If you are applying for a visa to Australia, one of the documents you will often be asked for is a flight reservation — also known as a dummy ticket. This guide explains what the Department of Home Affairs asks for, how to get a QR-verifiable flight reservation, and tips for a successful application.
Why Use a Flight Reservation for an Australian Visa?
Many embassies and consulates ask for a flight reservation or itinerary to see that you have concrete travel plans. It shows when you intend to enter and leave the country, helping visa officers assess your application. You do not need a fully paid ticket before your visa is approved, so a flight reservation is the practical approach.
Which Australian Visas Ask for Flight Details?
Requirements depend on the visa. The ETA (subclass 601) and eVisitor (subclass 651) are applied for online and do not ask you to upload a flight booking. For a Visitor visa (subclass 600) or a student visa, a return itinerary can support your stated travel dates, but the Department of Home Affairs does not ask you to buy a ticket. Check the document checklist for your visa.
How to Get a Dummy Ticket for Australia
The fastest and most reliable way is to use Onward Itinerary. Here is how it works:
- Search for flights — Enter your departure city, destination (Australia), and travel dates.
- Enter passenger details — Provide your full name as it appears on your passport.
- Complete the booking — Pay the reservation fee (from $5) and receive your QR-verifiable reservation document instantly.
Your reservation includes a booking reference generated by Onward Itinerary and Live QR Verification. Scanning the QR code on your PDF opens our verification portal showing your itinerary. The document is a reservation, not a paid airline ticket, and is not held in the airline’s system, so present it as such.
Australia Visa Requirements Overview
In addition to a flight reservation, an Australia visa application typically requires a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and meeting health and character requirements. Health insurance is strongly recommended for visitors and can be imposed as visa condition 8501. It is mandatory for student visas (OSHC), which since 23 March 2024 must also meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement instead of the old GTE.
You can get both your flight reservation and hotel booking from Onward Itinerary, streamlining your application process.
Processing Time and Tips
Processing times for an Australian visa vary by subclass; check the current Department of Home Affairs processing times before you plan. Ensure your flight reservation dates match your accommodation booking and stated purpose of travel exactly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a fake or altered document. Never submit a forged ticket or an itinerary presented as something it is not. Misrepresentation can lead to refusal and affect future applications.
Choosing too short a validity. Choose a validity that covers your appointment and decision: 48 hours, 72 hours, 30 days (standard), 3 months or 6 months.
Name mismatches. Your name on the reservation must exactly match your passport. Double-check spelling, middle names, and any special characters.
Missing accommodation proof. Many visa applications ask for both flight and accommodation proof. Get both from Onward Itinerary to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dummy ticket for Australia cost?
A flight reservation from Onward Itinerary costs $10 per person for the standard 1-month validity, or $5 (48 hours), $7 (72 hours), $15 (3 months) or $20 (6 months). It includes a booking reference with Live QR Verification, instant delivery and a professional document.
Can the Australia embassy verify my reservation?
Yes. Every Onward Itinerary document carries a booking reference and a Live QR code that opens our verification portal. It is not an airline booking, so it will not appear on the airline’s website.
How long is the flight reservation valid?
Choose a validity that covers your appointment and decision: 48 hours, 72 hours, 30 days (standard), 3 months or 6 months.
What if my Australia visa is denied?
You only lose the reservation fee you paid (from $5), not the hundreds you would lose on a full airline ticket. This is the main benefit of using a dummy ticket.