If you're applying for a visa, you've likely been told to submit a round-trip flight reservation. But does that mean you need to book a real flight?
Not really.
Most embassies accept something called a dummy flight ticket a temporary booking used just for the visa process.
But is it safe? Can it lead to rejection? Will the embassy verify it?
This blog clears up all your doubts about using a dummy flight ticket for visa applications.
What Is a Dummy Flight Ticket?
A dummy flight ticket is a flight reservation made without full payment. It includes:
- Your name
- Travel dates
- Airline and flight numbers
- A real-looking booking code (PNR)
It looks like a real ticket but is not valid for boarding. It’s created only to meet the visa requirement of providing a travel plan.
Dummy tickets usually expire in 24 to 72 hours.
Why Do Embassies Ask for Flight Tickets?
Embassies ask for flight reservations to:
- See your planned travel dates
- Confirm you’ll return to your home country
- Understand the entry and exit route
They don’t expect you to spend ₹50,000 or more before your visa is approved. That’s why they accept reservations instead of paid tickets.
Most embassies including Schengen, US, UK, Canada, and Australia accept dummy tickets, as long as they are legitimate and match your documents.
Are Dummy Tickets Safe to Use?
Yes if done correctly, a dummy ticket is completely safe for visa applications.
Here’s why:
- They’re widely accepted across major embassies
- Many consulates even mention “reservation” in their document checklist
- Travel agents and visa consultants regularly use them for clients
The key is to use a legit provider or real airline hold system not fake templates.
How Visa Officers View Dummy Tickets
Visa officers don’t call airlines to verify every single ticket. They only check:
- Do the dates make sense?
- Is it a round-trip?
- Does it match the rest of the application (hotel, itinerary)?
If your ticket looks professional and is consistent with other documents, they move on.
Dummy tickets raise red flags only when:
- They’re clearly fake (Photoshopped or poorly formatted)
- Dates don’t match the rest of your paperwork
- It’s a one-way ticket without return info
So yes dummy tickets are safe, but bad dummy tickets are not.
Common Risks (and How to Avoid Them)
| Risk | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Fake-looking or poorly formatted ticket | Use a trusted provider with real PNRs |
| Expired ticket at time of submission | Book 24 hours before visa appointment |
| Dates not matching other documents | Keep hotel, insurance, and visa form consistent |
| Using shady free generators | Stick to paid, verifiable reservations |
How to Make Sure Your Dummy Ticket Is Safe
Follow these steps to stay on the safe side:
1. Use Trusted Providers
Choose websites or agents that generate real bookings with valid PNRs.
Examples:
- DummyTicketForVisa
- Travelvisabookings
- Yatra (for hold bookings)
2. Match Dates with Other Documents
Make sure your dummy ticket:
- Matches your hotel reservation dates
- Matches your visa application form
- Shows both arrival and return flights
3. Submit Within Validity Period
If your dummy ticket expires in 48 hours, submit your visa documents before that.
Some providers offer renewal or extension if needed.
4. Avoid Templates or Edited Files
Visa officers can spot fake documents. Never use Photoshop or online fake ticket generators.
Conclusion
A dummy flight ticket for visa is not just safe it’s the standard approach for most travelers worldwide.
The key is to:
- Use a legit booking with real flight data
- Keep your information consistent
- Avoid fake or expired documents
As long as your dummy ticket looks authentic and supports your travel plan, visa officers have no reason to reject it.
It saves money, protects your plans, and gives you flexibility until your visa is approved.
Use it right, and it works like a charm.
