Itinerary, reservation or ticket?
Visa checklists use different words - "flight itinerary", "flight reservation", "travel booking". In almost every case they mean evidence of your planned flights, not a purchased ticket. Many authorities explicitly advise against buying tickets before a decision, because applications can be refused.
Country-by-country
- Schengen visa: round-trip itinerary usually listed in the checklist.
- UK Standard Visitor: not required; planned dates are enough.
- US B1/B2: not required; don't buy tickets before the visa.
- Canada visitor visa: optional supporting document.
- Japan tourist visa: itinerary and schedule of stay commonly requested.
Making your itinerary consistent
Caseworkers compare documents. Make sure these all match:
- Travel dates on the application form.
- Flight itinerary (arrival and departure).
- Travel insurance cover dates.
- Accommodation bookings or invitation letter.
- Leave approved by your employer or school.
Timing and validity
Submit while your reservation is valid. If your appointment is several days after you book, choose a 7- or 14-day hold. Consulates know reservations are temporary; an expired hold after submission is normal.
After approval
Buy the ticket you actually want. Your reservation lapses automatically.
Round trip or open-jaw?
Most applicants show a simple round trip: home to the destination and back. If you'll arrive in one city and leave from another - Paris in, Rome out - that's fine for most visas, as long as the schedule matches the rest of your application. Multi-country trips should show the first entry and the final exit.
Common reasons itineraries cause problems
- Dates that don't match the insurance, hotel bookings or leave letter.
- An implausible trip length for the stated purpose.
- Fake or edited documents. Consulates can and do check booking references; a reference that doesn't exist undermines your whole application.
- Expired at submission. Make sure the reservation is valid on the day you hand it in.
Frequently asked questions
Do consulates call the airline to check reservations?
Some check booking references online with the airline. That is why the reservation must be verifiable - an invented reference can damage your application.
Can I arrive in one city and leave from another?
Yes, for most visas, as long as your schedule, accommodation and insurance match the itinerary.
What validity should I choose for a visa appointment?
Make sure it is valid when you submit. If your appointment is a few days after booking, choose 7 or 14 days.