If you are applying for a visa to New Zealand, one of the documents you will often be asked for is a flight reservation — also known as a dummy ticket. This guide explains what New Zealand embassies require, how to get a QR-verifiable flight reservation, and tips for a successful application.
Why Do You Need a Flight Reservation for a New Zealand 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 New Zealand Visas Ask for Flight Details?
Immigration New Zealand expects visitors to have an onward or return ticket when they travel, and visitor visa applicants may be asked about their travel plans. The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) application itself does not ask you to upload a flight booking. Check the Immigration New Zealand checklist for your visa.
How to Get a Dummy Ticket for New Zealand
The fastest and most reliable way is to use Onward Itinerary. Here is how it works:
- Search for flights — Enter your departure city, destination (New Zealand), 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.
New Zealand Visa Requirements Overview
In addition to a flight reservation, a New Zealand visa application typically requires a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds (NZD 1,000 per month or NZD 400 per month with pre-paid accommodation), evidence of onward travel, and medical certificates if required.
You can get both your flight reservation and hotel booking from Onward Itinerary, streamlining your application process.
Processing Time and Tips
Processing times vary by visa; check the current Immigration New Zealand processing times before you plan. Immigration New Zealand looks for evidence of onward travel. A flight reservation shows your planned dates, but it is not a paid ticket, and Immigration New Zealand or your airline decides whether it is enough, so check before you rely on it.
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 New Zealand 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 New Zealand 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 New Zealand 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.