Schengen area

European Commission

Short-stay Schengen visas are governed by the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009). Article 14 and Annex II define the supporting documents — and they ask for reservations, not paid tickets.

What the Visa Code asks for

• Documents relating to the purpose of the journey
• Proof of accommodation for the full duration of the stay
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
• A round-trip ticket or booking reservation showing entry and exit dates — evidence you intend to leave before the visa expires

What this means in practice

The legal text asks for a reservation, and consulates routinely advise applicants not to buy tickets before the visa is granted. A held, verifiable flight reservation plus a free-cancellation hotel booking covers the travel and accommodation proof without prepaying travel you might not take.