You’ve gathered your documents, filled out your visa form, printed your bank statements, and then suddenly — you see it on the checklist: Flight reservation. And you pause.
“Wait — do they want me to buy the ticket before I even get the visa?”
The answer is no… but also yes — depending on how you go about it.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What a flight reservation really means in visa applications,
- Whether it’s compulsory,
- The right and wrong way to handle it,
- And what smart Nigerian travelers should know to avoid costly mistakes.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Flight Reservation?
A flight reservation is a temporary booking or itinerary showing your travel dates, flight number, and destinations — without paying the full fare.
It’s not a paid ticket. It’s just a proof of intent to travel.
Most embassies only need to see that you have a travel plan, not an actual purchased ticket.
Is It Really Required?
Here’s the truth:
Most embassies do request a flight reservation for these reasons:
- To verify your entry and exit dates match your travel plans.
- To ensure you intend to leave the country (especially for short-stay visas).
- To help them understand your travel route, especially if you’re visiting multiple countries.
But they don’t expect you to buy a ticket before approval because they know visa refusals happen. They even warn applicants not to purchase tickets until a decision is made.
So yes, you usually need a flight reservation,
but you don’t need to buy a real ticket.
Why You Should Never Buy a Real Ticket Before Visa Approval
Unless you’re 100% sure of approval, buying a non-refundable flight is a risky financial move.
Here’s why:
- Visa delays may mean your ticket expires.
- Visa denials = wasted money.
- Change fees can be outrageous — especially on cheap fares.
That’s why smart applicants (especially frequent flyers and visa-savvy Nigerians) use dummy tickets or booked-but-not-paid reservations from legit agents or services.
What Should a Proper Reservation Look Like?
A good reservation should:
- Be on airline letterhead or booking confirmation format.
- Show your name, dates, cities, and flight number.
- Be verifiable via a booking code (PNR).
Embassies won’t call the airline, but they know the difference between fake and professional bookings.
How to Get a Flight Reservation Without Paying
Here are your options:
1. Use a trusted travel agency
Many agencies (like Loyalty Travels) can provide a reservation valid for a few days — enough for your visa interview.
It’s fast, affordable, and embassy-compliant.
2. Book directly on an airline website and hold the ticket
Some airlines allow you to “hold” a booking for 24–72 hours without payment.
Great, but the time window is short — risky if your visa appointment is delayed.
3. Use flight reservation tools
Some websites offer this service for a fee. Be cautious — not all are reliable.
What to Avoid
- Fake reservations created on Microsoft Word or Canva – visa officers aren’t stupid.
- Using old or recycled reservations – if your travel dates are unrealistic, expect rejection.
- Submitting conflicting documents – your reservation should match your hotel booking and purpose of visit.
Final Word: Don’t Let a Flight Reservation Mess Up Your Visa
A flight reservation is a small but crucial part of your application. It shows you’re prepared, responsible, and serious about your trip.
You don’t need to risk ₦800k on a ticket — you just need the right kind of proof.
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we’ve helped hundreds of Nigerian travelers secure valid flight reservations, visa support documents, and travel plans that get approved.
Ready to book a visa-compliant reservation for your next application?
Contact us today and avoid rookie mistakes that lead to rejections.
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