If you’re applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai, one of the required documents is a round-trip flight reservation. But what if you don’t want to spend money on tickets before knowing if your visa will be approved?

This is one of the most common questions UrgentSchengen receives:
“Can I apply for a Schengen visa without a confirmed flight booking?”

In this guide, we’ll explain whether it’s possible, what the rules say, and smart alternatives that save you both money and stress.

The simple answer is: No, you don’t need to buy a confirmed ticket before your visa is approved.

Instead, most Schengen embassies in Dubai accept a flight reservation or dummy ticket. This is a temporary booking that shows your travel dates and route, but you don’t actually pay for the ticket until your visa is granted.

The Schengen consulates want to see:

• Your planned entry and exit from Europe
  
• That you will leave before your visa expires
  
• Which country you’ll enter first, so they know which embassy is responsible for your application

Tip: Your first entry country or longest stay country determines the embassy where you must apply.

Here are the best ways UAE residents can handle flight requirements:

1. Flight Reservation (Recommended)

• A temporary booking made by travel agents
• Valid for a few days to weeks
• Shows flight number, dates, and route
• Accepted by all Schengen consulates

UrgentSchengen provides authentic flight reservations that are visa-compliant and risk-free.

2. Refundable Ticket

• Purchase a full ticket that can be cancelled later
• Refund policies vary (some charge cancellation fees)
• Safer but often more expensive

3. Hold My Booking Services

• Some airlines allow you to “hold” a ticket for 48–72 hours

Works as short-term proof, but not ideal for long visa processing times

Many first-time applicants make the mistake of purchasing non-refundable tickets. This can lead to:

• Financial loss if the visa is denied or delayed
• Change fees if visa dates don’t match travel plans
• Stress and wasted money during peak seasons

That’s why embassies themselves advise against buying real tickets before your visa is issued.

• VFS Global Dubai/Abu Dhabi (representing France, Germany, Italy, etc.) clearly state: “Provide a flight reservation or booking. Do not purchase tickets until your visa is granted.”
• This means flight reservations are officially accepted.

Example: How to Present Your Flight Reservation

Applicant: Maria Fernandez
Visa Type: Schengen Tourist Visa
Travel Dates: 12 July 2025 – 25 July 2025

Attached Flight Itinerary:

• Dubai (DXB) → Paris (CDG), 12 July 2025, Emirates Airlines
• Milan (MXP) → Dubai (DXB), 25 July 2025, Emirates Airlines

Printed confirmation from UrgentSchengen showing passenger details and booking reference.

 No need to buy actual tickets before visa approval
Flight reservation is enough
Must show entry & exit dates clearly
Apply through the first-entry or longest-stay country’s consulate
Avoid fake documents—use legitimate travel agents like UrgentSchengen

• Never risk buying non-refundable tickets before your visa approval.
• Use a visa-compliant reservation to satisfy embassy requirements.
• Always align your flight dates with your hotel bookings, insurance, and leave approval.

At UrgentSchengen Dubai, we help UAE residents by providing authentic flight reservations, hotel bookings, and complete visa file support—so you can apply stress-free and focus on planning your Europe trip.

Flight reservations today, confirmed tickets tomorrow—once your visa is approved!

Can I submit my visa application without any flight details?

 No. You must provide at least a flight reservation showing entry and exit.

Will a dummy ticket work for Schengen visa?

Yes, as long as it is a legitimate reservation with real flight details. Fake tickets or photoshopped documents can lead to rejection.

What if I want to change my travel dates later?

That’s fine. Once your visa is approved, you can book actual tickets matching your new plans—as long as they stay within your visa validity.

Can UrgentSchengen arrange flight reservations?

Yes. We provide authentic, embassy-approved flight itineraries for Schengen visa applications in Dubai.

Do I need hotel bookings as well?

Yes. Along with flight reservations, you must also provide accommodation proof (hotel booking or host invitation).