Visa guides
Plain advice on using a flight reservation for a visa application.
Important: this is general information, not legal or immigration advice. We cannot promise any embassy will accept a reservation or approve a visa. Check the official requirements first.
When is a flight reservation used for a visa?
- Many embassies and visa centres ask for proof of travel plans (an itinerary), not a paid ticket. A reservation held by the airline is one way to show it.
- Requirements differ by country, visa type and even by consulate. Always read the checklist on the official embassy or visa-centre website.
- If the checklist says "paid ticket" or "e-ticket", a reservation will not meet it. Buy the ticket from the airline instead.
How long does the reservation need to be valid?
- Check how long your appointment and processing take. The reservation only needs to be active when the officer checks it.
- Pick a 48 hour, 7 day or 14 day plan. The exact deadline set by the airline is printed on your PDF and your reservation page. Choose a plan that covers your appointment date.
- Do not rely on a reservation to travel. It cancels automatically at the deadline.
How do I verify the booking reference (PNR)?
- Open the airline website you typed yourself, go to Manage booking, and enter the PNR and the passenger family name.
- You should see the same flights and names. This is exactly what an officer can do too.
- If it does not show immediately, wait a few minutes, then contact us.
Which dates and route should I choose?
- Choose a route and dates that match your visa application, including the entry and exit dates in your itinerary and hotel booking.
- For a return trip, make sure the return date is within the stay allowed by your visa.
- Passenger names must match the passport exactly.
Schengen visa (Europe)
- Many Schengen consulates ask for a travel itinerary showing entry and exit dates. A verifiable reservation is commonly used before the visa is granted.
- Choose dates inside the days your visa will cover, and book the real ticket only after approval.
UK, US and Canada visas
- These authorities usually say you should not buy a non-refundable ticket before approval. A reservation with a checkable booking reference can show your plan.
- Read the current checklist for your visa type; some ask only for a travel plan, some for nothing at all.
Onward or return travel proof
- Some airlines and border officers ask for proof that you will leave. A reservation for the onward flight can show this.
- It is not a ticket: if an airline requires a paid ticket at check-in, you must buy one.
Four ideas that help your application
- Match the route and dates to the rest of your documents (hotel, travel plan, invitation).
- Check the passport spelling of every name before you order.
- Choose a validity that lasts beyond your appointment and expected processing time.
- Keep the booking reference handy so you can show the airline page if asked.
What should I never do?
- Never edit a PDF, change a date or invent a booking reference. Embassies check, and false documents can lead to refusal or a ban.
- Never submit a reservation as if it were a paid ticket.
- Never share your private reservation link publicly.
After the visa is approved
- Buy your real ticket directly from the airline or a trusted agent once the visa is granted.
- You do not need to cancel our reservation. It expires by itself.