When applying for a visa, one of the most common requirements is proof of your travel plans. But here's the dilemma: should you buy expensive flight tickets before knowing if your visa will be approved?
The good news is that many embassies and consulates accept flight itineraries (also called flight reservations) instead of confirmed tickets. This guide explains everything you need to know.
Note: Requirements vary by consulate and visa type. Always verify the specific requirements on your destination country's official consulate website before applying.
What is a Flight Itinerary?
A flight itinerary is a document showing your planned flights with specific dates, times, and routes. Unlike a confirmed ticket, it's a reservation that can be modified or cancelled.
Key elements of a valid flight itinerary:
- Passenger name (matching your passport exactly)
- Flight numbers and airline information
- Departure and arrival airports
- Travel dates and times
- PNR/Booking reference (important for verification)
Why Many Consulates Accept Itineraries
Consulate staff understand the visa application reality:
- Financial risk: Confirmed tickets can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars
- Refund hassles: Even "refundable" tickets often have restrictions and fees
- Practical necessity: Applicants shouldn't commit to tickets before approval
Many visa application guidelines use wording like "flight reservation" or "travel itinerary" rather than requiring confirmed tickets. Check your specific consulate's checklist to confirm what's accepted.
Flight Itinerary vs Confirmed Ticket
| Feature | Flight Itinerary | Confirmed Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $7-20 | $200-2000+ |
| Refundable | N/A (reservation) | Varies (often no) |
| Shows intent | Yes | Yes |
| Has booking reference | Yes | Yes |
| Risk if visa denied | Minimal | Significant |
How to Get a Flight Itinerary
Option 1: Refundable Airline Tickets
Book directly with airlines using their refundable fare class. Cancel within 24 hours (or before the refund deadline) if needed.
Pros: Directly from airline Cons: Expensive, requires large upfront payment, refund can take weeks
Option 2: Travel Agency Hold
Some travel agents can hold bookings for 24-72 hours without payment.
Pros: Free or low cost Cons: Very short validity, may not provide proper documentation
Option 3: Flight Reservation Service
Services like VisaSlip provide professionally formatted reservation documents that include a booking reference (PNR) where applicable, intended to support visa and onward-travel documentation needs.
Pros: Affordable, valid for days/weeks, professional formatting Cons: Not an actual ticket (but that's the point)
What Makes a Flight Itinerary Valid?
For your itinerary to be accepted, ensure it includes:
- Correct passenger details: Name must match passport exactly
- Booking reference: 6-character alphanumeric code (PNR)
- Complete flight information: All legs of your journey
- Professional formatting: Looks like a legitimate travel document
Red Flags That Can Get Your Application Rejected
- Screenshot of a search results page (not a booking)
- Missing PNR or booking reference
- Name doesn't match passport
- Expired reservation
- Obviously fake or edited documents
General Guidance by Visa Type
Schengen Area
The Schengen visa application typically accepts "flight reservation" as proof of travel plans. In many cases, consulates focus on travel plans rather than requiring paid tickets. Always check your specific consulate's checklist.
United States (B1/B2)
For US tourist visas, showing a flight itinerary can demonstrate your intent to return. Many applicants submit travel plans without confirmed tickets.
United Kingdom
UK Standard Visitor visa applications typically ask for "details of your travel" rather than specifically requiring confirmed bookings.
Best Practices
- Get your itinerary early: Don't wait until the last minute
- Double-check all details: Especially your name spelling
- Keep it current: Make sure dates align with your application
- Save multiple copies: PDF and printed versions
- Verify consulate requirements: Always check the official checklist for your specific consulate
Ready to Get Your Flight Itinerary?
Don't risk expensive refundable tickets or last-minute scrambles. Get a professionally formatted flight reservation document for your visa application.
Your document will include:
- Booking reference (PNR) where applicable
- Professional itinerary format
- All required flight details
- Delivered to your email in minutes