travel itinerary for visa template

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How to make a Travel Itinerary for a Schengen Visa?

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• 11/05/2024 10/07/2024

Making or preparing a travel itinerary for a Schengen visa is important when you apply to an embassy or consulate. This helps the visa officer better understand your travel dates, plans, stays, and daily activities during your stay in your intended Schengen country.

Here we will help you prepare for a good-looking and comprehensive “Travel Itinary” for a Schengen visa application no matter what your nationality is. Furthermore, this will be valid for all 29 Schengen countries . This will be easy with no complex and structured words as the motive of this article is to make a personal travel itinerary and not a computerized machine version of it as available on many other websites.

Please stay relaxed as it is easy to make this document and it requires only about 20 minutes with the help of our tips and downloadable format which you will find in this Article. It can be used for all purposes of travel including tourism, family/friends meetings, business tours, or a medical appointment with minor changes.

Travel Itinerary Guide

Difference between travel itinerary and flight itinerary, details about the daily activities, why travel itinerary is important for a schengen visa application.

Let us help you first of all understand why a “Travel Itinerary” is important for a visa application. The visa officers sitting in the embassies and consulates receive hundreds of thousands of monthly applications to handle. Just imagine the number of Schengen visa applications submitted during 2018-2023 through the following table:

So this proves that on average more than a million Schengenv applications are submitted in the Schengen country’s embassies yearly. The visa officers have to assess the judge and make a decision abruptly on these files.

The documents you present in support of your visa application are in scattered form and in different countries different document styles are adapted which are not easy to handle and understand for the visa office to make a clear decision on your visa application. For this reason, you should help them out through a “Travel Itinerary” and a “Cover Letter” to sum up the whole application and documents.

Difference between a Travel Itinerary and a Cover letter

There is a big difference in both terms:

Travel Itinerary

A travel itinerary is all about your trip, flights, hotel stay, and activities in the indented Schengen country you want to travel to. In simple words, it is your future of the trip.

Cover Letter

On the other hand, a cover letter is the back end of the visa application in which you mention all the details about your:

• job/business;
• family ties;
• how you will cover the cost of the trip;
• why do you want to visit the intended Schengen country; and
• details about the whole cost of the visit and how you will finance it.

Many people mix these terms. Please note the differences as follows (as you have read the overview of the “Travel Itinerary” above, we will discuss below only “Flight Itinerary”):

A flight itinerary is all about your flight reservation that you make to support your Schengen visa application. You let the visa officer believe your seriousness about the travel and make them that you have well planned your trip. The flight itinerary only contains information about your name, travel to, and return dates.

This also includes the type of flight such as a round trip (mandatory), your flight reservation number, and other booking details. Please make sure that you do not have to pay for the reservation in advance and a without payment reserved ticked is good enough for the visa application.

How to make a Travel Itinerary?

People used to write this document on paper in the past, but you better prepare it on a computer with the help of a simple file writer. After you write down all the details, you print and date it, and sign it to present with your visa application. There are following important information that you must mention in the travel itinerary:

Personal Details

On the top of the document write down your name, passport number, and contact number.

Flight details

Mention flight reservation number, flight carrier, and flight/return dates.

Hotel or other accommodation details

On the top of the page, you should also write the hotel name or the accommodation you are going to stay in. Please also write here the name and the address as well.

Do briefly mention your daily activities day by day. For example, if your plan is for ten days, write complete details about it what would you be doing, and where. This includes visiting places, attending events, meeting friends and family, attending medical checkups, or handling business meetings. This style can be used for all purposes of travel. Write in a way that the visa officer can have a skimming and scanning of the document in a nutshell.

Travel Itinerary Download for free

Just download, fill, print, and sign to make it a part of your Schengen visa application.

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How to Plan the Travel Itinerary for a Successful Visa Application

Planning an international trip is an exciting endeavor, filled with dreams of exploring new horizons, immersing yourself in different cultures, and creating lasting memories. The process can, however, become a little trickier if your trip requires a visa. Having a carefully planned travel itinerary is one important factor that might greatly impact your chances of getting a visa.

Your travel itinerary is an important document that demonstrates your commitment to a well-organized and lawful journey. It is more than just a list of dates and destinations you want to visit. This article is meant to walk you through the process of putting together an elaborate travel itinerary that is specifically adjusted for your visa application.

It’s vital to understand that each destination may have unique visa and documentation requirements before you start your visa application process. Therefore, in this post, we’ll delve into the possible setbacks of visa applications and how to handle them.

Then, we’ll go over how to create a trip itinerary that not only satisfies standard visa criteria but also gives you a well-organized blueprint for your approaching adventure. The information you’ll get can help you with everything from booking flights and accommodations to organizing daily schedules and documenting essential details.

Understanding Visa Requirements

It’s necessary to obtain a thorough understanding of the particular visa criteria for the destination of your choice before starting to make any kind of plans. Based on your nationality, the reason for your visit, and the length of your stay, each country has its own particular set of visa requirements and restrictions, which might differ greatly.

1. Researching Visa Requirements for Your Destination

a. Visa Types and Their Specific Requirements

Begin by identifying the type of visa you need. Tourist, business, student, and work visas are examples of common categories. There are specific requirements and paperwork for each category. To get comprehensive details on the various visa kinds and their associated criteria, go to the official website of the embassy or consulate of your destination country.

b. Visa Application Process and Documentation

The visa application process typically involves submitting a set of documents to prove your eligibility for the visa. These usually are your passport, a filled-out visa application form, a record of your income, proof of travel insurance, and, of course, a well-planned itinerary. Make a checklist of the exact papers needed for your visa application after researching these requirements.

2. Identifying the Importance of a Travel Itinerary in the Visa Application

Your travel schedule is essential for the success of your visa application. It serves as evidence of your intended travel plans and demonstrates to the consular officer that you have a clear and organized agenda for your trip. A well-planned travel itinerary is necessary for the following reasons:

a. Proof of Intent

The itinerary you provide demonstrates to the authorities that you are not intending to overstay your visa and that you truly intend to visit the country for the stated reason.

b. Itinerary as a Guide

While crafting your itinerary, you also create a personal roadmap for your trip. This will allow you to make the most of your time there and ensure you don’t miss out on any important activities.

c. Documentation of Financial Stability

A well-planned schedule can also show that you are financially stable. It proves that you have the financial capacity to support your living expenses throughout your stay and are unlikely to put a strain on the resources of the country you’re visiting.

The initial step to obtaining a visa acceptance is to comprehend the prerequisites for obtaining one as well as the role that the itinerary will play in the application procedure. With this information in hand, you may confidently go on to the following steps of itinerary planning. We’ll look at how to carefully choose your hotels and flights in the parts that follow, as well as how to plan a detailed itinerary that meets all requirements for visa applications.

Booking Flights

Once you’ve gained a clear understanding of the visa requirements and the role of your travel itinerary, the next step is to book your flights. Booking flights is a key component of your travel itinerary, so you should give it considerable thought to make sure you qualify for a visa and at the same time, get the most out of your trip.

1. Finding the Right Flight Options

a. Direct vs. Connecting Flights

One of the first choices you must make when booking your flights is whether to take a direct or connecting trip. Since they reduce travel time and potential risks of layovers, direct flights are typically more convenient. Connecting flights, however, may prove less expensive. When making this decision, take into account your preferences, budgetary limitations, and overall travel experience.

b. Budget vs. Premium Airlines

Airlines vary in terms of services, comfort, and price. While premium airlines deliver higher standards of service but cost more, budget airlines have lower rates but may have less amenities.

2. Considerations for Layovers and Transit Visas

a. Layovers

If you want to take connecting flights, pay extra attention to the length of the layovers. Make sure you have enough time to go through immigration, customs, and security procedures in between flights. Aim for a reasonable buffer because a short stay could result in missed connections. If you want to be on the safe side, you should consider a time window of minimum 3 hours.

b. Transit Visas

If a traveler has a layover in a certain country, they may need to apply for a transit visa. Research the requirements of each country in which you stop along the way and make the necessary visa arrangements early on.

3. Timing Your Flight Bookings

a. Early vs. Last-Minute Bookings

Booking your flights early often results in lower rates and better seat options. On the other side, last-minute reservations might be expensive and have a restricted number of flight options. To get the best deals, try to book your flights at least a few months in advance.

b. Flexible Dates

If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. This flexibility can help you find cheaper fares and more convenient flight times.

4. Saving Money on Airfare

a. Fare Comparison Websites

To discover the most affordable rates, use fare comparison websites and mobile apps. These are also known as travel aggregators. You can compare pricing on these platforms between various airlines as well as between different booking websites. My personal favorite is Momondo – I use it over 90% of the time!

b. Travel Rewards and Miles

If you’re a member of a frequent flyer program or have travel reward points, consider using them to offset the cost of your flights or to upgrade your travel experience.

c. Set Fare Alerts

Set up fare alerts to get notified when the cost of your selected flights decreases. This can help you find the best deals.

By picking your flights with care, you not only make sure that your travel plans comply with visa requirements, but you also create the conditions for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The next crucial step in developing your comprehensive travel itinerary for your visa application is making hotel reservations.

Reserving Accommodations

After booking your flights, reserving accommodations is the major next step in creating a thorough travel itinerary for obtaining a visa. The quality of your trip and the success of your visa application can both be strongly impacted by where you decide to stay while traveling. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Choosing the Right Type of Accommodation

a. Hotels, Hostels, Airbnb, etc.

Your choice of accommodation should be in line with your vacation preferences and budget restrictions. Consider the following options:

• Hotels: Offer comfort and services but may be more expensive.
• Hostels: Budget-friendly and often cater to solo travelers and backpackers.
• Airbnb or Vacation Rentals: Provide a home-like experience and can be cost-effective for group travelers or longer stays.

b. Location Matters

When selecting a place to stay, consider how close it is to the key attractions you intend to see as well as the location of your visa appointment (if applicable). You can save time and money on transportation by staying in a convenient area.

2. Booking Cancellation Policies and Flexibility

a. Flexible Booking Options

Given the uncertainties of travel, I highly recommend you to consider accommodations with flexible booking policies. If your plans change or your visa application is delayed unexpectedly, you can make changes or cancel reservations with minimal penalties.

b. Read Reviews and Check Amenities

Read reviews from previous guests before making a reservation to learn more about the facilities provided by the accommodation and the quality of their services. Pay attention to amenities like breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi or other personal requirements because they can enhance the comfort of your stay.

3. Budgeting for Accommodations

a. Setting a Budget

Decide how much you’re willing to spend per night on lodging. Your budget will help you narrow down your options and find suitable choices within your price range.

b. Consider Currency Exchange Rates

If you’re traveling to a country that has a different currency, keep in mind that exchange rates can have an impact on the price of your accommodations. Be prepared for fluctuations in currency values.

Once you’ve decided on your accommodations, make bookings as soon as possible to guarantee your stay. Most accommodations can be booked online through their official websites or third-party booking platforms, like Booking.com.

You not only guarantee a comfortable stay during your vacation by making reservations that fit your demands and budget, but you provide an essential piece that serves as documentation for your visa application. Your accommodation details will be a part of your comprehensive travel itinerary, which we’ll discuss how to create in the following section.

Creating a Detailed Itinerary

Now that you’ve booked your flights and accommodations, it’s time to put together a thorough travel itinerary that complies with visa application standards and serves as your guide for the duration of your trip. A well-structured itinerary demonstrates your commitment to organized and lawful travel. Here’s how to create one:

1. Daily Schedule Breakdown

a. Arrival and Departure Dates and Times

Indicate your arrival and departure times and dates clearly. Verify that these correspond to the dates you listed on your visa application and any necessary accommodation reservations.

b. Accommodation Details

Include the names, addresses, and contact information for the accommodations where you’ll be staying. Ensure that this information matches your hotel reservations.

c. Transportation Within the Destination

Specify how you plan to get around your destination, whether it’s by public transportation, rental car, or ride share services. Include information like flight numbers, train schedules, or car rental bookings.

d. Sightseeing and Activities

Describe the attractions and activities you intend to attend each day. Include any pre-purchased tours or tickets, entrance costs, and opening hours. This shows a carefully organized itinerary.

2. Including Proof of Planned Activities and Reservations

a. Attach Confirmations and Reservations

Include a copy of any reservation confirmations you have for accommodations, flights, and activities. Such documents should be attached to your itinerary as proof of your travel arrangements.

b. Daily Itinerary Notes

Your daily agenda should have notes with additional context or justifications for specific actions. This can make it easier for consular officials understand the travel intentions.

3. Tips for Organizing the Itinerary Effectively

a. Use a Digital Format

Creating a digital itinerary is efficient and allows for easy sharing and storage. To stay organized, use tools like word processors, spreadsheets, or apps like Wanderlog for creating travel itineraries.

b. Keep It Concise and Easy to Read

Make sure your schedule is clear, concise, and simple to understand. Use bullet points or numbered lists to break down each day’s schedule and information.

c. Include Emergency Contacts

Include a section in the itinerary listing emergency contacts, such as relatives, friends, or anyone who can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Your travel itinerary is an essential document that proves your trip was carefully thought out and has a clear purpose. It not only complies with the standards for visa applications but also acts as your roadmap for a simple and delightful journey. The next lesson will cover how to properly document your travel itinerary to ensure it’s readily available for your visa application and during your travels.

Documenting Your Travel Itinerary

The next stage is to adequately document your journey after you’ve carefully planned it. Proper documentation ensures that your itinerary is readily accessible and can be presented as necessary during your visa application process and throughout your travels. Here’s how to document your travel itinerary:

1. Organizing the Itinerary in a Clear and Concise Format

a. Use a Digital Document

Make a digital itinerary in the form of a PDF, Word document, or spreadsheet. I recommend using platforms like Google Docs or Google Sheets, where documents are easy to access (on different devices, including mobiles), share, update and print if necessary.

b. Include a Header

At the top of your document, include a header with your name, passport information, and visa application details (if applicable). This ensures that your itinerary is personalized and can be easily identified.

2. Including Important Details in the Itinerary

a. Passport Information

The itinerary should clearly highlight your passport information, such as your passport number, issue date, and expiration date. For visa applications, this information is commonly required.

b. Contact Information

Include your contact details, including your phone number and email address. This makes it simple for consular officials to contact you if necessary.

c. Emergency Contacts

Designate a section for emergency contacts, such as relatives or friends who can be contacted while you are traveling.

3. Creating Both Digital and Physical Copies

a. Digital Copies

Save your digital itinerary on multiple devices, such as your smartphone, tablet, and laptop. Additionally, for simple access from anywhere, think about uploading it to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Again, in my opinion it’s best if you create the itinerary directly on Google Docs or Google Sheets so that the document is securely stored in the cloud from the very beginning.

b. Physical Copies

Print a physical copy of your itinerary to carry with you during your travels. It’s especially useful in case your digital devices fail, run our of battery or get lost.

c. Backup USB Drive

For increased security, keep a backup of your itinerary on a USB drive that is kept separate from your other devices. In the event that any data is lost, this can act as a backup.

Keep in mind that having your itinerary on hand for reference is important for meeting visa application criteria and potential immigration checks while traveling as well as for your convenience. To prevent any problems, make sure your schedule is well-planned, up-to-date and contains any relevant details.

You are ready to proceed with the visa application process and start your vacation with confidence after you have your well-organized travel schedule in hand. In the next section, we’ll go over additional tips and things to consider as you are getting ready for your international travel.

Additional Tips and Considerations

As you prepare your travel itinerary for a visa application, there are several additional tips and considerations to keep in mind. The following can guarantee a successful visa application and a hassle-free travel experience:

1. Insurance and Medical Coverage While Traveling

a. Travel Insurance

Travel visas often require proof of insurance (for example the Schengen visa ), so make sure you check if you need one or not. Either way, I recommend you consider getting travel insurance that includes coverage for unexpected events like medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

b. Health Preparations

Check if vaccinations or specific health precautions are necessary for your destination. Carry essential medications and prescriptions with you.

2. Currency Exchange and Financial Preparations

a. Currency Exchange

Familiarize yourself with the local currency and exchange rates. To cover initial costs upon arrival, take into consideration exchanging some money in advance.

b. Notify Your Bank

To prevent any problems with your credit or debit cards while traveling abroad, let your bank know about your travel intentions.

3. Local Customs and Travel Advisories

a. Research Local Customs

Research the local customs, traditions, and etiquette of your destination. Being respectful of local customs can enhance your travel experience.

b. Check Travel Advisories

Monitor travel advisories issued by your government for your destination. Stay informed about safety concerns and any travel restrictions.

4. Language and Communication Tools

a. Learn Basic Phrases

Familiarize yourself with basic phrases in the local language, especially greetings and polite expressions. It can go a long way in making connections with locals.

b. Translation Apps

Download translation apps or dictionaries to assist with language barriers. These can be invaluable in communicating your needs.

💬 To learn more about ways to overcome language barriers while traveling , read this dedicated article.

5. Carry Important Documents Securely

a. Document Copies

Make copies of essential documents like your passport, visa, travel itinerary, and insurance policies. Keep physical and digital copies separately.

b. Use a Travel Wallet

Invest in a secure travel wallet or pouch to keep your documents, money, and cards safe while on the move.

6. Stay Informed About Local Laws

a. Research Local Laws

Learn about the rules and regulations in the country you are visiting. If you encounter legal problems, ignorance of local legislation is not an acceptable defense.

b. Respect Local Culture

Be aware of cultural traditions and customs that may not align with your own. Avoid doing anything that can be interpreted as disrespectful or offensive.

By taking into account these additional suggestions, you’ll not only improve your level of travel readiness but also help to ensure a smooth application for a visa. In the last section of this article, I’ll show you how to review and finalize your itinerary to make sure it checks all the boxes.

Reviewing and Finalizing Your Itinerary

As you near the completion of your travel itinerary for your visa application, it’s crucial to take the time to thoroughly review and finalize the document. This phase ensures that your schedule is precise, complete, and ready to satisfy the demands of the visa application procedures. Here’s how to review and finalize your itinerary step-by-step:

1. Cross-Check All Reservations and Bookings

Check your flight reservations to make sure the times, dates, and flight numbers correspond to the travel itinerary. Any inconsistencies could cause difficulties during your visa application or at immigration checkpoints.

b. Accommodations

Make sure the dates on your schedule match up with the arrangements you’ve made for a hotel or other lodging options. Make sure the contact details are correct.

2. Verify the Accuracy of Information

Verify again that all of the information on your passport is correct, including the expiration date, issue date, and passport number. Mistakes in passport information can lead to visa application rejections.

b. Visa Application Details (if applicable)

Check that the visa application details, such as the type of visa, purpose of travel, and any supporting documents, match your actual travel plans and reservations.

3. Seek Assistance from Travel Agencies or Experts if Needed

a. Consult with Experts

Consult travel agents, visa consultants, or someone with knowledge of the particular visa application procedure for your destination if you have any questions concerning your trip plans or visa application.

b. Proofreading

Have a trustworthy person check your travel itinerary for any mistakes or discrepancies. A second set of eyes can spot errors you might have missed.

4. Create a Backup Itinerary

a. Digital Backups

Make sure you store digital copies of your itinerary on several different devices and in the cloud. In the event of gadget malfunctions or data loss, this redundancy will be a lifesaver.

b. Physical Copy

Your carry-on luggage should contain a printed copy of your completed itinerary. It should be easily accessible during your travels.

By diligently reviewing and finalizing your travel itinerary, you can minimize the risk of errors or discrepancies that may affect your visa application. A well-organized and accurate itinerary not only enhances your chances of visa approval but also serves as a valuable resource during your journey.

A carefully written travel itinerary serves as a crucial piece of documentation that might be the key to unlocking your journey in the sometimes challenging process of obtaining a travel visa. Every element of your itinerary, from making reservations for your hotel and airline tickets to planning your daily schedule and recording important information, is key to proving that you are committed to safe and legal travel.

Finally, we urge you to start your travel preparations well in advance. Understanding the particular visa requirements for your destination is a good place to start. After that, carefully plan your trip, keeping in mind all the information we’ve covered in this guide.

As you take the steps to create a comprehensive travel itinerary, you are not only paving the way for a successful visa application but also setting the stage for a fulfilling and enriching travel experience. Bon voyage!

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

10 Ways to Get Flight Itinerary for Visa Application (4 Free and 6 Paid)

Updated: September 11, 2023

Obtaining a flight itinerary for visa can be the most challenging and confusing aspect of the visa process. Embassies and consulates require confirmed flight tickets, but they do not advise purchasing actual tickets prior to visa approval. Confusing, isn’t it?

Consulates often request one of the following:

• Flight itinerary
• Flight reservation
• Travel itinerary
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Round-trip airline tickets
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of return ticket

All of these terms essentially mean one thing: A Flight Itinerary .

Table of Contents

What is a flight itinerary for visa.

A flight itinerary for visa is essentially a flight booking made in your name that can be submitted as a flight ticket for your visa application. This can be a fully paid and confirmed flight ticket or a flight reservation held in your name for a specific duration. 

A flight reservation must be verifiable online on the airline’s website using a PNR number. The reservation must have details such as your full name, flight dates, flight numbers and airport codes. 

Visa applicants sometimes refer to a flight itinerary as a dummy ticket for visa . However, you will not see the word dummy ticket being used in official visa guidelines from the embassies.

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Why do embassies and consulates ask for a flight itinerary?

There are many reasons why embassies or consulates ask for a flight itinerary. They want to see your flight itinerary to determine your visa validity, to understand your travel plans and whether you require visas to other countries en route. 

01. To determine your visa validity

The consulate would like to know how long you plan to stay in the country. You will, of course, mention this information in the visa application. But a flight itinerary will confirm this information. 

For example, a Schengen visa is issued for the exact amount of days you request in your first application. If your itinerary is for 12 days, you will get the visa for 12 days. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: When I applied for my Schengen visa from the Spain consulate, my itinerary was for 21 days. My Schengen visa was issued with a validity of 30 days.

02. To understand your travel plans

A travel itinerary will help visa officers to understand whether you will be traveling directly from your home country or country of residence. Or you will be traveling from a third country. This also helps the visa officers request any additional documents.

For example, if you will be traveling from a third country, the embassy can ask for proof of residence in the third country or a complete round-trip ticket starting and ending in your home country.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: For my Malaysia visa, I submitted a flight itinerary for India-Malaysia and Malaysia-Vietnam, assuming that flights into and out of Malaysia would be sufficient. The embassy later asked me to upload complete round-trip tickets starting and ending in India (my home country), including any other countries. They wanted to make sure I was not going to remain in a third country and would return to India.

03. To determine whether you require a visa to third countries

If your travel itinerary includes a third country for which you require a visa, the embassy will ask you to prove that you have a visa to enter the third country. Similarly, if you have a stopover in a third country, the embassy would like to see if you have the proper visa to transit via a third country. 

For example, you are traveling from Dubai to France, France to the UK and then back to Dubai. The France embassy will notice that you will be traveling to the UK from France. If you require a visa for the UK, France will contact you asking to provide a copy of your UK visa. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: For my Schengen visa from the Spain embassy, my flight was via Mexico. I was planning to attend a friend’s wedding in Mexico before heading to Spain. The Spain consulate asked if I have a visa to enter Mexico. I had to explain to them that I can use my US visa to enter Mexico. 

Should You Book Flight Tickets Before Visa Approval?

No. You should not purchase your fight tickets before your visa approval. Embassies and consulates acknowledge that a visa application does not guarantee approval. They recommend submitting a flight reservation and not a fully-paid flight ticket. 

If your visa application is denied or delayed, you will lose the money spent on the flight tickets. Airlines and insurance providers do not consider visa refusal as a valid reason for refund claims. 

Do not purchase your airline tickets until your visa application is approved. If the embassy requires proof of fully-paid tickets, they will explicitly request them. 

How to Get Fight Itinerary for Visa Application?

There are paid and free ways to get a flight itinerary for visa. Some airlines and booking websites offer the option to hold flight reservations for free. However, not all airlines serve every route. You will have to explore different airlines and booking websites to find the option for holding reservations for free. 

Alternatively, you can get a flight reservation for visa by paying a nominal fee. Some airlines and third-party agents offer this service for a fee. 

Here are 10 proven methods (4 free and 6 paid) to obtain a travel itinerary for visa application.

01. Purchase a Fully Refundable Ticket [Paid option]

Purchasing a refundable ticket is the most reliable and foolproof option for your flight itinerary for visa. This type of ticket leaves no room for questioning its authenticity.

Most airlines offer fully refundable flight tickets but at a higher price. Generally, the cost is 5 to 10 times higher compared to non-refundable or regular-priced flight tickets. Most airlines process refunds relatively quickly, typically within a few days to a few weeks.

However, it’s important to note that even with a refundable ticket, certain booking sites and airlines may charge a cancellation fee. For example, Etihad Airways charges $30 and CheapOair charges $150 on cancellations of fully refundable tickets. 

PRO TIP Book fully refundable tickets directly on the airline’s website. Call the airline first to inquire about their cancellation policy on refundable tickets. Ask if they charge an admin fee or tax for cancellations and refunds on fully refundable tickets.

• A refundable ticket is a valid, confirmed and fully-paid ticket. It removes any concerns about the consulate verifying its authenticity. 
• The upfront cost of a refundable ticket is significantly higher, usually 5 to 10 times more than a regular ticket.
• Some airlines and booking websites charge an admin fee to cancel fully refundable tickets
• Refunds can take several days to weeks to process, depending on the airline.
• To receive the refund, you must keep the credit card used for the purchase active.

02. Use a Visa Ticket Booking Website [Paid option]

There are several online travel agents offering flight reservations for a nominal fee. These agents can hold a reservation for up to 3 weeks. They also provide express service if you are in a rush.

Recommended agents:

• Dummy Ticket | Price $19 USD | Booking valid for 2-3 weeks
• Visa Reservation | Price $40 USD | Booking valid for 2 weeks

DummyTicket is one of the oldest agencies in the business of providing flight itineraries for visas. They have a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot. Read my dummyticket.com review for more information.

03. Use a Local Travel Agent to Hold a Flight Reservation [Paid option]

Travel agents have the ability to hold flight reservations. They can hold tickets for up to 7 days without payment.

You can visit any local travel agent in your city and request a flight itinerary for visa. They will typically charge a small fee for this service.

• By paying a nominal fee, you can hold a round-trip flight reservation for a duration of 7 days.
• This option is suitable only if the visa processing timeframe does not exceed 7 days.

04. Use an Onward Ticket Booking Agency [Paid option]

There are onward ticket booking sites that offer flight reservations valid for 48 hours for a nominal fee. These reservations are commonly used as proof of onward travel, but they can also be used for visa purposes.

• Onward Ticket | Price $16 USD | Ticket valid for 48 hours | Instant booking | 5% discount with code VT5
• Best Onward Ticket | Price $12 USD | Ticket valid for 48 hours

OnwardTicket is my go-to option for proof of onward ticket these days. They have a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot. Read my Onward Ticket review for more information.

• These reservations work as proof of onward travel or a return ticket for Visa on Arrival. 
• For a small fee, you will have a legitimate and verifiable round-trip flight reservation for your visa.
• This option is not suitable for visa applications with processing times longer than 48 hours.
• For Visa on Arrival, you must time it correctly so the ticket remains valid while obtaining the visa at the airport. 

05. Use Paid Ticket Hold Option by Airlines [Paid option]

Some airlines provide the option to hold a confirmed flight reservation for a nominal fee for a specific duration. The fee and duration vary among different airlines. Typically, the fee ranges from $10 to $45 to hold the ticket for approximately 3 days. 

Airlines for destinations in Europe

• Aegean Air Hold My Booking | 7-day hold for €6
• TAP Portugal Time to Think | 2-day hold for €8, 5-day hold for €12 and 10-day hold for €15
• British Airways Hold Flight | 3-day hold for $10 
• Iberia Pre-booking | 3-day hold for €10
• Wizz Air Fare Lock | 2-day hold for $15
• Air France Time to Think | 3-day hold for $36 
• KLM Airlines Time to Think | 3-day hold for $36 
• Turkish Airways Hold the Price | 3-day hold for $45 and 7-day hold for $65

Airlines for destinations in North or South America

• United Airlines Farelock | 3-day hold for $5.99, 7-day hold for $8.99 and 14-day hold for $12.99
• Copa Airlines PriceLock | 3-day hold for $8.99 and $7-day hold for $13.99

Airlines for destinations in Asia

• Singapore Airlines Secure My Fare | 3-day hold for $11
• Qatar Airways Hold Flight | 3-day hold for $20
• Emirates Hold My Fare | 3-day hold for $30

Airlines for destinations in Oceania

• Air New Zealand Fare Hold | 3-day hold for $45
• These reservations are verifiable bookings, so they can work as flight itineraries for visa applications.
• For a small fee, you will have a verifiable and confirmed flight reservation for your visa.
• It can be time-consuming to search for airlines that offer ticket hold options for your desired destination.

Note from Thirumal I’m compiling a list of such airlines, I will publish an article with the list soon. Stay tuned!

06. Purchase a Non-refundable Flight Ticket [Paid option]

Only purchase non-refundable flight tickets if you are one hundred percent confident that your visa will be approved. I have personally booked non-refundable flight tickets on multiple occasions, but it was for a visa that I had applied for and received approval for in the past.

You can use any flight search engine to find the best deals on non-refundable flights, but below are my recommended ones.

Recommend flight search engines:

• Skyscanner | Great search engine to find the cheapest flight tickets
• Momondo | Also a great search engine with great discounts
• A non-refundable flight ticket is a confirmed and fully paid airline ticket. There is no need to worry about the consulate verifying its authenticity.
• If you book a non-refundable ticket in advance, you will get it at a much lower price compared to buying it after visa approval.
• In the event of visa refusal, you will lose the money spent on the non-refundable ticket.
• Airlines, embassies and insurance providers do not consider visa refusal as a valid reason for ticket cancellations and refund claims.

07. Use Free 24-Hour Ticket Cancellation by Airlines and Booking Sites [Free option]

Certain US-based airlines and online ticket booking websites provide options for free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. These sites allow you to cancel a flight ticket within 24 hours of booking.

• Expedia | Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Priceline | Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Orbitz | Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Travelocity | Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• United Airlines | Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• American Airlines | Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking

PRO TIP It’s important to note that tickets from budget airlines, such as AirAsia, cannot be canceled even when booked through online booking websites. To ensure that a ticket can be canceled for free within 24 hours of booking , review the fine print carefully on the checkout page. 

• This option serves as excellent proof of onward travel or a return ticket when obtaining a Visa on Arrival. 

NOTE It’s important to time it properly so that you are still within the 24-hour period when obtaining the Visa on Arrival. After completing your Visa on Arrival process, you can cancel the ticket for a full refund.

• These tickets must be canceled within 24 hours; otherwise, cancellation and refunds are not possible. 
• This option may not be suitable for visa applications with processing times longer than 24 hours.

08. Use Free Ticket Hold Option by Airlines [Free option]

Some airlines provide the option to hold a fare for a certain duration. When booking a ticket, you are given a specific period of time to make the payment. This booking can serve as a printable itinerary for your visa application. Although the booking indicates a specific time frame for payment, it is still acceptable for visa applications.

• Copa Airlines Price Lock | Free hold for 24 hours
• Qatar Airways Hold My Booking | Free hold for 24 hours
• There is no need to keep track of the hold duration. If unpaid within the specified duration, the booking is canceled automatically. 
• This option is not suitable for visa applications that take longer than 2 days for processing.

09. Use Award Miles and Hold Option [Free option]

Certain airlines provide the option to hold a flight reservation for up to 5 days when purchasing an award ticket or using airline miles. The held reservation can be used as a printable itinerary for your visa application. Though the reservation indicates a specific time frame for purchase, it is still acceptable for visa applications.

• American Airlines | Free hold for up to 5 days using AAdvantage miles
• Turkish Airways | Free hold for up to 7 days for Miles&Smiles members
• Singapore Airlines | Free hold for up to 7 days
• Cathay Pacific | Free hold for up to 7 days 
• This option works perfectly fine for visa applications that take less than a week to process.
• This service is offered free of charge to members of airline award programs.
• To utilize this option, you must have a frequent flyer account and a certain amount of miles. 
• Not all airline websites provide the online option to hold award tickets. In such cases, you may need to contact the airline directly and request them to hold your award ticket.
• This option is not useful for visa applications that take longer than 5-7 days for processing. 

10. Print non-Verifiable Itineraries from Airline Websites [Free option]

Some airlines allow you to print or email a flight itinerary from their website. These flight itineraries look similar to a reservation that can be used for visa applications. 

• Print Trip Summary from Qatar Airways website
• Email a Price Quote from British Airways website (* does not work anymore as this feature has been removed from BA website)
• This option is suitable for visa applications that do not require verifiable itineraries such as the UK visa.
• This option is not applicable for visas that require verifiable itineraries such as Schengen visa.

BONUS: Use a Fake Ticket Generator [Risky option]

There are online tools available for generating fake airline tickets. These tools can create a fake flight itinerary that closely resembles a genuine booking. However, it’s important to note that these bookings are fake and cannot be verified.

Using a fake flight itinerary for visa application is an extremely risky option. Such fake itineraries must be used at your own discretion.

Available fake ticket generators:

• FakeFlightTickets | Price $5 USD | Downloadable fake ticket
• KeyFlight | Free service | Downloadable fake ticket

WARNING It is important to understand that submitting a fake flight itinerary for visa application is illegal and against the law. If found, you may face visa refusal or a permanent ban. Please be aware of the potential risks involved when using fake flight itineraries.

• It’s convenient to generate fake flight itineraries whenever needed.
• These tickets are fake, and their usage for visas is illegal.

Embassies and consulates do not recommend purchasing flight tickets before visa approval. Instead, they ask you to submit a flight itinerary for visa application. 

A flight itinerary is essentially a flight booking made in your name. Such a flight reservation must be verifiable online on the airline’s website using a PNR number. 

Though many countries are doing away with flight itineraries for visa applications, it is still a common practice for embassies to ask for them. There are many ways to obtain a confirmed flight itinerary for visa, but not all options are free. Some options require a nominal fee or claiming a refund.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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199 Comments

Dharmender says

August 23, 2021 at 5:06 am

Hi Thirumal, thanks for the information. I intend to apply for a Canadian visitor visa and one of the requirements is to provide the purpose of travel (flight tickets or flight itinerary). The Canada visa processing time is showing more than 100 days. So how does the flight itinerary with the “hold the tickets” option (it is a maximum for 1 week) will work in this scenario? Could you please advise if I can still use the “hold” option or there is another way out for this?

Thirumal Motati says

August 25, 2021 at 7:56 am

Hi Dharmender! It’s not possible to hold the tickets that long. Visa officers must be aware of this limitation. So I believe holding tickets for a week or two should be fine. If you are not comfortable with that option, you can get “fully refundable” tickets. These days, due to COVID travel restrictions, most airlines are offering “fully refundable” tickets. You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours prior to the flight to get a full refund.

Mahwish Abbasi says

February 8, 2020 at 11:15 pm

Hi! You mentioned that we are required to “hold” a reservation and not buy it. I intend to apply for a Canadian visa and I am required to provide the consulate with my flight itinerary. I found some airlines that hold the tickets for 24-72 hrs. Can I apply with that ticket which says “On Hold” on top?

Thirumal says

February 17, 2020 at 5:26 am

Hi Mahwish! Absolutely. Consulates recommend not “purchasing” the flight tickets before your visa approval. So having “On Hold” on the top of your itinerary is perfectly alright. I have used itineraries with “On Hold” on them for most of my visas and I was fine.

January 23, 2020 at 9:53 pm

Hi Thirumal! My friend is having her interview next month and she asked me if I could help her do the travel itinerary. You mentioned on one of the comments that you don’t need or not required to book and hold flight reservations. Can you tell me what is the best way to do a travel itinerary? Please she had been declined 2x already so I want to help her get approved this time.

January 25, 2020 at 9:33 am

Hi Kate! Which country visa are you referring to? Without knowing the country, it’s difficult to give you the exact information you need.

Seerat Gill says

December 31, 2019 at 10:57 pm

Hello Thirumal! First of all, thank you so much for providing such great information. Your blog had helped me a lot in gathering the documentation and planning of my dream visit. If you do not mind I have a few questions that I hope you would be able to answer:

– I am planning an approx 14 days visit that will cover the whole of the UK. Personally I have funds to cover the visit but just to keep the visa process simple I am planning to mention just the 5 days of the visit so that my funds do not look insufficient or trip does not look longer than necessary.

-Will it cause any issue at the time of arrival in the UK? Like will the entry officer there have access to application detail saying I mentioned only 5 days but the return ticket that I will be having at that time will show my return on 14th day?

– Do I have to travel on the same dates that I have mentioned in my visa application itinerary or can travel on any dates within the granted visa period? Again will it cause any issue at the time of entry?

Please guide me so that I can proceed appropriately. Once again thank you so much for your informative blog.

January 4, 2020 at 8:44 am

Hi Seerat! Thanks a lot for the kind words! – Yes. When you actually travel, you can travel longer than what you have mentioned in your visa application. The visa is granted for 6 months for that specific reason, so it can accommodate any itinerary changes. – The immigration officers at the airport can access your visa application if needed. But 14 days is not too long. Even if you are questioned, if you can prove that you have enough funds to sustain yourself, a detailed itinerary and hotel bookings for those 14 days., then you will be fine. – No. UK visit visas are issued for 6 months. You can travel on any dates within the visa validity period.

October 15, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Hi Thirumal,

Thanks for writing such a useful post. I have a Turkish eVisa and I have been trying to get one for my wife. Since it should be a sticker Visa hence I will have to go through the entire documentation. Do you have any idea that for how long we can hold the flight on Turkish Airlines?

I would really appreciate it if you can provide me any insight on this.

Thanks, Javed

October 19, 2019 at 3:31 am

Hi Javed! The minimum is 24 hours and the maximum I have seen was 2 weeks. The farther out the flight, the longer the hold. For example, if your flight is 1 week from today, you may be allowed to hold it for only 24 hours. But if your flight is 3 months from today, you may be able to hold for 1-2 weeks.

William says

August 21, 2019 at 12:53 pm

Hello good morning. Please, I’m a musician from Ghana and I’m applying for a UK Tourist Visa and I would like you to assist me with these questions?

1. Am I supposed to provide details of what I’ll be doing daily? Do they want full details of my day to day itinerary? 2 What am I supposed to state in the cover letter? 3. It’s actually a 6-day trip so please what estimated budget do you think will be good for me to provide in the application form? 4. Please with the amount of the money I have in my savings bank account. Let’s say £5000 and I plan to spend £2500 on my trip, is it ok? If not can you assist me with what I should do?

August 25, 2019 at 10:44 am

Hi William!

1. Yes. To maximize your chances of visa approval, I suggest providing a day-to-day itinerary in your cover letter. 2. In your cover letter, you will mention your purpose of the trip, dates and itinerary, current employment (self-employed, musician, etc), financial solvency (how much you earn, etc), travel history, any family ties, etc. 3. You must show about £150 GBP per day estimated budget. So, it would be about £900 GBP total for your 6-day trip. 4. Your estimated budget must be less than half of your current savings. So yes, if you have £5,000 GBP, then planing to spend £2,500 GBP or less is perfectly fine.

I suggest referring to UK visa refusal reasons article for more details.

IMRAN KHAN says

August 19, 2019 at 8:01 pm

Hi Everyone

I used this service to apply for my wife Visit visa to sit in the PACES exam in the UK. These guys are very helpful and they sent the confirmation of Flight & hotel well before the time mentioned.

Thank GOD my wife visa was granted and I am really thankful to them for their services. Recommended to all who need Flight + Hotel for their visit visa purposes.

August 25, 2019 at 3:21 am

Hi Imran! I’m glad the services I mentioned here were helpful. Congratulations and good luck to your wife on her PACES exam!

August 15, 2019 at 9:36 am

Thanks for your informative answers. Appreciate your help.

My question is slightly different. I applied for a Schengen visa (in a group with 2 families). The French consulate has refused the visa for everyone in the group since one of the child’s passport had a photo of not to their liking.

My family passports and other documents were all fine. Is there a way I can appeal against the same to French consulate? I actually booked non-refundable flights etc.

Can you assist?

Regards, Shashank Arora

August 16, 2019 at 7:57 am

Hi Shashank! Yes, you can appeal to consider only your’s or your family’s applications. You have a valid reason to appeal the decision. I have never appealed a Schengen visa decision myself, so I am not aware of the process. But you can refer to the article from Schengen visa info for the procedure. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

July 31, 2019 at 4:07 am

Hello Thirumal. Hope you are doing fine. I am going to apply for a UK tourist VISA and my travel agent provided me an original Emirates ticket hold which will last for three days. My question is whether can I use this flight itinerary for my UK Visa application and I would also like to know whether the UK home office won’t mind even if the flight itinerary becomes invalid or cancelled after the three-day hold since it’s an original reservation.

July 31, 2019 at 8:02 am

Hi Rahul! Yes, you can use your 3 day hold Emirates ticket for UK visa. I have used a BA price quote (not even a hold) for my UK visa and it was fine with the home office. I know many readers here also have used BA prices quote and 3-7 day hold tickets without any issues.

July 31, 2019 at 9:26 am

Dear Thirumal, thank your for the information. Just to reconfirm, as you know Since the UK Visa processing takes at least a week, by the time the Home office checks my itinerary’s validity, most probably it would be invalid by that time since it’s just a 3-day hold. Therefore, I would like to know whether my VISA would get rejected due to this issue or they would ignore it since it’s an original itinerary?

August 3, 2019 at 8:48 am

As long as you are eligible for the visa and meet all the requirements, you will secure the visa. Your flight itinerary is only to show the entry/exit dates and duration of stay in the UK.

All consulates including the UK recommend not buying flight tickets prior to your visa approval. Therefore, they all know that your itinerary/reservation will expire at some point. That being said, at least submit an itinerary that is still valid at the time of application submission.

August 2, 2019 at 8:27 pm

Hello Thirumal. Thank you for the information. However, since it’s an itinerary with a validity of only 3 days, unfortunately it has expired yesterday. Can I still use it for my application? Furthermore, my intended date of travel is August 25th and I am going to apply with priority service on August 7. Will I get a decision within August 20 at least? Kindly help me, please.

August 3, 2019 at 5:13 am

No. Don’t use the expired itinerary. I suggest getting a new itinerary right before you submit your application. That way, it would be valid for 3 days from the day of submission.

Priority service has a guaranteed 5 working day decision time. You will hear the decision within 5 working days of application submission. If you apply on Aug 07, you will hear the decision by Aug 14. Add a few more working days for receiving your passport (courier/postal time).

Vijay J says

August 23, 2019 at 6:32 am

Can you help with more instructions on how to get this? Will it have passenger names? Can I also include hotel in it?

August 26, 2019 at 8:31 am

Hi Vijay! Yes, I can help you with getting an itinerary from Emirates or BA. Yes, these itineraries include the names of the passengers. They are “flight only” itineraries, so there will not be any hotel included in them.

Send me an email from the contact page, so I will send you the steps on how to get the itinerary on Emirates or BA.

January 2, 2020 at 7:48 pm

Hi Thirumal! I wish you a Happy New Year! So glad to have found a blog for visa guidance, grateful and appreciate your service here. Please, could you help me with the steps to get the price quote from BA website?

January 4, 2020 at 6:55 am

Hi Manoj! I plan to write a separate step-by-step article on how to get a price quote from BA website. Meanwhile, I will email you the steps and screenshots.

July 19, 2019 at 3:43 am

I have a roundtrip flight ticket from USA to the UK and then from the UK bought a tour for Europe by Coach and will be applying for schengen visa. Can I submit my round trip flight to UK and USA and the tour details purchased which will be by coach? Will it be enough when applying for Schengen visa or do I need to buy flight tickets to the Schengen country I am applying for?

July 19, 2019 at 2:07 pm

Hi Sam! You haven’t mentioned whether you already hold a visa for the UK. If do, then yes, you can just show your round trip tickets to the UK and the coach from there.

If you don’t have a UK visa, then I suggest applying for your UK visa first.

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