Are Dummy Tickets Safe to Use for Visa Applications? [2025]

When applying for a visa, one of the most common requirements is proof of onward or return travel. Yet many applicants don’t want to buy a full, expensive flight ticket before their visa is even approved. That’s where dummy tickets come in.

In this article, we will explain what dummy tickets are. We will also discuss if they are safe and legal to use for visa applications. We will tell you about the risks you should know. We will show you other options if you want to avoid uncertainty. By the end, you’ll know exactly when (and how) dummy tickets can work for you, and when they might not be the best choice.

What Are Dummy Flight Tickets?

A dummy ticket is a temporary flight reservation that looks like a real airline booking but isn’t always a fully paid, confirmed ticket. It usually comes with a valid PNR (Passenger Name Record) or booking reference that can be verified on the airline’s website, but it may only stay active for a short time (24–72 hours, sometimes longer).

People use dummy tickets mainly for visa applications. Many embassies and border officers ask to see proof of onward or return travel. Instead of risking hundreds of euros or dollars on a ticket they may not use, applicants purchase a temporary booking from a specialised service.

In short, a dummy ticket is a placeholder travel document, useful for paperwork, but not always equivalent to a real confirmed flight.

Why Do People Use Dummy Tickets?

Applying for a visa often comes with uncertainty: you don’t know if you’ll be approved, how long it will take, or whether your travel dates might change. Buying a non-refundable airline ticket upfront can mean losing a lot of money if plans fall through.

That’s why many travelers turn to dummy tickets. They allow applicants to:

• Show valid proof of onward travel, which many embassies require.

• Avoid the risk of losing money on a non-refundable ticket.

• Gain flexibility to adjust travel dates once the visa is approved.

• Speed up the application process without committing to final travel plans.

Are Dummy Tickets Safe to Use?

The short answer: it depends on where you get them and how you use them.

Dummy tickets can be considered safe when they consist of genuine and verifiable reservations, and include a valid PNR (Passenger Name Record) that immigration officers or embassy staff can verify directly through the airline's official website. Typically, reputable services or licensed travel agencies issue such dummy tickets, ensuring their legitimacy. In most situations, embassies and visa application centers accept these reservations as adequate proof of onward travel plans.

What Official Sources Say

You do not need to buy a full flight ticket when applying for your visa — but must show proof of booking or reservation. — Schengen Visa Guidance (AXA Schengen)

This makes it clear that a flight reservation is acceptable; embassies do not expect you to risk money on a full ticket before visa approval.

Confirmed reservation of the round-trip flight ticket… Remark: Please do not buy the ticket before the visa is issued." — German Embassy (via VFS Global, Thailand)

Here, the embassy explicitly advises applicants not to purchase tickets upfront — a dummy ticket (real reservation with a PNR) is exactly what they want to see.

The Risks of Fake Dummy Tickets

Not all dummy tickets are created equal. Some online generators provide fake itineraries with no real booking behind them. These can be risky because they may lead to:

• ❌ Visa rejection if the embassy discovers the ticket is not valid.

• ❌ Border problems if immigration tries to verify your booking.

• ❌ Wasted money if you buy from unreliable sellers.

Quick Recap

• ✅ Safe → real reservations from a trusted provider.

• ❌ Risky → fake itineraries or unverifiable documents.

Types of Dummy Tickets

Not all dummy tickets are the same. Depending on how they’re created, their safety and acceptance level can vary a lot. Here are the main types you’ll come across:

1. Flight Reservation with PNR

This is the most reliable form of dummy ticket. It comes with a valid Passenger Name Record (PNR) that you can check directly on the airline’s website and valid flight numbers. These are usually created by licensed travel agents or specialized onward ticket services. They’re safe, verifiable, and accepted by most embassies.

2. Airline “Hold Now, Pay Later” Options

Some airlines allow you to reserve a flight and pay later, often for 24–72 hours. This creates a real booking that can be verified online, but it automatically cancels if you don’t pay in time. It’s a great option if your embassy accepts short-term reservations.

3. Refundable Flight Tickets

A more expensive option is to purchase a fully refundable ticket and then cancel it once your visa is approved. This guarantees 100% safety, but you need to have enough cash or credit to cover the full payment. Refunds may also take time to process.

That's usually what we recommend for Schengen Visas as the visa application process may take up to 1 month.

The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days.  This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required. — Applying for a Schengen visa

If you want a safe, verifiable reservation with a valid PNR, you can book one directly through DummyTicket24

4. Fake or Generated Flight Itineraries

These are the riskiest. Some websites create fake flight tickets that look real but have no actual booking behind them. They cannot be verified. If an embassy or immigration officer looks, they may deny your visa right away. Avoid these at all costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dummy Tickets

Do all embassies accept dummy tickets?

Most embassies do accept flight reservations (dummy tickets with a valid PNR). In fact, many explicitly state you should not buy a ticket before your visa is approved. Always double-check the requirements of the specific embassy handling your case.

Can I use a fake dummy ticket generator?

No. These are risky and often not verifiable on the airline’s website. Embassies can quickly spot them, which may lead to visa rejection or even being flagged for fraud.

What happens if my dummy ticket expires before my visa is approved?

Most dummy tickets are valid for 24–72 hours. If your visa processing takes longer, you may need to purchase an extension. Some providers (like DummyTicket24) offer auto-renewal or extended validity, which can save you from having to rebook.”

Can I just show a screenshot of an itinerary?

No. A screenshot isn’t enough, the embassy or border officer must be able to verify the PNR online. Always ensure your dummy ticket can be checked directly with the airline.

Is a refundable ticket better than a dummy ticket?

Refundable tickets are the safest option since they are full, confirmed tickets, and we recommend using them for Schengen Visas. However, they require upfront payment and refunds can take weeks. Dummy tickets are cheaper and more practical for most applicants, as long as they’re real reservations.

Why Dummy Tickets Are Safe Visa Options

Dummy tickets are a practical solution for visa applicants who don’t want to risk buying expensive tickets before approval. Embassies themselves often recommend providing a reservation instead of a paid ticket, which makes dummy tickets both safe and acceptable, as long as they are real and verifiable.

The key takeaway is simple:

• ✅ Use trusted services or refundable tickets.

• ❌ Avoid fake itinerary generators.

Handled correctly, dummy tickets can save you money, reduce stress, and help you meet visa requirements without unnecessary risks

Need a dummy ticket for your visa? Get a verifiable reservation instantly from DummyTicket24 — trusted by thousands of travelers worldwide.”