A flight reservation for a visa application is a temporary or provisional booking that shows your intended travel plans without requiring you to purchase a fully paid airline ticket.
How Does a Flight Reservation Work for a Visa Application?
When you submit a visa application, embassies usually ask for proof of onward or return travel. A flight reservation serves this purpose by showing:
- Planned travel dates
- Entry and exit points
- Length of stay
- Intended travel route
Importantly, most embassies do not require a confirmed ticket at the application stage. Instead, they accept a reservation or itinerary.
Why Embassies Prefer Flight Reservations to Paid Tickets
- They reduce financial risk if a visa is refused
- They prevent unnecessary ticket cancellations
- They allow flexible travel planning before approval
What Makes a Reservation Embassy-Compliant?
The passenger’s name matches the name on the passport.
The reservation includes real airline routes and schedules.
The dates match across all visa documents.
A verifiable booking reference (PNR) is provided.
How Can You Get a Valid Flight Reservation?
1. Book an On-Hold Flight Reservation
Some airlines and booking systems allow you to hold a booking without payment for a limited time.
2. Use a Reputable Travel Agency
You can obtain a valid itinerary through authorised travel agencies or verified online platforms, such as Schengen Visa Itinerary, which specialise in visa-compliant reservations. These services typically provide:
- Temporary (dummy) flight bookings
- Verifiable reservation codes (PNRs)
- Reservations without full ticket payment
In addition, booking your flight reservation through these services allows you to benefit from the flexibility of selecting personalised travel packages, which may include options such as visa-compliant hotel reservations and travel insurance. This approach can help reduce costs through combined packages while providing access to more affordable deals.
If you have any questions or require further assistance from our experienced visa support professionals, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide reliable guidance and would be happy to assist you throughout your visa application process.
Your successful application is our priority.









