Applying for a visa can be complex for individuals. So, provide various documents to prove your intent to travel and your capacity to meet the host country`s requirements.
Besides, one of the most commonly requested documents in this process is a dummy flight ticket. It is often referred to as an itinerary.
Thus, many embassies and consulates ask for proof of flight itinerary to confirm your travel dates without needing you to buy a non-refundable flight ticket.
The purpose of this blog is to explore everything you need to know about a dummy flight ticket for a visa application and how to book a flight ticket without paying for a full ticket.
Moreover, what to look out for during the process.
Why Is a Dummy Flight Ticket Required for a Visa Application?
Many countries require proof of onward or return travel to ensure that you have firm plans to leave the country once your visa expires.
For tourist visas, business, visas, or student visas embassies will often ask for a confirmed flight itinerary to show that you have planned your trip accordingly.
Besides, you have no intention of overstaying in the destination country.
Yet, embassies don’t require a fully paid ticket, just prove that you have a valid itinerary. So, this helps to prevent applications from being forced to pay for an expensive flight that they might cancel or change if the visa is not approved on time.
What are the Benefits of Using Flight Itinerary for a Visa Application?
There are some benefits that a visa applicant has by holding a reserved air ticket for visa application.
Avoid Financial Risks
Purchasing a flight ticket before visa approval can lead to significant financial loss if the visa is denied or delayed.
Flexibility
A dummy flight ticket allows you to make changes to your travel dates or cancel the trip entirely without penalties.
Visa Compliance
Providing an onward flight ticket in compliance with embassy requirements without the commitment of purchasing a non-refundable ticket.
What Exactly is a Flight Itinerary?
A dummy flight ticket for a visa application is an itinerary or a temporary booking from an airline. So, it shows your intended travel dates and flight details.
So, this temporary hold can be created without purchasing the actual flight ticket.
Moreover, making it an ideal option for those who want to avoid paying for a ticket before their visa is approved.
What does an itinerary look like?
The dummy flight ticket looks like a typical airline ticket. Thus, it included essential information such as,
- Passenger name (as mentioned in the passport)
- Airline name & number
- Reservation code (6-digit PNR)
- Departure & arrival dates, and time
- Departures and arrival airports & terminals
- Airport IATA codes
- Connecting flight (if applicable)
Remember That
- A confirmed flight ticket contains a 13-digit code, while a dummy ticket has a 6-digit PNR (which is a big difference.
- The ticket is not confirmed until payment is made. Thus, the document is valid only for visa application purposes.
- It expires if the payment is not completed within the specific time frame.
How to Get the Dummy Flight Ticket for a Visa Application?
There are multiple ways to book a flight ticket without paying. So, the methods vary in terms of cost, flexibility, and ease of use.
Thus, let’s explore the most popular options and which option is suitable for individuals.
Ways to Get a Flight Itinerary for Visa Application
| Ways | Details | Pros | Cons |
Airline Hold Option | Several airlines offer a “Hold my fare” service, that allows you to temporarily reserve a seat without making a full payment. So, the flight lasts for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the airline. This method allows you to hold a ticket without committing (paying) immediately. | Official airline booking with a verifiable booking code.Flexibility to cancel without losing money. | Limited time frame (24-72 hours), which is not acceptable for visa processing. You may need to pay a small fee for the hold. |
Visa & Travel Agencies (Online Service Providers) | So, several visa & travel agencies specialize in providing flight itineraries specifically for visa applications. Thus, these agencies partner with airlines or use systems that allow them to generate a temporary booking on your behalf. | No need to purchase a full ticket. Valid for visa purposes & verifiable by embassies.Can be extended for changes if needed. Booking is often limited to a few days (2 weeks), which is enough for the result of your visa application. | Requires a small fee ($25), typically affordable. |
Book a Refundable Ticket | Another option for securing a flight itinerary for visa application is to book a fully refundable ticket. Although this involves making an upfront payment. So, you can cancel the ticket & get a refund once your visa is approved or if it is denied. | Guaranteed flight reservation without the risk of losing money. Can be canceled or changed easily. | Required upfront payment (though refundable), which is not affordable for some individuals at that time. May takes time for the refund to process. |
Which Way is Best for Booking a Flight Itinerary?
Among all of these ways, using a Visa & travel agency is are best option, because
- They provide a maximum validity of flight ticket hold, that is 2 weeks.
- Affordable for those individuals who have a tight budget at that time.
- Provide the facility of conversion of flight itinerary into actual flight ticket after the approval of visa application.
- Easily accessible due to online system & services.
- Moreover, they are verified by airlines.
How to Book a Flight Itinerary Through Online Travel Agencies?
So, individuals searching for online travel agencies to book flight ticket without paying, follow these simple steps
- Search SFRV Travels on the search engine.
- Review their services and multiple options provided by them.
- Choose the flight itinerary option from their tailored services.
- Fill out the flight itinerary application form, by providing the required details.
- Then, review the summary of their order.
- Make payment online, via the payment method mentioned by them.
- Lastly, obtain their dummy flight ticket in email in PDF form.
Conclusion
Using a flight itinerary for a visa application is a smart, cost-effective solution to avoid the risk of buying a non-refundable ticket before visa approval.
Whether you use airline hold service, visa agencies, or refundable tickets. So, this approach ensures that you meet embassy requirements while maintaining flexibility.
By following the methods and steps for booking a flight ticket, you can successfully obtain a dummy flight ticket for your visa application. Notably, always use a reputable service that meets your diverse needs.
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