Schengen embassies and many others ask for a return flight reservation in your visa file, while advising against buying a ticket before approval. That is why many travellers search for what is often called a “dummy ticket” on Saudia. What you actually need is a genuine reservation on Saudia flights, registered in the booking system with a PNR that you and the embassy can verify on the airline’s website, without paying for the ticket.
- A PNR you can verify on saudia.com
- A PDF in English within 6 to 24 hours
- Hotel booking and itinerary in the same order with matching dates
Why a flight reservation on Saudia?
If you are travelling from Saudi Arabia, Saudia is often the direct carrier closest to your actual travel plan, operating direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to many European and international cities. A reservation on a direct flight gives your file two advantages:
- A clear route: the visa officer sees a logical trip that starts in your country of residence and goes directly to the country you are applying to.
- Easy to buy after the visa: you can buy the same flight once your visa is issued if it suits you, so your file and your actual travel match.
Embassies do not require a specific airline, but they do care that the route is logical and matches your hotel booking and itinerary. So don’t choose Saudia because it is “preferred by embassies”, but because it suits your trip.
How to verify your reservation on the Saudia website
- Open saudia.com or the Saudia app.
- Select “Manage Booking”.
- Enter the 6-character PNR of letters and numbers, and your surname as in your passport.
- You will see the same flight numbers, dates and route as in your booking file.
Check your reservation this way before printing it, as it is the same method the embassy or visa centre officer may use. If you notice any difference in a letter of the name or a date, contact us immediately so we can correct it before your appointment.
What will you receive?
A PDF in English sent to your email, including each traveller’s name as in their passport, the PNR, Saudia flight numbers, and departure and return cities and dates. The file is ready to print and goes into your visa file like any flight booking. This reservation cannot be used for boarding, because it is not a paid ticket.
Departure airports and destinations
We issue reservations from the Kingdom’s main airports: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH), King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED), King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM), and other airports depending on available flights. If there is no direct flight to your destination on your dates, we issue the reservation with a stopover, or suggest another carrier before issuing.
If your trip includes a stopover at an airport inside the Schengen Area, some nationalities need an airport transit visa, so a direct flight is usually simpler for residents.
How long does the reservation stay valid?
Validity depends on the route and booking rules, usually between 48 hours and 14 days. So write your embassy appointment date in the notes, and we issue the reservation so it is valid on the day of your interview. It is best to order one or two days before your appointment. When it expires, the reservation is cancelled automatically at no cost to you. Full details on validity and the PNR are on our flight reservation page.
Order your Saudia reservation
- Open the flight reservation form.
- Enter traveller details as in the passports, departure and arrival cities, and dates.
- In the notes, write “Saudia” and your embassy appointment date.
- Add a hotel booking and itinerary if you need them, so your documents arrive with matching dates.
- Pay online and receive the file by email.
A Saudia flight reservation with a verifiable PNR, delivered to your inbox within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does the reservation appear on the Saudia website and app as soon as it is issued?
Yes. You can search for it with the PNR and surname once you receive the file.
Do embassies reject the reservation because it is not paid?
Most embassies do not require a paid ticket, and advise against buying one before the visa is issued. Check your embassy’s requirements to be sure.
What if the embassy’s decision is delayed and the reservation expires?
The embassy usually checks the reservation when you apply. If it asks for an updated reservation, we issue a new one with the same details.
Can I buy the same flight after the visa is issued?
Yes, from the Saudia website or any travel agent, depending on seat availability and the price at the time.
Can I book more than one traveller in the same order?
Yes, up to 3 travellers per order, with each traveller’s name on the reservation. For larger families, contact us through our contact page.
