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.
  • Our reservations stay active until the airline deadline shown on your PDF and on your reservation page. Choose an option whose deadline is after 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.
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.

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