Do You Really Need to Buy a Real Flight Ticket for Your Visa Application?
No!
For Schengen (and most other) visa applications, embassies never require you to purchase an actual flight ticket before your visa is approved. A flight reservation (sometimes called a “dummy ticket,” “flight itinerary,” or “reservation for visa”) is accepted by most embassies and VFS Global centers as proof of planned travel.
What is a Dummy Flight Ticket?
A dummy ticket is a temporary, verifiable flight reservation (not a paid ticket) that shows your name, flight details, travel dates, and route.
- It’s used only for visa applications, do not try to use it for actual travel.
- It is generated by real travel agencies or ticket providers
- Usually valid for 24–72 hours (sometimes longer)
- Includes a unique booking code (PNR) that embassies can check online
- Not valid for check-in or real travel!
Is a Dummy Ticket Legal for Visa Purposes?
Yes, dummy tickets are legal and widely accepted by embassies, as long as:
- They are real, verifiable flight reservations (not Photoshopped or fake PDFs)
- They are used only for visa application, not for boarding
- You plan to book a real ticket only after your visa is approved
Important:
Submitting a forged or falsified ticket (not a real reservation) is illegal and can get your visa denied and possibly banned from Schengen countries.
Why Not Buy a Real Ticket in Advance?
- Most embassies do not require a purchased ticket, only a reservation!
- Real tickets are often non-refundable and expensive to change
- If your visa is denied, you lose your money
Where Can You Get a Dummy Ticket?
There are hundreds of websites and travel agencies offering dummy tickets for a small fee (€10–25), and most have affiliate programs—meaning other sites get paid to recommend them.
Our approach:
We only recommend what we have personally used and found reliable. We used dummyflights.com for our own successful Schengen visa applications.
We have no affiliate partnership or financial interest with them. We recommend them simply because they worked for us.
- Booking took less than 2 hours
- Reservation was accepted by VFS Global and the Hungarian Embassy
- Received a verifiable reservation code, no issues with embassy checks
Always do your own research and choose a provider you trust!
Make Sure Your Visa Won't Get Denied! Download Our Own Approved Document Package!
See a real Schengen visa application that was submitted and approved multiple times.
This complete document package includes our real application, all essential templates, and 1 month VIP support.
Download instantly and start preparing with confidence.
How to Use a Dummy Ticket for Your Visa Application
- Choose a reputable provider (we used dummyflights.com)
- Enter the applicant’s name and intended travel dates
- Pay the fee and receive your reservation by email (with PNR code)
- Print and include this document in your visa application packet
Important:
Most embassies/VFS Global want to see round-trip reservations, covering your full intended stay.
Hotel Reservation for Visa Applications
Most dummy ticket providers (including dummyflights.com) also offer hotel reservation services for visa applications. Just like with flight reservations, embassies and VFS centers do not require you to prepay or actually stay at the hotel you reserve, they only need proof of accommodation covering your full intended stay.
Booking a verifiable hotel reservation through the same platform is quick and affordable. You receive a hotel booking confirmation (often from a real, bookable hotel) that you can print and include in your visa documents.
- Tip: Choose hotels that offer free cancellation, just in case your travel dates change.
- We used dummyflights.com for our hotel booking as well, and our documents were accepted by VFS Global and the embassy without any issues.
Important:
Always double-check the embassy’s requirements for accommodation proof and be sure your reservation covers your whole stay!
What else do you need for your visa application? See our Schengen Visa Document Cheklist here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dummy Flight Tickets
Will the embassy or VFS call the airline to check my ticket?
Sometimes they verify the reservation online or by phone. With a real booking code (PNR), this is no problem.
Can I use a dummy ticket for any visa?
For Schengen tourist visas, yes. For other visa types, always check the specific embassy’s requirements.
How long is a dummy ticket valid?
Usually 24–72 hours. If your appointment is delayed, you may need to request a new one.
What if my dummy ticket expires before my visa is processed?
That’s normal. Embassies are used to this and only want proof you have a travel plan. If your visa is approved, buy a real ticket as soon as possible.
Important Legal Disclaimer
Dummy flight tickets should only be used for visa application purposes, never for actual travel. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all embassy and VFS requirements.
Always check that the flight reservation is real and verifiable. Using fake or forged documents is illegal and can result in your visa being denied or a ban from Schengen countries.
We do not receive any commission or payment from the service we recommend. Use any ticket provider entirely at your own risk.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Good luck and may your Schengen journey together be the start of something beautiful!