Booking Flights and Accommodation in Greece: what actually matters to know
Short answer
Submit fully paid flight tickets and confirmed, refundable hotel bookings to avoid visa refusal, as consulates frequently verify these documents. Ensure all guests' full names are listed on your accommodation vouchers and avoid canceling reservations after approval, as this can lead to visa annulment.
From real experience
For a Greek tourist visa application: While hotel bookings are generally acceptable, paid flight tickets are usually required.
Some advise booking flights with cancellation options or paying for them and booking hotels with refundable options. Submitting only reservations for flights might be considered 'fake bookings' and could lead to visa refusal. If planning to travel within the Schengen area beyond Greece, consider applying through the country where you will spend the most time, as visa cancellation is possible if hotel bookings are canceled.
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When applying for a Schengen visa, hotel bookings can be verified at multiple stages:
- **During Application Review:** Immigration officials may check bookings while processing your visa application.
- **Upon Entry:** Border control can verify your accommodation details upon arrival in the Schengen area.
- **Throughout Visa Validity:** Even after visa approval, authorities reserve the right to check your bookings and itinerary throughout the visa's validity period.
- **Risk of Annulment:** Significant discrepancies between your declared itinerary and actual bookings (e.g., using a Greek visa for extensive travel in other EU countries without proper justification) can lead to visa annulment.
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While some visa applicants have reported success submitting with only hotel bookings and unpurchased flight reservations, it is generally recommended to provide fully paid flight tickets for visa applications.
Consulates may verify the authenticity of bookings, and temporary or 'drawn-up' reservations that expire quickly may not be accepted. Providing proof of purchased tickets and confirmed accommodation is the safer approach.
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Guest details on Booking.com reservations used for visa applications can be edited.
In the 'Manage Booking' section, add all guests' full names separated by commas. Update the booking confirmation and email it to the consulate, including the application reference number (e.g., GR followed by 7 digits) in the subject line. This ensures the voucher accurately reflects all occupants.