Millions of people around the world apply for visas to foreign countries each year. In fact, in the EU alone, 630,500 people applied for a visa in 2021.
The one thing they all had in common outside of applying for a visa? The need for a flight itinerary to complete the application process.
Yes, we know that sounds weird. How are you going to buy tickets for a trip you’re not even sure you’ll make yet. Shouldn’t they approve the visa first? It would certainly be easier that way, but that’s not often the case. And it’s not specific to just the EU either.
With numerous countries around the world requiring proof of onward travel as part of a visa application, you might find yourself in need of a flight itinerary too. Here’s what to know about the process and how to create an itinerary for your trip so you’ll get approved.
What Is a Flight Itinerary for Visa Applications?
A flight itinerary for visa application is simply a copy of your flight details that show confirmations for your entry and exit from the country you are visiting. Most of the time, the airline ticket itself is not required when you apply for a visa, but the itinerary is necessary.
However, each country is different so we absolutely suggest checking with the consulate you’re applying at to be sure!
For example, some countries require that you submit additional documentation along with your flight itinerary. When applying for a Russian visa, you must submit an officially certified hotel reservation in addition to your flight itinerary. Ultimately, every country is different.
While it may seem like just another piece of paperwork in the visa application process, having a flight itinerary is essential to ensuring that your application is complete.
Requests for additional documentation can delay the processing of your visa, so it’s best to have everything in order from the start.
Which Countries Require a Flight Itinerary for Visa Applications?
Depending on your destination, the visa application process can be fairly straightforward or quite complicated.
One important thing to keep in mind is that some countries require a flight itinerary as part of the visa application process. This means that you’ll need to have your travel plans finalized before you can even begin the visa application process.
For example, the US, UK, and Canada all require applicants to provide proof of travel plans before they’ll issue a visa. However, other countries, like Brazil and India, don’t require this documentation.
If you’re not sure whether or not your destination country requires a flight itinerary, there are a few ways to find out. The easiest way is to consult the embassy or consulate website for your destination country.
Another option is to search for “visa requirements” + “destination country” online. Whichever method you choose, make sure you give yourself enough time to gather all the required documents before your trip.
Do I Need a Flight Itinerary for My Visa Application?
If your visa application asks for one of the following, then you’ll likely need a full flight itinerary or even a fully purchased ticket that they can confirm is real and valid:
- Flight confirmation
- Flight itinerary
- Plane tickets for the visa application
- Confirmed flight itinerary
- Confirmed flight tickets
- Round trip flight tickets
- Proof of onward travel
If you see any of those phrases (or variations of them) on your visa application then you’ll need to ensure you include that in your visa application. However, the good news is that you have options outside of spending money to purchase a roundtrip flight!
Flight Itinerary & Ticket Booking Options for Your Visa Application
Luckily, there are a few ways to book an onward ticket so that you can successfully apply for your visa.
One option is to simply book a refundable ticket. This way, if your visa application is accepted, you can go ahead and use the ticket. If your application is rejected, you can cancel the ticket and get a full refund. Keep in mind that not all airlines offer refunds on tickets, so be sure to check before booking.
This is, however, the most costly option and therefore not recommended.
Another option is to book a ticket with a flexible date. This type of ticket allows you to change the date of your flight without incurring any penalties. This can be helpful if your visa application is taking longer than expected to process. Again, not all airlines offer this option, so be sure to check before booking.
What’s the cheapest, quickest, and easiest option? To book a dummy ticket for your visa application!
How to Book a Flight Reservation for Your Visa Application
A dummy flight ticket is an inactive flight reservation that can be used to prove that you’ve purchased a plane ticket. It is used to confirm travel arrangements and can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a real ticket. Dummy tickets are not valid for travel and cannot be used to board a plane.
However, they can be helpful in situations where you need to show proof of travel, such as when applying for a visa. Ultimately,
by purchasing a dummy ticket, you can ensure that you’ll be able to meet this requirement without actually having to book a flight.
Plus, the process is super simple! When you buy a dummy ticket, you simply have to:
- Select the services you need, whether that’s just the flight reservation or the flight reservation plus proof of accommodation, for example
- Select the number of passengers
- Choose your starting and final destination
- Choose the ideal dates the flight reservation will be for
- Select how you want to receive the flight information to print out
That’s it! You’ll pay for the service and then you will get the documents you need to apply for your visa. How much does it cost? It’s different with each company. However, at Book Dummy Tickets it only costs $12 USD for one flight reservation for a visa application, for example.
Need a valid flight itinerary for your visa application? We can help! In a matter of minutes, you can have your reservation delivered to your inbox. Book your dummy ticket here!