How to get a flight reservation (dummy ticket) for the visa

What it is

Embassies usually ask for a flight itinerary, not a paid ticket. A 'dummy ticket' is a real, temporary reservation (with a PNR / booking code) in the airline's system, which you can show at the visa appointment and buy properly after the visa is issued.

Never use an edited or fake PDF. Embassies verify the PNR on the airline website — a fake ticket can lead to visa refusal and a ban.

Legitimate ways to get one

• Airline 'hold' / 'pay later' option: many airlines (e.g. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad) let you hold a fare for 24–72 hours or longer for a small fee.
• Your travel agency: ask for a 'visa itinerary / booking for visa purpose' with a valid PNR (common and cheap in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal).
• Refundable / flexible ticket: buy a fully refundable fare and cancel if the visa is delayed (check the cancellation fee).
• Online reservation services that issue a real PNR for a fee — check reviews and confirm the booking on the airline's 'Manage booking' page before using it.

Step by step

1. Choose a date about 1–2 weeks before your course start date (after the expected visa decision).
2. Book a one-way flight from your city to the Italian airport closest to your university (see the airport guide).
3. Make sure the reservation shows your full name exactly as in the passport, flight numbers, dates and the PNR / booking reference.
4. Check that the PNR opens on the airline website ('Manage booking').
5. Print it and add it to your visa file together with the visa cover letter.
6. Check how long the reservation stays valid — it should still be active on your appointment day.

Official links

• Visa for Italy – required documents