When applying for a visa, especially for countries that are part of the Schengen area, the UK, or the US, you may be asked to submit a flight itinerary or proof of onward travel. This is where a dummy ticket comes in handy. It’s a popular and practical solution for travelers who don’t want to spend money on a real flight ticket before receiving visa approval. But one common question people ask is: How long is a dummy ticket valid for? Let’s break it down.
A dummy ticket is a temporary or provisional flight reservation that shows a flight itinerary without the traveler having to pay the full price of the actual flight. It is often used for visa purposes to satisfy embassy requirements without risking the loss of money on a non-refundable flight ticket.
A dummy ticket typically includes:
Passenger details
Flight numbers
Dates and times
Departure and arrival airports
Airline information
Booking reference (sometimes)
Embassies and consulates usually require proof that you intend to return home or travel onward from the destination country. A dummy ticket serves this purpose without obligating you to book and pay for the flight. It is also useful when:
You're waiting for visa approval before confirming travel.
You want to show a round-trip plan.
You are uncertain about your final itinerary and need flexibility.
The validity of a dummy ticket largely depends on the travel agency or service provider that issues it. Generally, dummy tickets are valid for:
24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days)
Some travel agencies provide dummy tickets that remain active in the airline’s reservation system for up to 7 days, but this is less common. The most typical duration is 48 hours, which is often enough time for visa submission and processing steps.
Factors That Affect Dummy Ticket Validity
Service Provider: Some websites or agents offer 24-hour validity, while others may extend it to 72 hours based on your needs.
Airline Policies: Certain airlines may automatically cancel unpaid reservations within 24 hours.
Embassy Requirements: Some embassies expect a ticket to be valid during the visa processing period, while others are satisfied with a reservation showing dates that match your travel plans.
If your dummy ticket expires before your visa appointment or during the embassy review, it could raise concerns about your travel intentions. To avoid this:
Ensure you submit your application promptly after obtaining the dummy ticket.
Ask your ticket provider to extend or reissue the ticket if necessary.
Avoid submitting expired or visibly outdated tickets.
Always use a trusted provider: Choose a reputable service that offers verifiable reservations.
Check the embassy’s requirements: Some countries accept PDF itineraries, while others may want a valid PNR number.
Avoid fake tickets: Using Photoshop or fake ticket generators can lead to visa rejection or a travel ban.
Plan your visa appointment accordingly: Get the ticket 1–2 days before your visa appointment to ensure it's still valid.
A dummy ticket is a smart and budget-friendly way to fulfill visa requirements without booking an actual flight. Most dummy tickets are valid for 24 to 72 hours, which gives applicants enough time to attend their visa appointments. However, always confirm the validity period with your service provider and ensure the ticket aligns with embassy expectations.
Using a genuine dummy ticket can simplify your visa process and save you money. Just make sure you plan wisely and don’t let it expire before you submit your application!