What is a flight ticket, and why do embassies and consulates require it for visa applications?

A flight ticket (or airline ticket) is a document issued by an airline or travel agency that confirms an individual has booked and/or paid for a seat on a flight.

A flight ticket typically contains the following information:

•         Traveler’s full name

•         Airline name and flight number

•         Flight reservation number or booking reference (PNR)

•         Departure and arrival dates

•         Airport codes (IATA codes) for departure and arrival locations

•         Ticket price

•         Details of any connecting flights (if applicable)

why do embassies and consulates require it for visa applications?

Most embassies and consulates around the world do not require visa applicants to book a flight ticket, as they understand that in the case of visa rejection, the applicant would inevitably lose their money. They even specify in the list of required documents for a visa application that applicants are not required to purchase the tickets, but only to reserve the flight.

Only after obtaining your visa may, you purchase the reserved ticket or cancel it and buy another for more convenient dates, within the validity period of your visa. However, exceptions may occur where embassies or consulates require you to purchase a round-trip flight ticket before the visa interview.

The key reasons for this requirement include:

As proof that you will not overstay

The main reason embassies or consulates request proof of a round-trip flight reservation is to ensure that you will not overstay your visa and will return to your home country before it expires. Since a round-trip reservation shows both departure from and arrival in your home country, it serves as convincing evidence of your intention to return. This means you must book a round-trip flight reservation; otherwise, it would be meaningless.

However, this does not guarantee that the embassy or consulate will issue you a visa. You must also submit additional documents alongside the flight itinerary, so it is important to ensure their accuracy as well.

Determining the length of the visa

Another reason is to determine the length of your visa. The officials at the embassy or consulate where you are applying will determine the length of your visa based on your flight itinerary, allowing you to stay in your destination country for the required duration.

Determining which embassy, you should apply to

The consular officer also wants to ensure that you are applying at the correct embassy, especially if you plan to visit more than one country. For example, if you are applying for a ten-day short-stay Schengen visa and plan to spend seven days in France and three in Germany, you must apply for a French Schengen visa at the French embassy or consulate in your home country. However, if you plan to spend five days in France and five in Germany, you must apply at the embassy of the country where you will first arrive.

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If you still have questions or need professional assistance with reserving your flight and applying for a visa, please feel free to contact us.