The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit. 26 European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement. This visa allows travelers to move within these countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.
When applying for a Schengen Visa, one of the requirements is to provide a flight itinerary, a document showing your travel plans, including the dates. You plan to arrive and leave from the Schengen Area and the cities you plan to visit.
The visa authorities use the flight itinerary to verify your travel plans and assess the purpose and duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
Having a flight itinerary for your Schengen Visa application is essential because it demonstrates to the visa authorities that you have a clear plan for your trip and intend to leave the Schengen Area within the allowed timeframe. It also helps to show that you have the financial means to cover the cost of your trip.
But booking a flight can be expensive, especially if you are still determining if your visa will be approved. Here comes the concept of a dummy flight itinerary.
What Is A Dummy Flight Itinerary, And How Does It Work?
A dummy flight itinerary, also known as a flight reservation or flight confirmation, is a document that looks like a confirmed flight itinerary. Still, it is not a ticket that you can use to board a plane. It is a document that shows your planned travel details, such as the dates, destinations, and flight numbers, but it does not guarantee a seat on the plane.
A dummy air ticket can be created and obtained online, usually for a small fee. Some websites offer the service of creating a dummy plane ticket for visa applications, and the process is usually straightforward. You must enter your travel information and pay before receiving the dummy flight itinerary in a PDF.
A dummy air ticket can substitute for an actual flight itinerary in your Schengen Visa application. Yet, you need to note that a dummy air ticket is not an actual ticket and does not guarantee travel. It is a document showing your planned travel details and needs to be validated for travel.
Using a dummy flight reservation for a Schengen Visa application carries some risk. The visa authorities may request proof of the flight reservation or ask you to provide an actual ticket before issuing the visa. In this case, you need to either book an actual flight or find another way to show your travel plans.
Pros And Cons Of Using A Dummy Flight Ticket For A Schengen Visa Application
Using a dummy flight ticket for a Schengen Visa application has pros and cons, which you should consider before deciding whether to go this route.
Pros:
- A dummy plane ticket can be obtained online and is usually cheaper than booking an actual flight.
- It allows you to provide your travel details and prove your intention to leave the Schengen Area. Within the allowed timeframe without committing to an actual flight.
- It can be a good option if you are still determining. Whether your visa will be approved and you want to avoid losing money on a flight booking.
Cons:
- A dummy flight ticket is not an actual ticket and does not guarantee travel.
- The visa authorities may request proof of the flight reservation. Or ask you to provide an actual ticket before issuing the visa.
- Your visa application may only be allowed if you provide an actual ticket or book a flight.
- Using a dummy flight itinerary can be risky, as it may raise suspicion about your application’s authenticity and travel plans.
- Need to weigh the pros and cons of a dummy flight ticket before deciding whether to go this route. In some cases, it may be a good option, but in others. It may be safer to book an actual flight or to find an alternative way to show your travel plans.
Tips For Using A Dummy Flight Itinerary
If you decide to use a dummy ticket reservation for your Schengen Visa application, here are some tips to help you do it:
Use a reputable service: Many websites offer the service of creating dummy flight itineraries, but not all are trustworthy. Choosing a reputable service with good reviews and a proven track record is essential.
Make sure the dummy flight itinerary looks genuine: A dummy flight ticket should look as close to a confirmed flight itinerary as possible. It should include your travel details, such as the dates, destinations, and flight numbers, and it should be presented.
Be prepared to provide extra documents: The visa authorities may request additional documents or information to verify your application’s authenticity and travel plans. Be prepared to provide proof of travel arrangements. Such as hotel reservations or travel insurance, or book an accurate flight if requested.
Be honest: Lying on a visa application is a serious offence and can have serious consequences. Be honest with the visa authorities about utilizing a mock flying itinerary.
Have a backup plan: Using a dummy air ticket is risky, as the visa authorities may request an actual ticket or ask you to book a flight. You must have a backup plan in case your visa application needs approval. Or if you are asked to provide an actual ticket. Consider booking a flexible or refundable flight, using a travel agency, or using a travel insurance policy as an alternative.
Final Thoughts
Using a dummy air ticket has pros and cons, and it may be a good option in some cases but not in others. You need to weigh the pros and cons of using a dummy flight itinerary. Before deciding whether to go this route and be prepared to provide extra documents or to book an accurate flight if requested.
