Flight reservation for a Schengen visa application

What the consulate asks for

Schengen short-stay visa checklists - whether you apply to France, Spain, Germany, Italy or another member state - typically include a flight itinerary or reservation showing how you will enter and leave the Schengen area. The aim is to see that your plans are consistent: dates, length of stay and travel insurance should all match.

What they generally don't want is for you to risk money on a non-refundable ticket before a decision. Many consulates and visa centers say so directly in their guidance.

How to make your itinerary consistent

• Round trip. Most applicants show an inbound flight into the Schengen area and a return flight out, with dates that match the stay you're applying for.
• Same dates everywhere. The itinerary, the application form, your accommodation and your travel medical insurance should cover the same dates.
• Main destination. If you apply to the country where you'll spend the most time, your flights usually involve that country - but arriving in one Schengen country and leaving from another is fine.

Choosing the validity

You hand the reservation in at your appointment, so it needs to be valid then. Choose 7 or 14 days if your appointment is a few days after booking. Consulates know reservations are temporary holds - an expired hold later is normal, and the decision is based on the documents at submission.

After your visa is granted

Buy the actual ticket you want - any airline, any fare. Your reservation simply lapses.

The 90/180 rule

A short-stay Schengen visa allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all member states. Your itinerary should show a stay that fits both the visa you are applying for and that rule - especially if you have visited the Schengen area recently.

Which consulate?

Apply to the country where you'll spend the most time, or - if equal - where you'll enter first. Your itinerary should make that obvious.