We often get the question whether you need to book a flight ticket for the application for a Schengen visa. The answer to that question is: no! You are never obliged to book a plane ticket for you foreign guest that one Applying for a Schengen visa. It is also not wise, because if the visa application is rejected, you will have a large cost item.
You may be confused because the mandatory documents for applying for a Schengen visa ask for a 'proof of transport'. This proof is less strict than you might expect.
Proof of transport to the Netherlands and back
The 'proof of transport' for the application for a short-stay Schengen visa can, for example, be an option for a return flight ticket or a (provisional) reservation that you can cancel without charge.
There are several options for obtaining a proof of transport:
- Call or email an airline and ask for an option on a flight ticket. You can then usually take an option / reservation free of charge or at a low cost. This will automatically expire after a few weeks if you do not make a final booking. A valid option or reservation is sufficient to apply for a visa. When the visa is granted, you only make the final booking and payment of the ticket.
- Contact a travel agent and ask if they can make a reservation that can be canceled free of charge.
- You can also select a ticket online. Then do not go to the last step to pay. Instead, take a screenshot of the intended flight and attach it to the visa application as proof of transport. The personal data of the visa applicant must be visible.
Never buy a plane ticket before you are sure you will get the visa. A travel schedule (travel reservation to and from the Schengen area in your name) is sufficient for the visa application!
Buy another flight ticket
You are also not obliged to buy the same flight ticket, which was initially included as an option with the application. If, after the visa for the Netherlands has been granted, you can book a plane ticket somewhere else that is better or cheaper, you can buy it. The trip must of course fall within the validity period of the Schengen visa.
Please note: Cancellation insurance does not pay out in the event of a visa rejection!
You may think that cancellation insurance offers a solution if you still decide to buy airline tickets and the visa is rejected. That's a misunderstanding! The rejection of a visa that is necessary for the trip is only covered by cancellation insurance for Dutch residents. There is also no cancellation insurance where you can insure the risk of a visa rejection for foreign visitors.
Taking out medical travel insurance is mandatory
Some actions or documents for which you have to incur costs are mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa. An example of this is medical travel insurance. That is why you must also ensure that you take out medical travel insurance with an insurer that will refund the premium to you in the event of a visa rejection. If you are looking for it, we have another good tip for you: https://schengenvisum.info/medische-reisverzekering/schengen-verzekering-afsluiten/
Related Topics:
