Why is a flight itinerary required by embassies and consulates for visa applications?
Embassies and consulates require a flight itinerary (or flight reservation) primarily to verify the authenticity and coherence of your travel plans. They are not merely checking whether you have a means of travel; they use your itinerary as evidence to confirm your intentions. The primary reasons this document is mandatory are as follows: 1. Proof of Intention to Return (the “non-immigrant” test) The most important factor for an immigration officer is ensuring that you do not intend to overstay your visa. • The logic: If you have a confirmed or reserved return flight, it demonstrates that you have a specific departure date and a concrete plan to leave the country. • Without it: A traveller without a return ticket may appear likely to stay indefinitely, which is a red flag for potential illegal immigration. 2. Validation of the visa type Your flight itinerary helps the consulate verify that your travel plans align with the ...