Why Do Embassies Advise Against Purchasing a Full-Price Flight Ticket for a Visa Application?

Purchasing a full-price (non-refundable) flight ticket before receiving visa approval is generally not advised by embassies or consulates. This precaution is based on several important considerations:

Why Embassies Advise Against It:

1. Visa Not Guaranteed 

·       A visa application can be denied for various reasons, including incomplete documentation, doubts regarding the purpose of travel, or insufficient financial resources. 

·       If your visa is refused, you may lose the full cost of a non-refundable ticket.

2. No Obligation to Book in Advance 

·       Embassies typically request a "flight reservation" or "flight itinerary," not a confirmed or paid ticket. 

·       This requirement is intended solely to assess your intended travel dates and route, not to confirm actual bookings.

3. Financial Risk for Applicants 

·       International airline tickets can be expensive. 

·       Purchasing a ticket before your visa is approved poses a significant financial risk, particularly for applicants from countries with lower visa approval rates.

4. Dummy Tickets Are Accepted 

·       Many embassies accept temporary flight reservations (often referred to as dummy tickets), which are provisional bookings created specifically for visa purposes. 

·       These are affordable and can be easily cancelled or modified if necessary.

What You Should Submit Instead:

·       A dummy flight reservation or temporary booking from a verified travel agency or Schengen visa itinerary service. 

·       The reservation document should include:

·       Passenger's full name 

·       Flight numbers 

·       Arrival and departure dates 

·       Complete route information

Official Embassy Guidance:

Do not purchase a flight ticket until your visa is granted. The Embassy only requires a reservation or travel itinerary as proof of your travel plans.

Additionally, if you are seeking a trustworthy and verifiable flight reservation provider, you may consider using Schengen Visa Itinerary. They offer dummy ticket services specifically for visa applications, which can later be converted into confirmed bookings or cancelled if the visa is denied.

This approach can potentially save applicants hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars, as dummy tickets obtained through their service are typically valid for two to three weeks. In addition to flight reservations, they also offer free visa application consulting, as well as options to purchase hotel bookings and travel insurance tailored to visa requirements.