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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
PROS:
- A refundable ticket is a valid, confirmed and fully-paid ticket. It removes any concerns about the consulate verifying its authenticity.
CONS:
- 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.
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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.
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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.
PROS:
- By paying a nominal fee, you can hold a round-trip flight reservation for a duration of 7 days.
CONS:
- This option is suitable only if the visa processing timeframe does not exceed 7 days.
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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.
Recommended agents:
- 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.
PROS:
- 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.
CONS:
- 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.
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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
PROS:
- 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.
CONS:
- 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!
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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
PROS:
- 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.
CONS:
- 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.
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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.
Examples:
- 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.
PROS:
- 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.
CONS:
- 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.
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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.
Examples:
- Copa Airlines Price Lock | Free hold for 24 hours
- Qatar Airways Hold My Booking | Free hold for 24 hours
PROS:
- There is no need to keep track of the hold duration. If unpaid within the specified duration, the booking is canceled automatically.
CONS:
- This option is not suitable for visa applications that take longer than 2 days for processing.
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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.
Examples:
- 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
PROS:
- 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.
CONS:
- 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.
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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.
Examples:
- 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)
PROS:
- This option is suitable for visa applications that do not require verifiable itineraries such as the UK visa.
CONS:
- This option is not applicable for visas that require verifiable itineraries such as Schengen visa.
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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.
PROS:
- It’s convenient to generate fake flight itineraries whenever needed.
CONS:
- These tickets are fake, and their usage for visas is illegal.
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Conclusion
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.
How to Use IATA Travel Centre to Check Visa Requirements
Onward Ticket Review: Fastest Way to Get an Onward Ticket in 2023?
How to Book Flight Tickets with FREE Cancellation within 24 Hours on Orbitz: A Step-by-Step Guide
khalil says
How can one get a 5-year multiple entry Schengen visa C or a longer validity like USA and Canada? Please share tips with me.
Thirumal says
Hi Khalil! Schengen C-type visas with longer validity (3 or 5 years) are only issued to those who travel to the Schengen zone frequently. Ex: Having a business presence in the Schengen zone and need to travel monthly.
If you can prove that you have a need to travel to the Schengen zone frequently, then you have a fair chance of getting a 5-year visa.
MK says
Do not use those websites to buy tickets, those are Indians scammers be aware do not use this kind of websites these are all the same people looking to scam you. Better get your reservation on any airline. Cheaters!
Thirumal says
Hi MK! Could you be more specific? Which website are you referring to?
I provide all options and links to all services available out there including major airlines. If you just say “websites”, it’s confusing to me and to my readers. If you want to warn the readers about a specific company, please be specific. That way, you can prevent the readers from getting scammed from such companies. If you just say “websites”, it’s not going to help anyone.
SP says
Hi Thirumal! Thank you for the great information. I have a Schengen visa appointment coming up soon and would like to use one of the flight reservation websites you recommended. Will it be a problem if the hold is only for 7 days when the visa processing time will take 15 days?
More importantly, will I need to provide train and flight tickets within the same Schengen country? What if I need to go to Spain and Portugal? Will that be a single-entry visa? And do I need to provide flight tickets from Spain to Portugal within my trip?
Thank you very much!
Thirumal says
Hi SP! You can use any of those flight reservation websites. But talk to a representative first on the validity and such. Yes, a ticket with a 7 day validity will work for Schengen visa.
No. You don’t have to show internal flights within the country. But if you are traveling to more than one Schengen country, then you have to provide flight or train tickets.
It will be single entry since both Spain and Portugal are in the Schengen zone. But you have to show a flight or train ticket from Spain to Portugal in your itinerary.
Truong says
Hi Thirumal,
This has been the most informative and best post on the web. Thank you for your hard work and hopefully, you have some time to help answer my question.
I am an Australian citizen and do not need a Schengen Visa however my wife who is residing in Australia has a Vietnam passport and she will need one.
Will I need to also provide all of my travel itinerary to the consulate when she applies for the visa?
She does not work but I will be the funding the whole trip and I do have all of the savings record etc and employment status, will sending these documents help increase the rate of the visa?
Do you recommend using Travelvisabooking to get two of the same sets of travel itinerary to send to the consulate and on the cover letter explain that we will be travelling together and I am the one funding the trip?
Do you recommend using the travel insurance on the travel agents website then cancelling it after and using one from Australia when the visa is approved? Do I also have to show them my travel insurance as well as I am travelling with her?
Thanks a million.
Thirumal says
Hi Truong! Your wife has to provide the following
– Flight itinerary showing you and your wife as passengers flying on the same flight (Use FlightReservationForVisa or OneWayFly. TravelVisaBookings have too many complaints and I removed from the list)
– Hotel bookings showing 2 people on the booking (it can be on your name or your wife’s)
– Insurance on your wife’s name (yes, use a travel agent for now and get insurance from Australia after the visa is approved)
– Your employment proofs
– Your financial proofs
– Your marriage certificate
– A letter from you stating that you will be traveling together and funding the entire trip
– A cover letter from your wife that her husband will fund the trip
Truong says
Thank You very much!!
sonia says
Hi Thirumal, I checked with British Airways about the Flight itinerary and they said I have to either purchase the ticket or pay to hold it for 72 hours. I am applying for Visit visa for my family for the UK.
Thirumal says
Hi Sonia! First of all, flight itineraries are not required for UK visas anymore (in most cases). Check your application and the checklist to make sure if you really need to submit a flight itinerary.
Second, the email price quote option is still available on the British Airways website. I did not see the 72 hours hold option though. Is that only through the phone or available on the website as well?
Sidd says
Dear Thirumal,
I’m looking for a genuine/trustworthy website where I can hold flight reservations for my US visa interview. You have given a list of websites, but please suggest me one from India.
Thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Sidd! Flight reservations are NOT REQUIRED for US visa. You don’t need to hold any flight reservations. Even if you do, the VO will not ask for it during the interview. So, it would be a waste of money.
Bhawna says
Thanks for your reply! Yes, my flight from London to Barcelona is also through British Airways.
Thirumal says
Hi Bhawna! In that case, you’re fine. You don’t need to worry about anything. Enjoy your trip!
Bhawna says
Hi Thirumal,
I’m an Indian Passport holder with valid US Visa and traveling to Barcelona, Spain from San Francisco via British Airways. I have a 2 hr layover at London Airport. Do I need a UK transit Visa?
Thanks in advance!
Thirumal says
Hi Bhawna! You DO NOT NEED a transit visa for the UK. If you have a valid US visa or Schengen visa (you do since you are traveling to Spain), you do not need a transit visa for the UK.
Question: Is your flight London-Barcelona is on British Airways as well?
Deepak Jindal says
Hello brother. I am Deepak. I am planning to apply for a Schengen visa to Iceland. I am first time to apply for Schengen visa. I have a small travel history. What do you think? And any experience about Iceland visa process? Should I use a flight reservation/dummy ticket? Any guidance? How much gap I should keep from applying to traveling? Means aise aaj apply krna hai.. toh kitne din ka gap rakhu jab mujhe flight ticket or plan apna embassy ko show krna chahiye? I hope you got it!
Your blog is just mind blowing.. so much information man.. great job.
Thirumal says
Hi Deepak! The more travel history you have, the better it is for visas. See if you can work on improving your travel history a bit more before your Schengen visa.
Yes, you should use a flight reservation for your visa. You should not purchase your flight tickets before your visa approval. You can apply for a Schengen visa up to 3 months in advance. Therefore, I suggest applying for your Schengen visa about 2-3 months before your travel dates.
Naveen G says
Hi Thirumal
I am from India and for the past 5 years, I am working/living in the San Francisco area. I am planning to visit Spain in Sep’19 for tourism. The trip will be for 12 days. I have the Schengen Visa appt coming up in 10 days at the Spanish embassy in San Francisco. I landed on your blog while searching for tips to get required documents for visa appt such as Flight reservations, Hotel bookings, etc. I looked at many of the responses you provided and they looked very precise and very helpful. I want to thank you for the service you are providing to travelers from all over the world especially the ones with “powerless” Indian passport. Kudos to you.
After looking at some of the responses, I contacted travelvisabookings in order to get information on the flight/hotel/insurance booking. I wanted to check on how long they can hold the flight reservations once they finalize the itinerary. They mentioned that they will give me a reservation which will be valid for a very long time but they will not be able to provide me with a PNR which I can look up. When I inquired how will the embassy inquire my flight reservations they said that the embassy has access to another database which they can look up even though there is no PNR. When I asked if they could give me a reservation with PNR they said that the PNR will be valid only for 2-3 days. The reservation without PNR option did not make sense to me.
Next, I started exploring another option you have mentioned on your blog, flight reservations through Turkish Airlines. I see that I can hold those reservations for 3 days. Here is my question to you.
If I create a flight reservation on Turkish Airlines hours before my Visa Appt, do you think that will be enough time for embassy people to check the status of the bookings? Or you think embassy people may take longer than 2-3 days to verify the reservations. What could happen if they verify the reservation after 3 days and by that time the bookings have expired? Thanks so much.
Best regards. Naveen.
Thirumal says
Hi Naveen! I have included every option that’s out there. The reader is free to choose the option that works for them. But personally, I don’t recommend those online travel agents. You can see a lot of complaints about them in the comments. And, I don’t believe their story about “another database”.
A Turkish airline reservation with a 3-day hold is perfectly fine for your Spain visa application. The good thing with Schengen visa application is that if the consulate has a question, they will contact you and ask you. They won’t deny the visa just because your reservation is not valid anymore. If at all the Spain consulate thinks that your flight reservation is not valid anymore, they will contact you and ask you for a new one. Just get another reservation from Turkish airlines and sent it to them. You will be fine.
Deepak says
Hello Thirumal, I am planning the following trip :
New Delhi – Singapore – New Zealand – Australia- New Delhi
I have tried to fill the online form for New Zealand and Australia visa they are asking for a complete itinerary. I am unable to find any website which provides a hold other than yatra that is only for 3 days. How should I proceed for the same?
Thanks in advance!
Thirumal says
Hi Deepak! In my opinion, it’s perfectly fine to use Yatra itineraries for your New Zealand and Australia visas. I haven’t used Yatra itineraries myself or readers for NZ or OZ visas. But I have had many readers use them for Schengen visas without any issues. So I believe they can be used for NZ and OZ visas as well.
If you are hesitant to use Yatra option, the other option is to get “refundable” tickets. They will cost you a lot but it’s the safest option.
Sarwar says
First of all, thank you for the information.
My question is of all the travel agents I have inquired for Singapore tourist visa said they need a CONFIRMED return flight ticket and they will only send the application for visa ONE month prior to the departure date. But if I wait for that long the flight prices already start soaring high. And if I book a flight early then I am in dilemma if my visa is rejected I will lose all my flight booking amount.
Even the embassy customer support said about the submission of the documents is allowed 1 month early only.
Is there any way to get the Singapore visa w/o confirm flight booking?
My itinerary is ind-malaysia-singapore-india
Can you guide me on how to go about Singapore visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Sarwar! Both Singapore and Malaysia eVisas can only be applied up to 1 month in advance.
It’s fine to PURCHASE your flight tickets for Malaysia and Singapore eVisas. These consulates rely heavily on the CONFIRMED return flight tickets rather than on the applicant’s profile such as employment, financial stability, etc. That is the reason they don’t ask your employment proof, bank statements, etc. Therefore, as long as you have your flight tickets and hotel bookings, you will be issued the visa.
Rekha says
Hi, I have applied for Schengen visa from India for 2 months. My planned travel date was 21st may. But the visa is not approved till now. So we changed the travel date to 3rd June. Will this affect visa approval?
Thirumal says
Hi Rekha! If there isn’t enough time for visa processing, the consulate or VFS will not accept your application. If they accepted it and your intended travel date has already passed, it will not affect your visa result. It’s a delay on their side. In such cases, they either approve your visa or ask you to provide new flight bookings.
Anonymous says
Hi Thirumal, Thanks a million for this “Wikipedia of priceless info for Travellers” of all sorts. Kudos to you and your big heart to share these tips and life’s experiences with your fellow travellers.
I have a query and hope you can give me the right advice on how to move forward. I have previous history (past 5 years) of travelling to Ireland, Georgia, Armenia, Serbia, Qatar, UAE & Oman. In my old passports, there are stickers of Irish visa, French Schengen visa, Canada vis,a Ukraine visa and Belarussian visa. Last year March, I was granted a 19-day multiple entry Schengen visa from the German embassy (not VFS), but I couldn’t travel/use due to HR deficit in my company and so company asked to work. Recently, I got a fresh B1/B2 10-year US visa stamped. Intending to travel via Germany to US, I made an itinerary with few days stay right before & soon after my journey to US in Frankfurt, Germany, I applied for a Schengen visa at the German consulate (via VFS) last week. After 7 days, I got a call from the VFS and the staff told me that the rules of German embassy require me to have 1-month more validity to my residence visa in GCC country (where I’m staying) , i.e, after I exit Germany, my GCC resident visa should be valid for another full month, but I was short of 3 days. The staff told I can collect my passport from VFS to extend my resident visa, and then submit my passport again. I didn’t know the above-said 1-month rule earlier and neither did I read anything about it on their website or VFS website. But never mind, now I know.
After a friendly, explanatory chat with the VFS staff, I agreed to his suggestion that I shorten my trip (exit 3 days early to compensate on the 1-month rule), submit a revised Hotel booking in Frankfurt, and a revised Flight Itinerary (I used https://schengenvisaflightreservation.com/pricing/ but they ripped me off when I asked for a date change in my last return leg, but it’s okay as I don’t have time to waste, fighting with them, their small print says “changes/modifications should be made in 24 hours of itinerary issuing” – I should have read Mr.Thirumal’s blog and the readers comments a bit earlier – I’m sharing this info to benefit future travellers so that they don’t do the same mistake as I did – Read the Small Print, the T&C’s and the FAQ’s on online vendor’s website) . Last year, I have used this site ( https://flightitineraryforvisa.com ) with no issues. But just today, I found that the cheapest vendor found so far is this site ( ) who charges $14 for just the Flight itinerary and if you Tick the box which says “Discount code”, it will go down to $12 (no code to be inserted). That’s a deal though, but honestly, I haven’t used it so far, but I might in the future. These are my 2 cents.
Since I am a bit confused and doubtful, my query is : which is a safe path to take, i.e,
1. revise my itineraries or
2. collect my passport & extend my GCC resident visa?
My GCC visa renewal time is 3 & half months away from now, and usually my company will renew only in the last week before expiry. In fact, I had included a NOC letter from my Company which amongst other things like leave consent, etc, also confirms that they will renew my Contract and my Resident Visa for another 2 years upon my return to country after US/German leisure trip. I had given a similar letter from company to US embassy and there were no questions asked.
Mr.Thirumal, thanks again for the loads of information here on your Blogs. Love you and bear hugs !! (Sorry that I have to put my name as Anonymous as I need privacy. Hope everyone will understand). Chao ! and HAPPY VOYAGE EVERYONE !!
Thirumal says
Hi Anonymous! Both options are great but it all depends on how long can you wait. If you can wait till you extend your GCC visa, you will be in a much better situation. But if you can’t wait, using a revised itinerary would work as well.
1. If you can’t wait, then go ahead with this option. I suggest shortening your itinerary by 4-5 days. That way, you will give 1-2 days buffer on top of those 30 days. 30 days is great and you meet the requirements. But 32 days is even better.
2. Go ahead with this option if you can wait. This is a much better option. Your GCC visa renewal is three and a half months away. I am not sure how long the GCC renewal will take, but I assume 2 weeks. Overall, you have to wait for about 4 months. You will then have GCC visa valid for 2 years. The German embassy may even issue a 30 or 90 visa this time.
JJ says
It’s JJ here…….Thanks for your feedback, Thirumal. In fact, I was waiting to hear from you, checking my Email inbox quite often.
I intend to travel on 10th July 2019 and come back on 30th July (this was my initial plan). My GCC visa expires on 27th August. If I knew the 1-month rule earlier, I’d have adjusted the dates on itinerary, and would have avoided all this conundrum. :) I have vacation leave anyway for 6 weeks, from 4th week of June to 1st week of August. I am blessed with a sponsor/employer who is ready to support me unlimited. Any documents within the company’s policies, they will issue me upon request, mainly because of the work ethics and warm relationship we have so far.
Also, FYI, I can modify my travel dates anyway I want as I haven’t bought my air tickets, and that I am waiting till I get my Schengen visa stamped. The itinerary I gave with my visa application is only a provisional one.
Now that I have an advantage that I have all necessary documents ready (employment, financial, travel insurance, etc), I also have a plan to apply for a Canada visa (after Schengen is stamped and I get my passport back) to make a short visit to my family friends in Vancouver while I am in the US. For this, I am deeply researching the articles in your Blog. Any other websites you can recommend, please do. Very long time back, I was issued with a Canada visa, but unfortunately I couldn’t travel at that time. Mr.Thirumal, is there any new info or advice or rules that I should be careful about while making the Canada visa application?
While in US and since I’m travelling solo, I have a special interest to visit these places for 3-4 days each – Anchorage in Alaska, El Salvador & Trinadad (as you know, for the last two, Indians don’t need visa). But, I’m thinking how to plan my trips wisely and from which part of US to fly out and back in in order to save on air fares. Any pointers?
For long haul flights, due to grounding of Boeing MAX flights and June-July peak summer time, the fares have sky-rocketed, but I can’t help as I need to travel.
Now regarding my Schengen visa, as you suggested, due to time constraints I have altered the dates of Flight itinerary and Hotel booking and have forwarded to VFS. Waiting now, hope to get visa soon! fingers crossed!. Usually in this part of the world, they take one week to respond.
Sorry that I am once again bothering you with a few more questions. Thanks again – that in your busy schedule , your take time to write. God bless. //
Thirumal says
Hi JJ! Sorry for keeping you waiting. Swamped with too many comments, so took a while to get to yours.
Canada visa process is quite easy and straight forward. I have applied for it twice and the process was much easier. The only thing that’s new with Canada visa is biometrics. They have made biometrics mandatory to all nationalities now. That means you have to make an appointment and give your biometrics. My Canada visa guide still holds good (except the biometrics part). Also, refer to the CIC website.
Apart from those countries that allow visa-free entry with India passport, you can enter many other countries in Central America, Caribbean and South America using your US or Schengen visa. Refer to my article on VISA-FREE travel with US visa.
Flights from the US to the Caribbean or Central America can be expensive during Jun-Aug. The best way is to find a cheap ticket to one of those countries and bus from there. If this is your first time traveling in Latin America, I suggest opting for Mexico, Costa Rica or Chile. They have better infrastructure and much easier to travel. I’m currently in Honduras, I can say that traveling in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua is a lot difficult.
Hiren says
Hi Thirumal, your Blog is very useful for all kind of visa process.
My name is HIREN, I’m Indian. I am residing in Israel since 2010 as a Caregiver Worker, I visited two times, now I want to apply for UK tourist visa from Israel on 14/06/2019 then come back to Israel on 18/06/2019. (I just wrote in my application that I’m going to watch world-cup cricket match & travel .i booked cricket ticket also).
I don’t know how to write a Cover later for my tourist visa. I don’t have much time as I need to apply on next week on 30/04/2019. Please, can you help me? THANKYOU!
Thirumal says
Hi Hiren! Sure, you have a purpose and a vacation to travel. Just follow the procedure to fill the application form, make an appointment and submit the application.
Regarding documentation, I suggest the following –
– Employment letter stating your full name, job title, duration of employment, salary and duties
– Leave approval letter from your employer stating the dates of leave, country of vacation (UK) and the date on which you have to return to work
– 6 months payslips
– 6 months bank statements showing your monthly salary deposits (no large undocumented deposits though)
– Cover letter stating your dates of travel, the purpose of travel, detailed day-by-day itinerary, employment background, financial solvency, travel history and the obligation to return back after the trip (email me for a cover letter template)
Anonymous says
Hi Thirumal,
A BIG THANK YOU to you for your time and efforts in answering questions and helping fellow travelers! Your advice is clear and very informative, you are doing an awesome job!
I am planning my first Europe trip from the US on Indian Passport. July 1 to 15, the two-week plan includes France, Swiss, Belgium, Amsterdam and the UK! Max days in Swiss so will apply in the Swiss embassy. I have below questions/doubts:
1. Various forums say Schengen visa validity is 90 days from date of entry. But on application, if I give travel dates July 1 to 15, I’ll get the visa for only those dates, right? Then how validity is 90 days from date of entry? I’m confused.
2. I am planning to add buffer days to my plan so that visa is valid for 20-22 days rather than 15 days. Is this right strategy or do visa office add buffer days themselves?
3. Also, I’ll be in the UK for only 3 days, so UK visa will be valid for only those dates?
4. Finally, I know it takes approx. 15-20 days to get Schengen visa and another 15-20 days for UK visa. If I start with Schengen in last week of April, with travel dates July 1 to 15, and then apply for the UK, do you think I’ll have enough margin between getting the passport back and travel as planned? I can move my travel dates to July 15 to 30 if I don’t get the UK visa in time. But then my Schengen visa will show the validity of July 1 to 15!! Again confused with validity.
Please help me to prevent a visa mess :)
Thirumal says
Hi Anonymous! In a situation like your’s, I usually suggest applying for the UK visa first and then Schengen visa. UK visa is always issued with 6-month validity whereas Schengen visa is random, sometimes 90 days or sometimes just for the number of days you have asked for.
1. Schengen visa validity depends on many factors – country, consulate, itinerary, whether it’s the first Schengen application, etc. It’s really difficult to figure if they will issue a 90-day visa for you.
2. They usually add buffer days themselves. For example: when I applied for my Schengen visa from Spain consulate, I asked for 21 days. They gave me a 30-day visa. You can add a few buffer days from your side as well for just in case.
3. No. UK visa minimum validity is 6 months. The visa validty starts from the date of issue.
4. I suggest two things – (1) move your travel dates to July 15-30 and (2) apply for your UK visa first. UK visa takes about 30 days. Your passport will be at the consulate for those entire 30 days. There won’t be an option for you to know your visa status during those 30 days. It can be very stressful if you apply for your UK visa after your Schengen visa.
One more suggestion. If you can, do two trips. One EU only and one UK only. One now and one some other time. Since you will be traveling from the US, there are cheap flights all the time to EU or UK. There is no need to combine both EU and UK in one trip and complicate your visa situation.
Anonmyous says
Hi Thirumal,
Just wanted to thank you again for your advice and update the readers of your site of my experience. I applied for UK visa first, as you recommended, and then the Schengen visa.
UK Visa Application Submitted on April 25th, Biometrics was done at USCIS center on May 7th, Passport sent to UK embassy in NYC on May 7th, received my passport with visa on May 20th!! (14 DAYS) Got for 6 months multiple entry.
Schengen Visa Application submitted online on May 7th, first available appointment in the Swiss embassy in DC was on June 4th, received passport with visa on June 13th!! (9 DAYS) Got for exactly the dates mentioned on my application, July 1 to 21 days but multiple entry!
Tips for Schengen: Add buffer days to your itinerary for visa purposes. I had made flight booking just a day before the appointment and cancelled it a few hours after the appointment, cancelled hotel bookings only after getting the visa. All my real hotel bookings were done in anticipation of getting visa on exactly the dates I had mentioned on the application, so it is going to work out okay!! Europe here I come :) GOOD LUCK to everyone! And THANKS AGAIN for your timely response and valuable advice!
Thirumal says
Hi Anonmyous! That’s fantastic! Congratulations and have a great trip!
Thanks for updating me and the readers with your personal experience and invaluable information for Schengen visas. Readers like you make the Visa Traveler community awesome. Thanks again!
Harsimran Singh says
Thanks for this blog and your time Thirumal. I am from India and I want to apply for Canadian visitor visa for 30 days. I have tried Turkish Airlines but there is no hold and pay later option for me, I want to add that Turkish Airlines had connecting flight with Air Canada from Toronto to Vancouver, is that the reason option was not available?
Please guide me to get hold on airline tickets so that I can apply for it. I want to fly from New Delhi to Vancouver in the month of August, 2019.
Thirumal says
Hi Harsimran! Partner airlines, origin and date of travel affect the hold period. In your case, you can try United Airline’s Farelock, if available. If not, try one of those online travel agents that can hold your ticket for at least 7 days.
JM says
Thanks Thirumal. Would it make sense to block a ticket using one of the travel agents you have shared above? Is it valid for applying to the Swedish Embassy?
Thirumal says
Hi JM! Yes, they all provide travel itineraries for Schengen visas. Make sure you talk/chat with them about the validity of the ticket and any hidden fees before placing the order with them.
JM says
Hi Thirumal,
An excellent blog on how to get a travel itinerary. I am traveling to Sweden in July and would like to know the best option to book an itinerary. Would blocking a ticket via Yatra work? Or do I need to look at other options you have suggested in your blog?
Thirumal says
Hi JM! If you can afford, go for a “refundable ticket” since Swedish (Finnish as well) embassy is quite strict. If not, Yatra would work as well. I have seen Yatra itineraries work for France, Switzerland and Italy embassies.
Anonymous says
Hi Thirumal,
1) Does Schengen or UK visa help in any way to enter UAE (especially Dubai) for 1-2 days? I am planning to spend 1-2 days in Dubai during my return from Europe. What’s the best way to get the permit for 2 days for Dubai?
2) Perhaps a frequent traveler like you can shed some light on this. I have a 5-year multiple entry Schengen visa issued by France. Do I need to have either an entry or exit stamp from France each time I travel to the Schengen countries? I mean can I avoid visiting France altogether on a particular visit; say enter through Italy and exit through Spain?
I would definitely be visiting France within the 5 years but how do I travel to other Schengen countries without passing through France every time, especially the Nordic ones which have strict controls in place.
3) Which cities can you recommend for 2 nights stay as a halt while returning from Rome to Delhi, preferably within 2-3 hrs flight from Rome?
Thirumal says
Hi!
1. Unfortunately no. You CANNOT use a Schengen or UK visa to enter UAE. You would NEED a residence permit in any EU country or UK.
The easiest way to obtain a UAE visa is to secure one from the airline or hotel in UAE. Emirates and Etihad airlines arrange UAE visas for their customers. Also, pretty much every hotel in Dubai arranges UAE visas for their customers.
2. You can, of course, arrive and depart from any Schengen country without even traveling through the country that issued the visa. A Schengen visa is valid for the entire Schengen zone and all participating countries will have your visa details in their systems.
It doesn’t make any sense to apply for a Schengen visa from Italy when you have a valid Schengen visa from France already. And, the Schengen visa is valid for the entire Schengen zone.
That being said, there is a fine line between necessity and visa abuse. If the authorities feel that you are abusing your Schengen visa, they may question you. If you are a frequent traveler and have tons of travel history, you will not be questioned at all.
3. I recommend either Istanbul or Dubai. Both these cities are fantastic for a layover of a couple of days or more. Many flights from EU fly to India via these two cities.
It’s quite easy to secure a visa for UAE from the airline or hotel. Since you hold a Schengen visa, you can secure an eVisa for Turkey.
Prasanth says
Hi Thirumal,
Very good article. I am in a complicated situation at this point in time. I have booked tickets From Chicago – Frankfurt – Chennai through Lufthansa. My H1 stamped visa is expired on December 2016 but I have a valid visa extension approved until Jan 2020. After going through a lot of forums I see that the airline would need a Transit Visa for the itinerary even though I am traveling to my home country. For apply Transit Visa to Germany, I do not have the appointments online before my travel date. So I thought I could apply for a tourist visa to Japan so that I won’t need a transit visa. But Japan visa condition say I would need an itinerary for visa application and a valid ticket to pick the visa for approval. What should I do? Please help!
Thirumal says
Hi Prasanth! Yes, unfortunately, you would need a “valid” US visa to transit through Germany.
For Japan visa, I suggest booking a “refundable” flight ticket. It would cost you a lot but you will be able to get a full refund when you cancel it. That way, you can use it as your flight itinerary for your visa as well as a valid ticket to pick up your visa.
Shane says
Hi Thirumal!
This is Very Helpful information! But need more information from you!
I was planning to apply for the NZ and AU tourist visas. Currently, I have a flight reservation and are valid for 2 months. I don’t have the travel plan itinerary from place to place yet. Because I am not traveling with tour guide or family, but traveling alone.
Here my questions is…
1) Can the travel agents or tour agents making a fake travel itinerary for me just for applications visa?
2) Can we make a travel itinerary without hotel booking but just indicate which place we going to visit?
3) Is it necessary to state the time as well like what time we are going to visit the place?
4) Can I make it simple and short for the itinerary? Or the embassy want details of day to day travel itinerary? Like place A (what you gonna do today, need to list out for whole days activities), and the next day place B and so on.
Thirumal says
Hi Shane! I have never been to AU and/or NZ. So I’m not too aware of the AU/NZ visa requirements and procedure. But I will try to answer your question for any visa in general.
1) Yes. Travel agents can make a travel itinerary for you. But all you need is a couple of hotel bookings and an itinerary (a sheet of paper with dates and places). It’s so easy and simple and there is no need to pay a travel agent for this.
Example: If you will be traveling for 18 days in Australia, pick any 3 places, say Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Make 3 “refundable” hotel reservations, each 6 days. One in Sydney, one in Melbourne and one in Brisbane. Cancel them after your visa is approved.
Write 18 days itinerary in an A4 sheet such as below. Do a Google search such as “places to see in Sydney” to find 3-5 places in Sydney. Similarly in other places. You can handwrite this or type in MS word and print.
Itinerary
=========
– 10 May 2019 – 15 May 2019: Sydney
— Place 1, place 2, place 3 and place 4
– 16 May 2019 – 21 May 2019: Melbourne
— Place 1, place 2 and place 3
– 22 May 2019 – 27 May 2019: Brisbane
— Place 1, place 2, place 3, place 4 and place 5
2) Yes. But most visa applications ask for flight and hotel bookings. You can make “refundable and pay-at-check-in” hotel bookings without paying anything. Once your visa is approved, cancel those bookings.
3) No. Just the dates in a given city.
4) Simple and short is fine. Some applications such as Schengen wants to show a detailed itinerary since multiple countries are involved in some traveler’s itineraries. But for AU and NZ just the dates in each city is sufficient and list out the places you will visit in each city.
GO says
You are doing pretty nice work here.
Please, can E-mail price quote from airlines be used for Schengen visa application? Thanks.
Kind Regards.
Thirumal says
Hi Go! I haven’t used the “email price quote” for Schengen visa myself. I haven’t seen any of my readers use it as well. So, I cannot say for sure if it works or not.
Shikha Pradeep says
Hi Thirumal,
Thank you for all the Valid information, your blog is really helpful. I need some suggestions from your side for my Europe travel plans in September month, from 10th Sep to 25th Sep I plan to travel Paris, Edinburg, London, Amsterdam and Brussels. So I need to apply for Uk Visa and Schengen Visa to cover these cities
My Supposed Itinerary is
Fly from Mumbai to Edinburg
Edinburg to London by Train
London to Paris by Train
Paris to Brussels by Train
Fly back to Mumbai from Amsterdam
I have many doubts before going ahead in executing above plan
1- Uk Visa can only be applied 3 months before one travels, in that case its impossible to hold flight tickets so early, only option I have is to book refundable tickets which is quiet expensive . Do you suggest any other good option to avail benefits of early booking of flight tickets
2- Since I will be travelling Solo I plan to stay in Hostels mainly, its compulsory to submit details of where you’ll be staying during your visit like address and telephone number. So here too I have to check refundable options?
3- Since I am staying in mumbai on rent, what all necessary residential proofs embassy will ask for and whats a probability of getting it rejected since i am staying on rent Or I should apply from my hometown delhi where I have my permanent house and proper documents like Pan card, Voter Id, Adhar Card etc
4- I am working as a freelancer in Advertising as a Casting Director, what all documents embassy might demand to prove my nature of job?
I am getting worried about above queries, it would be kind of you to help me with your valuable suggestions please
Thanks
Shikha
Thirumal says
Hi Shikha! Apologize for such a delayed response. Here is what I think.
1. For the UK visa, you can use the “email price quote” option from British Airways or “3-day hold” option from yatra.com. I have had readers use both those options without any issues for their UK visas.
2. Yes, you must furnish the details on where you will be staying during your trip. You can book hotels/hostels that offer “refundable and pay-at-the-property”. Cancel the bookings after your visa is approved.
3. If you have been living in Mumbai for long enough, you must apply from Mumbai. UK consulate does background checks and it can complicate if you try to show that you live in Delhi. You can provide your rental lease/contract in Mumbai and the rest of the documentation from Delhi.
4. As a freelancer, you have to provide your self-employment registration, income statements, bank statements, invoices, client contracts, portfolio, annual tax returns, etc. You don’t have to provide all of it but the more proofs you have the better it is.
Yousif says
Hello everybody,
Any help regarding the Canadian tourist visa !
I’ve started my online application but I faced an issue regarding the travel itinerary.
Canadian Visa usually takes 6 weeks processing time, How I can get a travel itinerary a free as the visa is not guaranteed at all for my nationality?
Thirumal says
Hi Yousif! It’s extremely difficult to hold a flight ticket for 6 weeks. Consulates know this and they don’t insist you on holding a ticket for that long. If you can hold a ticket for 1-2 weeks, you will be fine for Canada visa. I suggest using the United Airline’s Farelock for 7 days.
Anonymous says
Thirumal, for an UK visa, what kind of things would be considered as ‘Evidence of family members remaining in your home country whilst you travel’?
Thirumal says
This is a tricky one. I suggest providing some of the following –
– If married: spouse’s employment documents
– If has kids: kids’ school fee receipts
– If parents needing medical assistance: parents’ medical appointment/bills, etc
– If has siblings: siblings’ employment letters, school or college fee receipts, etc
If you provide any of the above, you should also provide documentation to prove the relationship (married certificate, birth certificate, etc)
bakul thummar says
Hi Thirumal, thanks for the article!
I purchased flight itinerary from “Schengen visa reservation” website and booked a hotel with booking.com and applied for Schengen visa for 15 days in France for our family of (couple + 2 children)
I got just refusal latter on 15 Feb 19 with reason no. 8 The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and condition of the intended stay was not reliable.
Last year, Feb 18 I was refused by Netherlands embassy reason 2. justification for the purpose and condition of intended stay was not provided and reason no 9. your intention to leave territory could not be ascertained. Because during the telephonic interview I could not answer the hotel name and address. at that time also not submitted my business license. Applied as freelancer, also no travel history, so refused. Then in a week reapply in Czech republic again refused with the same reason 2 and 9.
Then immediately we went to Singapore, Malaysia, Srilanka
This time doing a lot of research. All thing makes perfect, bank balance, my property paper, mutual fund, CA certificate, my business license, there is no fault in the paper.
1. Is it a problem with the ticket or any?
2. Should I try with package tour? Is that can improve my chance? ( which I dislike, I like to travel on my own)
3. Should I try in any other Schengen country or should I wait for next year?
4. This three refusal impact on other county application, like Australia?
5. Is there any option to physically go direct embassy for visa application?
Please help me to take the decision.
Thirumal says
Hi Bakul! Before I answer your questions, let me clarify the reasons of your visa refusal and offer some suggestions first.
Refusal Reason 8 – “The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and condition of the intended stay was not reliable.”
Reasons –
1. Your purpose of travel is not clear. Visa officers couldn’t clearly understand whether your travel was tourism, business, or both
2. Your itinerary was not clear and detailed. Visa officers couldn’t understand what all places you will be touring, how you will be going from place to place, where will you be staying, how long you will stay in each place, etc.
3. Your purpose is “tourism” but you submitted your business funds and bank statements (which are for business purpose only)
Suggestions –
1. Indicate your purpose of travel clearly in your cover letter
2. Indicate your day-by-day itinerary clearly in your cover letter
3. Show internal flight/train/bus tickets
4. Show hotel reservations in all places that you will be visiting
Refusal Reason 2 – “Your intention to leave territory could not be ascertained”
Reasons –
1. This could be due to the lack of strong ties with your home country
2. You do not have any family obligations that would make you return back to your home country after the trip
3. You do not have any business obligations that would make you return back to your country after the trip
Suggestions –
1. Submit employment letter and leave approval letter from your wife (if she is working)
2. Submit your children school fee receipts (if in school)
3. Submit client contracts stating your obligation for future work and commitments
4. Submit NOC documents from your business partners that you will return to business activities at the end of the trip
5. Indicate in the cover letter clearly that you intend to return back to your country after the trip as you are responsible for carrying on company activities, sending kids to school, etc
Here are the answers to your questions –
1. Is it a problem with the ticket or any?
It could be. Did you verify the authenticity of the tickets after you got them from Schengen Visa Reservation? Also, did you provide internal flight/train/bus tickets?
2. Should I try with package tour? Is that can improve my chance? ( which I dislike, I like to travel on my own)
Package tour will not improve your chances either. You have several rejections already and if keep trying, the consulates sense desperation and assume that it could be an illegal immigration attempt.
3. Should I try in any other Schengen country or should I wait for next year?
All Schengen countries can see your previous visa denials. So, it doesn’t really matter which embassy you apply from. You would need to figure what you are lacking and must fix that before. Embassy or country doesn’t really affect your result.
4. This three refusal impact on other county application, like Australia?
I think so. I don’t have evidence to prove, but most countries have access to visas and traveler information. I found out recently that UK can now check anyone’s US visa attempts, US can check for any Canada visa attempts, and so on. So, I’m certain that most countries now have access to visas and travel information.
5. Is there any option to physically go direct embassy for visa application?
Yes. Not all Schengen countries use VFS for visa processing. I think Spain, Belgium, Sweden, etc are still consulate based. Check the websites of other Schengen country consulates for details.
bakul thummar says
Many many thanks Thirumal for your wide reply! I’m a big fan of you as one is for a film star.
How can I verify Air reservation/ticket (15 days blocked fight itinerary) that I got from Schengen visa flight reservation?
I submitted my wife’s salary certificate and leave approval latter, children’s school NOC letter, four savings account (16 lac balance), two current account with proper transactions, my wife’s rented income proof (rent agreement), I am doing property dealing business with proprietorship, submitted firm registration, shop establishment license (office), which is only one year old, submitted various 8 property paper with translation, not submitted internal travel tickets (is it mandatory?)
Is the whole family visa I demanded is the problem? Should I apply for couple only? I live with my mother father but not submitted ration card.
Now with your suggestion decided to postpone Europe trip, and want to go elsewhere, to develop travel history, I completed Singapore, Malaysia, Srilanka.
My new travel history is will helpful for my future plan for Europe trip?
Europe trip is my big aim in my life, where should I go to improve travel history?
Thirumal says
Thanks, Bakul for the kind words! “Big fan of you as one is for a film star” makes be chukle, thanks a lot!!
How can I verify Air reservation/ticket (15 days blocked fight itinerary) that I got from Schengen visa flight reservation?
You can verify the reservation/ticket on that particular airline website. There are also third-party websites/apps such as CheckMyTrip where you can verify your reservation.
Is the whole family visa I demanded is the problem? Should I apply for couple only? I live with my mother father but not submitted ration card.
Applying for the entire family is not a problem if you have really strong ties with your country. If you don’t have strong ties with your country, I suggest traveling as a couple rather than the entire family.
My new travel history will be helpful for my future plan for Europe trip?
Yes. That will definitely help you in your future Schengen visas.
Europe trip is my big aim in my life, where should I go to improve travel history?
Travel to countries that issue visa stickers in your passport. VOA countries that issue visa stickers are Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. Visa required countries that issue visa stickers are UAE, South Korea, Japan, etc.
Anonymous says
Greatly appreciate the advice you are providing here to fellow travellers!
I have a few questions on my imminent trip to UK and Europe (traveling on Indian passport). I would be traveling with my parents, both retired and live in India. They are not dependents and have their own source of income. My plan is to first visit UK for 4 days, then travel to France, Switzerland and return to India from Italy. I am currently working as a freelance business consultant, so no ’employer’ as such. In the past I have lived in France for 3 years and have traveled to UK from France on a visitor visa.
My questions.
1. My trip will be total 20-22 days, split between UK-4, France-7, Swiss-4, Italy-7. I am going as a tourist but will be also attending an university reunion one full day in France, which is the main motivation for the trip. I want to apply for the Schengen visa first (at the French Consulate), then for the UK visa. Is this a good strategy, considering France is my main reason for the trip. or do you advise to apply the UK one first, then France? My reasoning being, the Schengen visa would increase my chance for the UK one.
2. I read in one of your earlier responses to show travel itinerary just for only 1 country for the visa (using hotel bookings and flight reservation for 3-4 places in that country) instead of showing many countries. Is this a good option in my case i.e. to show only French hotel bookings and flight reservations. In that case, would there be incentive for requesting multiple entries.
3. Do I need internal train/bus bookings in France and from UK to France while applying for both UK and Schengen visa.
4. As a self-employed person, I have bank statements, last tax return and invoices for my income. I do not have any leave approval or salary slips. What else can I provide to strengthen our application and prove ties to India (It might be worthwhile to mention here that I am not going for any professional reason, although my primary client now is a French one). I was thinking of showing my family’s property ownership in India, Aadhaar card for all family members (my brother and his family who are not traveling with us, niece’s school ID etc).
Thirumal says
Hi! I apologize for such a late response!
1. It doesn’t matter much. I have known readers who have applied for the UK visa first and Schengen later. They had similar itineraries comprising a trip to UK and Europe. In my opinion, going for the UK visa first is better since your passport will be away at the UK consulate for almost 30 days. You can neither track your visa status nor talk to someone at the consulate. It can be annoying if you already had your Schengen visa and the travel dates are approaching.
But, if you like to go with Schengen visa first, I suggest applying for Schengen well in advance so you will not panic while your passport is away at the UK consulate for over 30 days. Apply for Schengen at least 3 months before your travel dates. Even if Schengen takes 30 days, you will still have about 60 days to sort out your UK situation.
2. Showing an itinerary for just one country makes it simple and manageable. You don’t need train tickets or make too many hotel reservations. Since this is not your first Schengen visa, (a) you will get a multiple-entry visa and (b) the visa validity would be 90 days or more.
3. Internal train/bus bookings depend on whether you would like to show the entire itinerary or just France. If entire itinerary, then yes, you will have to show internal train/bus bookings as well. Easiest would be to show refundable flight tickets between countries.
If you are applying for Schengen visa first, I suggest providing flight tickets in and out of Schengen region. Otherwise, the Schengen visa officials would like to see if you already have a UK visa.
If you are applying for a UK visa first, I suggest providing flight tickets in and out of the UK. This removes the necessity to provide a copy of your Schengen visa with your UK visa application.
4. Being employed is definitely a strong tie with one’s home country. But, you are strong in other areas such as travel history, which will compensate for you being self-employed. Bank statements, tax returns and invoices are sufficient in your case. Provide any client contracts if you have.
Yes, those documents for your family ties will help definitely help.
Anonymous says
For the sake of confidentiality, can you please change my name to ‘Anonymous’
That is some great advice there. Thank you!
So basically you are saying keep things simple for the first visa. If applying for UK first, show in and out flight tickets for UK only. If Schengen visa first, then show in and out tickets from there only. My travel dates are end of May; so I plan to apply in the beginning of March for the first visa.
2 questions about UK visa.
1. I understand medical insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa. Is it mandatory for UK visa too?
2. The bank statements and income tax returns are needed for 3 months and 3 years respectively?
Thirumal says
For sure.
1. Medical insurance is NOT REQUIRED for the UK visa.
2. I know that you would need 3 months of bank statements. But, I’m not very sure about tax returns. In my opinion, there is no harm in providing more tax returns. Go for 3 years if you have.
Sajju says
Hi Thirumal, thanks a lot for such nice and detailed article!
Please allow me to ask you for your help solving my queries regarding budget travel without confirmed flight tickets and it’s because this is gonna my first ever visit abroad. My itinerary is something like this -> INDIA-LAOS-VIETNAM-CAMBODIA-THAILAND-INDIA or may be in reverse order. Hence, below are the concerning things for which I need your hep –
1. How many days in advance I can apply for Visa, because advance visa is suppose to help me better preparation and flight booking(earliest is best).
2. Do I need to upload the complete itinerary each time I apply Visa in Embassies for each country?
3. Is VOA best option for me as Indian and a budget traveller(yes I will not tell them that).
4. Does VOA option also requires to show complete itinerary?
5. My actual plan is to use flight only for ENTRY and EXITING time from starting to end of the total trip as I am travelling on budget. Therefore, HOW THE CHEAP AND BEST WAY I should show confirmed RETURN TICKET to each country without really booking a confirmed ticket? Can REFUNDABLE TICKET with VOA be the only good option OR there may be other better ways to do that(I am not a frequent flier though)?
6. Are HOSTEL BOOKINGS accepted in Visa approval?
Your early reply will be appreciated.
Regards.
Thirumal says
Hi Sajju! That’s a very good itinerary. You will have a great time.
1. You can apply for most visas up to 3 months in advance. In your case, you can get VoA at all of those countries (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand). You get 1 month entry in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and 15 days entry in Thailand.
2. You don’t have to upload/submit a complete itinerary. You just have to submit your inbound flight, outbound flight and hostel bookings.
3. Yes. VOA may cost you slightly more. But compared to all the leg work you need to do for consulate visas, it comes down to the same price. Most consulates are in New Delhi and if don’t live in New Delhi, you would be spending a lot more on traveling to Delhi for visas.
4. It depends on the country. You don’t need a visa for Laos. For Cambodia and Vietnam, do documentation is needed. You need a hostel booking and outbound flight for Thailand.
5. I have outlined a few ways to get RETURN/ONWARD ticket for VoA in this article. Check it out. The cheapest option for you is to take buses from country to country.
6. Yes, hostel bookings are accepted.
Here is the visa information on each country –
Laos – India passport holders DO NOT NEED a visa for 30 days
Vietnam – India passport holders can get eVisa for 30 days for $25 USD. No documentation needed. Processing takes 2 working days. India passport holders can also get VoA for 30 days or 3 months. You must get an approval letter prior to arriving in Vietnam. Approval letter costs about $10 USD. Plus, VoA fee at the airport is $25 USD. Approval letter takes 2 working days. More info at Vietnam Visa Guide.
Cambodia – India passport holders can get VoA for 30 days for $30 USD. More info at Cambodia Visa Guide.
Thailand – India passport holders can get VoA for 15 days for 2000 THB. Thailand is waiving the VoA fee until the end of Jan. So, if you go before the end of Jan, the fee is 0. After that, it’s 2000 THB. You can also apply for a pre-approved visa from Thai consulate or VFS. It’s free of charge through Thai consulate and VFS changes some fee. More info at Thailand Visa Guide.
Rakhi says
Hi Thirumal,
Thanks for your post. It was really helpful.
However, have few queries below.
For applying a tourist UK Visa, do we also need a letter from employer too as a proof of leave consent if I am working.
Also, could you please share the list of documents which is required for getting a tourist visa for UK.
Waiting to hear from you soon.
Thirumal says
Hi Rakhi! UK visa application doesn’t ask specifically for a leave approval letter. But I have seen quite a few cases approved/denied based on that particular document. I’m assuming that leave approval letter works as a reaffirmation of strong ties to one’s home country. If you want to have higher chances of approval, I suggest including a leave approval letter from your employer.
For documents required for UK visa application, refer to my UK visa guide. I have listed out all the documents needed in that article.