What is a flight reservation for a visa?
A flight reservation for visa is a booking record or itinerary showing proposed flights for a traveller’s intended trip. Depending on the booking method, it can include a booking reference, passenger details, airline, flight numbers, route and travel dates.
The reservation may be held only for a limited period. It is not automatically a paid ticket and cannot be used to board unless a valid airline ticket is issued.
Why travellers use temporary reservations
Some applicants want to document an intended route while avoiding a large non-refundable airfare before the visa decision. Whether that is appropriate depends on the authority’s current instructions. U.S. visitor-visa guidance, for example, has long cautioned applicants not to make final travel plans or buy non-refundable tickets before a visa is issued.
Reservation verification and validity
A PNR is a booking reference, not a promise that the booking will remain active indefinitely. If a reservation can be checked online, verify it using the airline or applicable booking channel while it is active. Read our PNR verification guide and reservation validity guide.
Return, onward and multi-city reservations
Outbound and return sectors for a round trip.
A proposed departure from the destination to another country.
Several sectors for a trip involving multiple destinations.
Matched dates where both types of documentation are relevant.
Frequently asked questions
Is a flight reservation a confirmed ticket?
Not necessarily. A temporary reservation can exist without an issued airline ticket.
Can I choose an airline?
You can share a preference, but actual reservation availability can depend on route, airline and booking conditions.
Can a reservation be extended?
Do not assume it can. Extensions or re-booking depend on the reservation and availability. Ask about the specific booking.
Should the dates match my hotel booking?
Where both documents are relevant to the application, the dates and route should be logically consistent with the travel plan.