What is a Dummy Ticket? A Complete Guide for Visa Applications
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Applying for a visa can be a stressful process. You’re required to submit a number of supporting documents—one of which is often a round-trip flight reservation. But buying a flight ticket before your visa is approved can be risky. That’s where a onward ticket comes in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly what an onward ticket is, why you might need one, how to get it, and why MyDummyTicket is the most trusted source for quick and reliable travel documentation.
Dummy Ticket vs Real Ticket
| Feature | Dummy Ticket | Real Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (reservation only) | High (full payment) |
| Refundable | Not applicable | Sometimes (depending on fare) |
| Purpose | Visa application / onward travel proof | Actual travel |
| Can be used to board? | No | Yes |
| Includes PNR? | Yes | Yes |
What is a Dummy Ticket?
A flight reservation for visa is a temporary, non-paid flight reservation showing your name, travel dates, origin and destination, and a booking reference (PNR). It looks just like a real flight ticket, but no payment is made for the actual flight. These tickets are used primarily to prove travel intent, particularly for visa applications, without risking money on non-refundable bookings.
Unlike a fully booked ticket, a onward ticket holds a seat temporarily or simulates an itinerary through a legitimate reservation system. Embassies and consulates accept them because they provide the necessary travel details without obligating the applicant to buy a ticket prematurely.
Why Are Dummy Tickets Required?
- Visa Applications
When applying for visas—whether it’s for the Schengen visa, US visa, UK visa or many other destinations—consulates and embassies typically require a confirmed flight itinerary. Buying a real ticket before your visa is approved can be risky and expensive. An onward ticket offers a safer, more affordable alternative that’s accepted by most visa authorities as proof of travel intent. - Proof of Onward Travel
Many countries require proof that you will exit the country before your allowed stay expires, especially if you’re entering on a one-way ticket. An onward ticket provides this onward travel documentation, showing immigration authorities that you don’t plan to overstay your welcome. - Travel Insurance Claims
In some cases, travel insurance providers require documentation that shows you had a trip planned. Instead of purchasing a non-refundable airline ticket upfront, travelers can use an onward ticket to satisfy this requirement. It serves as a legitimate placeholder for insurance purposes. - Tour or Hotel Requirements
Certain hotels, tour packages, and travel agencies may need to verify your flight details before confirming your booking or arranging airport transfers. Dummy tickets make it easy to provide this information without committing to a full ticket purchase, especially during early stages of travel planning.
Benefits of Using a Proof of Travel
- Meet Visa Requirements
— Get a confirmed reservation for your application without buying a full-price ticket. - Onward Travel Proof
— Show immigration officers you have plans to depart without committing to a real booking. - Support Insurance Claims
— Provide trip documentation for cancellations or delays without non-refundable fees.
Why use an Onward Ticket
- ✅ No upfront flight payment
- ✅ Saves money if visa is denied
- ✅ Tailored to your visa dates
- ✅ Accepted by major embassies
- ✅ Delivered in minutes
What Does a Dummy Ticket Include?
A proper proof of travel mimics a real airline reservation. Here’s exactly what you’ll see on your PDF:
- Passenger Name:
The full name exactly as it appears on your passport, ensuring the embassy can match it to your application. - Airports & Airlines:
Your departure and arrival airports (IATA codes, e.g. CDG → LHR) along with the airline’s name or code share—just like a live booking. - Flight Numbers & Schedule:
Specific flight numbers for each leg and the exact departure/arrival dates and times, so consulates can verify the itinerary is realistic. - PNR / Booking Reference:
A unique, verifiable six-character code you can check on the airline’s official “Manage My Booking” page—proving the reservation is genuine. - Additional Details (Optional):
- Ticket Class: Economy, Business, etc., to mirror a real fare type.
- Connection Times: Layover durations and transfer airports for multi-leg journeys.
- Fare Conditions: A brief note on refundability or change fees (embassies rarely dive into this, but it adds authenticity).
Note: These details are for visa-application purposes only. No ticket is charged until your visa is approved.
How to Get a Dummy Ticket
Step 1: Choose a Plan
Go to MyDummyTicket.com and select:
- One-Way – for single-leg trips
- Round-Trip – for return itineraries
- Multi-City – for complex, multi-stop journeys
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Info
Fill in these required fields exactly as they appear on your official documents:
- Full Name: Your name as it appears on your passport
- Travel Dates: Departure and return (if applicable)
- From/To Cities: IATA airport codes or city names
Step 3: Receive Your Ticket
Within minutes, you’ll get an email with:
- A PDF attachment of your onward ticket
- Your verifiable PNR/booking reference
- Clear instructions on how to submit it with your visa application
Ready? Secure your embassy-verified dummy ticket in under 10 minutes.
FAQ: Questions
Can I use a dummy ticket to board a flight?
A dummy ticket is only a temporary flight reservation, not a paid or confirmed booking. It is created solely for purposes like visa applications, proof of onward travel, or travel insurance claims. Since it doesn’t involve payment to the airline, there is no actual seat reserved for you on the plane.
Is a dummy ticket legal for visa applications?
Yes, a dummy ticket is legal for visa applications — as long as it is a real flight reservation made through a legitimate source.
Many embassies and consulates accept temporary flight bookings or itineraries as proof of travel intent. These reservations are commonly used by applicants who don’t want to risk buying an expensive, non-refundable ticket before knowing if their visa will be approved.
How long is a dummy ticket valid?
A dummy ticket is generally valid for a short period, usually between 24 to 72 hours. This temporary reservation is held in the airline’s system without actual payment, and it will automatically expire if not confirmed by full purchase. The exact duration can vary depending on the airline and the service provider issuing the dummy ticket. Some providers offer extended validity—up to 7 or even 14 days—by using special reservation systems or working directly with booking platforms. For visa applications, it’s highly recommended to purchase the dummy ticket one or two days before your embassy appointment to ensure that the booking is still active and verifiable. Using an expired dummy ticket can lead to rejection or delays in your visa process, so always double-check the validity before submission.
What happens after my dummy ticket expires?
When a dummy ticket expires, the temporary flight reservation is automatically canceled in the airline’s system. As a result, the booking reference (PNR) becomes invalid and can no longer be verified online or used as proof of travel. This means the ticket is no longer acceptable for visa applications, immigration checks, or any official purposes. If you still need to present a flight reservation, you’ll have to obtain a new dummy ticket with updated travel details and a fresh PNR. Expired dummy tickets cannot be reused or extended, so it’s important to time your purchase carefully—ideally just before your visa appointment or any required submission.
Can I use a dummy ticket for immigration purposes?
Yes, you can use a dummy ticket for immigration purposes—specifically to show proof of onward travel when entering a country that requires it. Many countries, especially those offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, want to ensure that travelers have plans to leave before their allowed stay ends. Immigration officers may ask to see a return or onward flight reservation.
A dummy ticket can fulfill this requirement by showing a valid, verifiable itinerary without the need to buy a full-priced ticket upfront. However, it’s important to make sure the dummy ticket is still active and verifiable at the time of entry. If the reservation has expired or seems suspicious, immigration may deny entry.
In short, dummy tickets are commonly accepted as proof of onward travel, but they must be legitimate, recent, and verifiable to avoid issues at the border.
Will the PNR on the onward ticket be verifiable?
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Final Thoughts
Onward tickets are a cost-effective and legal way to meet visa requirements. With MyDummyTicket, you can secure fast, embassy-approved flight reservations without the risk of buying a full-price ticket before approval.
Need a dummy ticket today? Click here to order yours in minutes!