Almost every visa application asks for a flight and a hotel. But most embassies tell you not to pay for them until the visa is approved. Here is how to get bookings that satisfy the embassy without losing money if the answer is no.
In this guide
What each country asks for
| Country | Flights | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (sticker) | Return flight reservation; do not buy until approved | Reservation; do not pay in advance |
| Japan | Itinerary from a travel agent or airline; no need to buy first | Day-by-day plan on the official form |
| UK | Travel dates; do not book non-refundable flights before a decision | Where you will stay, or a family invitation |
| Thailand | Genuine return booking | Genuine hotel booking |
| Morocco | Return flight reservation | Hotel booking or invitation |
| Malaysia | Return ticket | Booking for the whole stay, or an invitation |
| Azerbaijan, Kenya, Philippines | Return or onward booking | Hotel booking or invitation |
How to book without losing money
- 1Reserve the flight, do not pay yet
Ask the airline or a travel agent for a reservation (itinerary) in your name. Japan says plainly this is enough.
- 2Book hotels with free cancellation
Choose “pay at the hotel” or free-cancellation rates, so the booking is real but costs nothing if your visa is refused.
- 3Match every date
Your flight, hotels, leave letter and cover letter must all show the same dates.
- 4Pay once approved
After the visa is issued, buy the ticket and confirm the hotels.
Free day-by-day itinerary template
Japan asks for its own official itinerary form, so use that one for Japan. For other countries, this template gives the officer a clear picture of your trip.
Travel itinerary – [Your full name], passport number [passport number]
Destination: [country] · [arrival date] to [departure date]
Day 1 · [date] · Arrive in [city] on flight [flight number] at [time]. Check in at [hotel name, address].
Day 2 · [date] · [City]: visit [place], [place]. Stay at [hotel name].
Day 3 · [date] · Travel to [city] by [train / bus / flight]. Stay at [hotel name, address].
Day 4 · [date] · [City]: visit [place], [place]. Stay at [hotel name].
Day 5 · [date] · Check out. Depart from [airport] on flight [flight number] at [time].
Replace everything highlighted in yellow and delete lines that do not apply. Letters to embassies are written in English.
Our complete trip package handles your visa and your bookings, in the right order.
Questions people ask
Do I need to buy a ticket before applying for a visa?
Usually not. Turkey and the UK advise against buying before a decision, and Japan accepts an itinerary from a travel agent or airline. A reservation in your name is normally enough.
Is a flight reservation the same as a dummy ticket?
A genuine reservation is made with an airline or travel agent and can be checked. A “dummy ticket” is often fake or cancelled straight away, and can lead to refusal.
What if I am staying with family?
Most countries accept an invitation letter from your host instead of a hotel booking. Add their address and proof of their status in that country.
Do my bookings need to cover every night?
Yes. Your bookings or invitation should cover your whole stay, with no gaps between dates.
Visa rules change often. We confirm the current requirements and fees before you pay. A visa does not guarantee entry.
