Is a Dummy Flight Ticket Illegal?
The Definitive Guide to Onward Travel Law

It is the most common question I hear from digital nomads and visa applicants: “I don’t want to book a real ticket yet. Can I use a dummy ticket, or will I get arrested?”

The answer is not a simple Yes or No. It depends entirely on how you define “Dummy Ticket.”

One definition represents a smart travel hack used by millions. The other definition represents a federal crime known as Document Forgery. Confusing the two can lead to a visa rejection, deportation, or a permanent ban from countries like the USA, UK, and Canada.

In this guide, I will break down the legalities, the risks, and the correct way to provide proof of onward travel without breaking the law.

1. The Two Types of Dummy Tickets (Crucial Distinction)

To understand the law, we must first define the document. In the travel industry, the term “dummy ticket” is used loosely to describe two very different things.

2. Immigration Law: Fraud vs. Intent

When applying for a visa (Schengen, UK, etc.), you are required to show “Proof of Transport.”

Is “Type A” (The Hold) Legal here?

Yes. Most consulates explicitly state: “We advise applicants not to purchase fully paid tickets until the visa is approved.”

By submitting a Held Itinerary, you are complying with their request. You are showing a proposed flight plan.

3. The Danger Zone: Forgery & Bans

This is where people ruin their lives. If you use Type B (The Fake Generator), you are crossing into criminal territory.

The Scenario: You use a website like “FreeDummyTicket.com” to generate a PDF. You edit the dates using an HTML editor. You submit this to the UK Embassy.

The Consequence:

• Verification Check: The Visa Officer types the PNR into their GDS system (Amadeus/Sabre). The system returns: RECORD NOT FOUND.
• The Charge: You are flagged for submitting Counterfeit Documents.
• The Penalty:
  • USA: Permanent ineligibility for fraud.
  • UK: Automatic 10-year ban under immigration rules 320(7a) for deception.
  • Schengen: Entry into the SIS (Schengen Information System) blacklist.

4. Civil Law: Airline Policy

What about the airlines? Is it illegal to book a “Fully Refundable” ticket just to show it to immigration, and then cancel it?

This is not a matter of criminal law, but Contract Law (The Airline’s Terms of Carriage).

• Is it illegal? No. You have the right to a refund if the fare rules allow it.
• Is it ethical? Airlines dislike it because it spoils their inventory (seats they could have sold to others).
• The Risk: If you do this repeatedly (e.g., booking and cancelling 50 times a year), the airline may ban your frequent flyer account for “Churning” or “Inventory Abuse.” But for a one-off visa application? It is standard practice.

5. At the Airport Check-in Counter

Digital nomads often face the “Proof of Onward Travel” requirement when boarding a one-way flight to places like Thailand or Bali.

The Situation: The airline staff asks, “Do you have a flight out of Thailand?”

• Using Type A (Real Hold): Perfectly safe. You have a confirmed reservation. The airline just wants to ensure they won’t be fined by Thai immigration if you are denied entry.
• Using Type B (Fake PDF): Extremely risky. Airline staff have instant access to booking systems. If they type in your fake PNR and it doesn’t work, they will deny you boarding immediately.

6. The Expert Verdict

So, is a dummy ticket illegal?

“It is NOT illegal to use a flight reservation (held ticket) for visa or immigration purposes, provided the reservation is genuine and verifiable in the airline’s system.

It IS illegal to submit a forged, altered, or photoshopped document, which constitutes visa fraud.”

7. Frequently Asked Questions