Using a reservation hold for your visa application
Most embassies require proof of onward travel with a visa application but explicitly tell applicants not to purchase a ticket before the visa is granted. A reservation hold solves exactly this problem. Here is the full process.
Step 1 – Order the hold before your appointment
Create the reservation on HoldFare with your exact name (as written in your passport), your real route and dates that match your application. Choose the length that covers the whole processing time – up to 21 days for slower consulates.
Step 2 – Receive the confirmation PDF
Within about 15 minutes you receive an e-mail with a printable confirmation showing the booking reference, itinerary, dates and passenger details. Some consulates want a printed copy, others accept it on a phone or tablet – bring both if unsure.
Step 3 – Submit it with your application
Include the reservation printout in your document package at the embassy or visa centre. If the officer asks to verify it, they can check the reference through HoldFare's verification page, or contact us directly.
Step 4 – Match your itinerary everywhere
The route and dates on the reservation must match the rest of your application: hotel bookings, invitation letters, travel insurance and your stated purpose of travel. Inconsistencies are a common reason for extra questions or refusal.
After the visa is decided
If approved, buy your real ticket for the same route. If refused, you lost nothing – the hold simply expires and no airline was ever left unpaid. That is the entire point of a reservation instead of a ticket.