Do I need to purchase flight tickets before applying, or is a flight reservation enough?

You do not need to buy actual flight tickets before applying for a Schengen visa — in fact, most embassies advise against purchasing them too early. What you need instead is a flight reservation (itinerary) showing your intended travel dates and destinations. Here’s how it works: ✈️ Accepted Option: A flight reservation or booking confirmation (without payment) that matches your visa application details. This shows your planned entry and exit dates, but allows flexibility if your visa outcome changes. 🚫 Avoid: Buying non-refundable flight tickets before visa approval — you could lose money if the visa is delayed or denied. 💡 Tip from Outbound Singapore: Our team helps you prepare a verified flight itinerary that meets embassy requirements — no upfront ticket purchase needed. Once your visa is approved, you can then confirm your flights confidently.