Why Is the Flight Itinerary a Required Document for a Schengen Visa?

 

When you plan to travel to the Schengen Area or apply for a Schengen Visa, you'll need to present a flight itinerary or flight ticket that indicates where you'll be traveling too. Authorities will want to know what you plan to do in the Schengen States and if you plan to travel back to your home country after your visit. In most cases, your flight itinerary will help support the purpose of your trip.

The Embassy will ask for a flight itinerary for the following reasons:

•        To Avoid Overstaying in The Schengen Area

The Schengen Embassies and Consulate's main concern is that foreign nationals might overstay in the Schengen Area. Your flight itinerary will help Embassy officials determine whether you plan to overstay in the Schengen Area. The best way to prove you won't overstay in the Schengen Area is to present a flight itinerary. Your flight itinerary will show your departure and arrival times and dates to and from the Schengen Area. It will help assure Embassy or Consular officials that you don't exceed your allowed stay in the Schengen Area.

•        To Decide the Length of Your Visa

Depending on the purpose of your trip, authorities will need to decide the length of your Schengen Visa. For example, suppose you plan to travel to Spain for business purposes. In that case, you'll be granted a single entry visa that is valid for the number of days you need to conclude your business in Spain. Not only does your flight itinerary help prove the purpose of your trip, but it also allows embassy officials to make a more informed decision on the amount of time you're allowed to stay in the Schengen Area.

•        To Check That Your Applying at The Correct Embassy

The Schengen Agreement has specific rules regarding the port of entry. All Schengen countries must obey these rules. If you plan to travel to more than one Schengen Member State, you'll need to apply for your visa at the correct Embassy. Sometimes it can be unclear where you should apply for your Schengen Visa. Providing a complete flight itinerary can help Embassy officials determine if you're applying at the correct Embassy.

For example: Suppose you plan to travel to Greece for 7 days, France for 10 days, and Portugal for 20 days. In that case, you'll need to apply for your visa at the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate. If you apply at the Greece Embassy, authorities will kindly ask you to reapply at the correct Embassy.

Quick note: Keep in mind that the flight itinerary is not the only document you'll need to submit. In addition, you'll need to present other documents like proof of valid medical insurance, proof of accommodation, bank statements, and other relevant travel documents.

Schengen Visa Itinerary provides three types of services: Flight Reservation, Hotel Booking and Travel Insurance. You can use one of the services, a combination of two of them or all three, if you need so. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose between getting the service delivered within 6 hours or 24 hours.