Are unpaid or dummy flight reservations accepted by Schengen embassies, and how can I obtain one for my visa application?

Yes, Schengen embassies generally accept unpaid or dummy flight reservations as valid supporting documents for tourist, business, or short-stay visa applications. In fact, many embassies recommend submitting a reservation instead of a fully paid airline ticket to avoid financial risk.

Why Do Embassies Accept Unpaid/Dummy Flight Reservations?

Most embassies, including those of Schengen countries, accept unpaid or dummy flight reservations as valid proof of intended travel during the visa application process. This is a widely accepted practice designed to protect applicants while still allowing consular officers to verify travel intent.

1. Visa Uncertainty

Embassies understand that visa approval is not guaranteed, and requiring applicants to purchase non-refundable tickets could result in unnecessary financial loss. Therefore, they accept temporary reservations instead of fully paid tickets.

2. Proof of Travel Intent:

Embassies require evidence of your travel plans, including entry and exit dates, but not a fully paid ticket. A reservation demonstrates your intended itinerary without financial commitment.

3. Preventing Unnecessary Risk

By accepting dummy reservations, embassies:

• Protect applicants from financial loss due to visa denial
• Promote safer and more reasonable application practices

Most consulates explicitly discourage purchasing actual tickets before a visa decision is made.

4. Alignment with Official Visa Guidelines

Many embassy websites state the following or similar:

"Do not purchase your ticket before the visa is issued. Submit a flight reservation or itinerary showing your planned travel."

This confirms that dummy or unpaid reservations are not only acceptable, but also preferred in many cases.

5. Verifiability Through PNR Codes

A valid Passenger Name Record (PNR) allows the embassy to:

• Confirm that the flight is real
• See that a seat has been temporarily reserved
• Check the accuracy of travel dates and routing

This makes dummy reservations both practical and verifiable.

Where to Get a Dummy Flight Ticket

You can obtain a dummy flight ticket from various travel agencies or online platforms such as Schengen Visa Itinerary, which specializes in visa-compliant reservations.

These itineraries are specifically tailored for visa applications and are widely accepted by most Schengen embassies and consulates. In addition to flight reservations, these services also offer hotel bookings and affordable travel insurance, helping applicants meet all necessary visa requirements efficiently.

If you have any questions or require further assistance from our experienced visa support professionals, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide reliable guidance and would be happy to assist you throughout your visa application process.

Your successful application is our priority.