Flight Itinerary for Schengen Visa Applications: What is Required

Updated December 16, 2025

Applying for a Schengen visa can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork, appointments, and Schengen visa requirements, but we’re here to make the process easier for you.

One important, but often overlooked part of the visa application process is presenting a flight itinerary (sometimes called a travel itinerary, but they’re actually the same thing).

If you’re wondering what exactly a Schengen visa flight itinerary is, why it’s required, and how to obtain one, you’re in the right place.

This guide will break it down for you step by step, so you can feel confident going into your visa appointment with a complete application.

What is a flight itinerary for a Schengen visa?

A flight itinerary is a detailed document that outlines your travel plans to and from the Schengen area.

More specifically, it is intended to share when you will be arriving and when you'll be leaving, with dates, times, and flight numbers included.

Essentially, it's to let visa officials know that you intend to visit and leave.

Proof of flight is mandatory

Most Schengen visa applications will require proof of your travel plans.

A flight itinerary serves this purpose. This helps consular officers determine whether your planned stay aligns with the visa’s duration.

Some sites may advise that an unpaid itinerary will suffice, but that's not always the case. The embassy/consulate typically needs to see a confirmed exit plan, i.e., a flight that has been paid for and booked.

When to book your flight

Applicants are encouraged to book their flights before their Schengen visa appointments. While it's possible to submit an un-booked flight itinerary in your visa application, it isn't advised.

After all, an itinerary is a mandatory requirement for the Schengen visa application.

It is all because authorities need to see that you plan to leave the Schengen area once your visa expires, and the best way for them to see this is by reviewing your confirmed flight.

All of that being said, there may be instances where a visa applicant isn't sure when they will leave the Schengen area. This is typically when an applicant is applying for a long-stay visa or for residency.

When it comes to a short-stay Schengen visa (i.e., trips under 90 days, you need to show your departure plans).

As a note, all of your documents need to be ready before your visa application appointment, and they need to meet the application standards.

For instance, your travel insurance policy needs to meet the minimum Schengen visa insurance requirements.

Schengen visa flight itinerary requirements

To make sure your flight itinerary will meet the requirements of your visa application, there are a few things you need to make sure of.

It must be in the correct format

Your flight reservation document needs to include details like your full name, flight numbers, travel dates, and destinations.

Some embassies also expect to see the booking confirmation or reservation code.

Make sure you review the official checklist given to you by the visa application center or consulate you're applying through. It will have the specific details as to what you need to show.

The dates must match your other documents

Your flight itinerary must match the travel dates mentioned in your visa application and other supporting documents, such as hotel bookings and Schengen travel insurance.

In general, all of these dates must match to show that you won't overstay your visa, or to show that you'll have lodging and insurance for the entire extent of your stay.

In most cases, you must have a return ticket

For short stays (any trip fewer than 90 days), you need to show a return ticket.

If you are applying for a long-stay visa and only have a one-way ticket, this may be ok. Contact your visa center or consulate to check your options.

All passengers must have flights booked

Make sure you have a flight reservation for everyone in your application (spouse, children, etc.) if you're not traveling alone.

What to print/place in your Schengen visa application

For a Schengen visa application, you should print the full flight itinerary for your Schengen visa application, including all relevant details.

It’s important to have this document neatly organized with your other paperwork. The visa officer will want to see your travel dates, routes, and flight numbers.

As a general piece of advice, making paper copies of all of your documents is never a bad idea when it comes to applying for a visa.

Again, make sure you're following the official advice you receive from the visa processor or embassy.

Changing your flight after receiving your visa

Typically, you can change your flight after your visa has been approved, so long as your travel dates and plans stay consistent with the length and terms of both your visa and your travel insurance.

For example, changing airlines or flight times is generally acceptable, but switching to a much earlier or later date than indicated on your original flight itinerary could potentially cause issues.

In all cases, you cannot enter the Schengen zone before your visa begins, and you must leave it no later than your visa's expiration date.

It’s important to note that while your flight reservation is flexible, your visa's specs aren't.

Schengen Itinerary FAQs

What is an itinerary for a Schengen visa application?

Is a flight itinerary mandatory for a Schengen visa application?