Flight reservation for a Schengen visa application
If you are applying for a short-stay Schengen visa, the document checklist will usually mention your travel plans: dates of entry and exit, and some form of flight itinerary or reservation. This guide explains what that typically means, how an unticketed flight reservation can be used for it, and where its limits are.
What is usually required
Each Schengen country's consulate, embassy or appointed visa centre publishes its own checklist, and the details differ. Requirements you will commonly see include:
- a completed application form, passport and photographs;
- travel medical insurance for the duration of the stay;
- proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation;
- proof of sufficient means for the stay;
- a flight itinerary or reservation showing how you plan to enter and leave the Schengen area.
Many consulates ask for a flight reservation or itinerary rather than a paid ticket, and some advise applicants not to buy non-refundable tickets before the visa is approved. This is not universal. Always read the current checklist on the website of the consulate or visa centre handling your application, and follow it where it differs from anything written here.
How a ValidFlight reservation helps
ValidFlight places an unticketed reservation with the airline in the traveller's name. You receive the booking reference (PNR), the flight details and a printable PDF itinerary by e-mail. While the reservation is held, it can usually be looked up on the airline's website under "Manage booking" with the PNR and surname.
This gives you a document that shows a concrete route and dates without paying for a ticket you may not be able to use if the visa is refused. You pay only our service fee, with prices from €10.90.
The limits are important:
- The airline holds an unpaid reservation only for a limited time, typically 24 to 72 hours depending on the carrier. After that it is released.
- A consulate may check the booking later during processing. If it has been released by then, the lookup will no longer show it.
- We cannot tell you whether a particular consulate will accept a reservation. That decision belongs to the consulate, and you remain responsible for the documents you submit.
Timing tips
- Standard reservation: order it one or two days before your appointment, so it is still held on the day you submit your application.
- 7-day or 14-day plan: if you want a live booking for longer, these plans automatically create a fresh reservation each time the previous one is released and e-mail you the new PNR. Note that each renewal has a new booking reference, so the PNR printed in your application may differ from the one currently live.
- Visa processing can take longer than 14 days. No plan keeps a reservation live for the entire processing period in every case.
- Choose realistic travel dates that match your insurance, accommodation and the dates on your application form.
What it is not
A reservation is not a flight ticket. No e-ticket number is issued, it is not paid, and it cannot be used to board a plane. It does not reserve a seat for your actual trip. Once your visa is approved, you need to buy a real ticket for the flights you intend to take. A reservation also does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
Do Schengen consulates accept a flight reservation instead of a ticket?
Many consulates ask for a flight reservation or itinerary rather than a purchased ticket, but requirements vary by country and by visa centre. Check the checklist published by the consulate handling your application.
Can the consulate verify my reservation?
While the reservation is held, it can usually be looked up on the airline's website with the PNR and surname. After the airline releases it, typically within 24 to 72 hours, it will no longer show as active.
Which plan should I choose for my visa appointment?
If you only need the document on the day you submit, the standard reservation ordered a day or two before is usually enough. If you want a live booking for longer, the 7-day or 14-day plan renews the reservation automatically with a new PNR each time.
Can I use the reservation to travel?
No. It is not a ticket, has no e-ticket number and cannot be used to board. After your visa is approved, buy a ticket for the flights you will actually take.
Does a reservation improve my chances of getting a visa?
No. It is one supporting document among many. The consulate decides on the whole application, and no document guarantees approval.
Get your flight reservation
Enter your route, dates and traveller details, and receive the PNR and PDF itinerary by e-mail.
Need proof of accommodation as well? See the hotel reservation page.
More answers in the FAQ. Please read our Terms before ordering.