If you're applying for a visa, one of the most confusing parts of the checklist is proof of accommodation. Most embassies ask for a hotel booking that matches your travel dates.
But should you actually pay for a hotel before you get your visa?
No. You don’t have to risk your money yet.
Instead, most travelers use a dummy hotel booking a temporary, low-cost reservation used only for visa applications.
This blog explains how dummy hotel bookings work, why embassies accept them, and how you can book one safely.
What Is a Dummy Hotel Booking?
A dummy hotel booking is a temporary hotel reservation made for visa purposes. It includes:
- Your full name
- Hotel name and address
- Check-in and check-out dates
- Booking ID or confirmation number
But here’s the key: it's not prepaid. It’s either a free cancellation booking or a temporary hold.
These are used to:
- Show your intended stay
- Prove your accommodation matches your flight and itinerary
- Avoid losing money before your visa is approved
Do Embassies Accept Dummy Hotel Bookings?
Yes, they do. In fact, most visa checklists say “hotel reservation” not “paid hotel receipt.”
Embassies want to see:
- Your travel dates
- Your accommodation location
- That you’ve planned your stay in advance
They do not expect you to spend ₹30,000–₹50,000 on non-refundable hotel rooms before they approve your application.
As long as the booking looks real and matches your other documents, it is accepted.
How to Get a Dummy Hotel Booking (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Use a Trusted Platform
You have two safe options:
- Online travel sites with free cancellation (Booking.com, Agoda)
- Dummy booking services that generate visa-friendly confirmations
Step 2: Enter Matching Travel Dates
The check-in and check-out dates must match your flight and visa application. If you're applying for a 10-day trip, your hotel booking should show the same.
Even if you plan to stay with friends, book a hotel as a placeholder. You can cancel it later.
Step 3: Book With No Prepayment
Most platforms let you reserve without a credit card. Look for options marked:
- “Book Now, Pay Later”
- “Free Cancellation”
These are perfect for dummy bookings.
After booking, download or email the confirmation it should look professional and include all the details.
Step 4: Use Dummy Hotel Booking Services (Optional)
If you don’t want to deal with travel websites, some visa service providers offer dummy hotel bookings for ₹300–₹800.
They send a PDF that includes:
- Booking confirmation
- Hotel address and contact
- Your name and stay dates
Useful when you're also booking a dummy flight ticket and want everything aligned.
Why Use a Dummy Hotel Booking Instead of Paying?
Here’s what you avoid by using a dummy hotel booking:
| Risk | Dummy Booking Avoids |
|---|---|
| Losing money if visa is denied | Yes |
| Paying for accommodation you may not use | Yes |
| Mismatched documents Easily | fixed |
| Stress of choosing the final hotel too early | Completely avoided |
Conclusion
Dummy hotel bookings are a practical, low-risk way to satisfy embassy requirements during visa applications.
To recap:
- Use free cancellation bookings or dummy booking providers
- Make sure the dates match your visa and flights
- Always double-check that the confirmation looks real and complete
This saves you from spending on hotels before your visa is even approved while still presenting a complete application that satisfies embassy requirements.
It’s a smart and safe step every traveler should know.
