Schengen Visa Reservation

When applying for a visa, most embassies and consulates require proof of onward and return travel in the form of a flight itinerary. This document outlines your planned travel dates, destinations, and flight details without requiring you to purchase the actual ticket in advance. The best and safest ways to obtain a flight itinerary include: 1.      Book Through a Travel Agency Many reputable travel agencies offer flight reservation services specifically for visa applications. They can hold a booking temporarily, providing you with the official documentation that embassies accept. 2.      Reserve Directly with Airlines Some airlines allow you to place a ticket on hold for a small fee (or for free) before final payment. This option is useful if your visa decision is still pending. 3.      Book a Refundable Ticket Purchasing a fully refundable ticket allows you to cancel after your visa is approved. While reliable, this method can...

  Travel insurance  is designed to protect travellers from unexpected expenses, emergencies, or losses that may occur before or during a trip. It provides financial coverage and assistance services to ensure unforeseen events do not cause major disruptions or costs. How it works when traveling 1.      Purchase before your trip  – Select a travel insurance policy tailored to your destination, trip duration, and needs (e.g., medical coverage, trip cancellation, baggage protection). 2.      Coverage begins  – Certain benefits, such as trip cancellation, start as soon as the policy is issued, while others, like medical coverage, apply only during your travel dates. 3.      If something happens  – In the event of a covered situation (e.g., sudden illness, lost luggage, travel delay), you can contact the insurer’s 24/7 assistance line or file a claim. 4.      Claim process  – The insu...

Yes, you can provide proof of accommodation for your entire stay, and in most visa applications (such as the Schengen visa), it is actually a mandatory requirement. Your proof of accommodation must include: Your full name (exactly as it appears in your passport) The hotel or host’s full address and contact number Check-in and check-out dates covering your entire trip The booking reference number or confirmation code Why the full stay must be covered: To ensure you have planned your trip responsibly To verify that your accommodation matches your travel dates and itinerary To help immigration authorities track your location in case of emergencies You may also submit a  dummy hotel booking as proof of accommodation . Although it is called a “dummy reservation,” it is not a fake booking. It is simply a confirmed booking without paying the full price before your visa is approved. One reliable way to make a hotel booking without paying the full price upfront is by using the services of...

  Booking your flight and hotel before your Schengen visa is approved is generally not recommended. Here are the key reasons why not book your flight and hotel booking for a Schengen visa before the visa is approved Risk of financial loss if your visa is rejected. There is no certainty that your visa will be approved, and it may be rejected or even voided due to unforeseen circumstances such as a pandemic. It is unwise to make such a significant commitment without assurance that your visa will be approved. In the event of an emergency, you can always book a return flight and travel back to your home country. Therefore, it is not advisable to make full hotel bookings solely to provide proof of accommodation. Lack of flexibility to change your travel plans. If you book all your hotels in advance, you won’t have the flexibility to travel as you wish. What if you want to spend an extra day in Berlin? You can’t, since you have already booked a hotel in Amsterdam, and so on. From a trave...

  Yes, Schengen  travel insurance  is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa. The insurance must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay within the Schengen Area. It must cover all the dates indicated in your travel itinerary, beginning from your intended date of entry and ending on your planned date of departure. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to extend the coverage by a few extra days beyond your travel dates to account for possible delays or emergencies. Most embassies also recommend that the policy include coverage for additional days beyond your return date in case of unforeseen changes, such as delayed flights or medical emergencies. Furthermore, the insurance must meet the following minimum requirements: Coverage amount: At least €30,000 Coverage area: All Schengen countries Coverage type: Must include emergency medical treatment and repatriation of remains It is also recommended to include additional coverage for a few extra days...

  Yes, in many cases,  dummy hotel bookings  are acceptable for Schengen visa applications as long as they are legitimate and verifiable. These bookings are typically used to show proof of accommodation without requiring full payment upfront. Key Points to Know: Accepted by Many Embassies Most Schengen embassies accept dummy hotel bookings, particularly if: The booking is made through a recognized platform or service. It includes real hotel details along with your full name. It matches your travel dates and itinerary. How to Get a Dummy Hotel Reservation for a Visa? A dummy hotel reservation refers to a hotel booking created solely for the purpose of supporting a visa application. These bookings are generated according to your travel dates, and once you receive your visa decision, the reservation can either be modified or canceled, particularly if your visa is denied. The key advantage of using a dummy hotel reservation is that you are not required to pay for the hotel up...

Yes, Schengen embassies generally accept unpaid or  dummy flight reservations  as valid supporting documents for tourist, business, or short-stay visa applications. In fact, many embassies recommend submitting a reservation instead of a fully paid airline ticket to avoid financial risk. Why Do Embassies Accept Unpaid/Dummy Flight Reservations? Most embassies, including those of Schengen countries, accept unpaid or dummy flight reservations as valid proof of intended travel during the visa application process. This is a widely accepted practice designed to protect applicants while still allowing consular officers to verify travel intent. 1. Visa Uncertainty Embassies understand that visa approval is not guaranteed, and requiring applicants to purchase non-refundable tickets could result in unnecessary financial loss. Therefore, they accept temporary reservations instead of fully paid tickets. 2. Proof of Travel Intent: Embassies require evidence of your travel plans, including ...

  Travel insurance  is mandatory for some travellers visiting Europe, specifically for those who need a Schengen visa. Here’s a detailed explanation: Is travel insurance required for visiting Europe? Yes, but only in specific cases: Mandatory if you are a citizen of a country that requires a Schengen visa to enter Europe. Not mandatory if you are from a visa-exempt country (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia), although it is still highly recommended. Why is travel insurance required for Schengen visa holders? Travel insurance is required by law for Schengen visa applicants to: 1. Protect public health systems:  European countries want to ensure visitors can afford medical treatment without burdening their healthcare systems.  2. Cover medical emergencies:  Insurance must cover a minimum of €30,000 for:     Emergency medical treatment     Hospitalisation     Repatriation (return to home country in case of serious illness...

  A  dummy hotel booking  for a visa application is a temporary, unpaid reservation used to demonstrate your travel accommodation plans to embassy or consulate officials. It is often required as part of the visa documentation to show proof of your intended stay without requiring full commitment or payment for the accommodation in advance. How It Works Purpose: Visa authorities want to see that you have a planned itinerary, including where you'll stay. A dummy booking gives this information without the financial risk of losing money if your visa is denied. What It Includes: Hotel name and address Reservation dates Your name (matching your passport) Booking reference number (sometimes) Why Embassies Accept Them: Visa officers are generally checking for intent and planning, not whether you’ve already paid. A dummy booking shows: You’ve researched your trip You have a place to stay You don’t pose a risk of overstaying How to Get One: You can obtain a valid hotel itinerary thr...