if the visa is rejected.
Embassies do accept flight itineraries for visa applications, and in some cases, they recommend that visa applicants purchase flight tickets only after their visas have been approved. It’s important to note that this recommendation may not apply to transit visas, where a fully paid flight ticket for the onward journey may be required.
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 should clearly indicate your intended date of departure and route. It’s highly recommended not to purchase your flight tickets until your visa has been approved.
While some Schengen authorities accept the flight itinerary when applying for the visa, they may request the original air ticket when you collect your visa.
Is it possible to obtain a flight itinerary for visa purposes without having to purchase the actual flight ticket?
You can secure a flight itinerary for approximately $10 using the FlightGen app. Additionally, if you have co-passengers, you can include them at no extra cost through the FlightGen app. It’s worth noting that as of 2023, they are offering an incredible offer of unlimited flight itineraries for 24 hours at just $15, which is a fantastic deal.
FAQ:
Do I need air ticket before applying visa for US?
It is not required to present airline tickets when applying for a visa, and we recommend that applicants do not purchase non-refundable tickets until they have received their passport with the visa.
How soon before travel should I apply for US visa?
18 How long in advance of my intended date of travel should I apply for a US visa? We recommend highly that applicants start the application process about 3 months in advance of their intended date of travel since appointments are usually full 2-3 months in advance.
How much is US visa fee?
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$185. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$205.
