- PNR (Passenger Name Record)
- A unique 6-character alphanumeric code assigned by an airline's reservation system to a confirmed booking. It contains passenger details, flight information, and booking status. Embassy officers use this code to verify flight reservations directly on airline websites.
- GDS (Global Distribution System)
- A computerized network that connects travel agencies and booking platforms to airline reservation systems. Major GDS providers include Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport. GDS enables real-time seat availability, pricing, and booking across 400+ airlines worldwide.
- Flight Reservation
- A confirmed airline booking that holds a seat without full ticket purchase. It generates a valid PNR code verifiable on the airline's website. Most embassies accept flight reservations as proof of travel intent for visa applications.
- Flight Itinerary
- A document showing planned travel details including departure/arrival airports, dates, times, flight numbers, and PNR code. For visa applications, the itinerary must show a confirmed reservation with a verifiable PNR code.
- E-Ticket
- An electronic airline ticket that has been fully purchased and paid for. Unlike a reservation, an e-ticket represents a completed financial transaction and includes a ticket number in addition to the PNR code.
- Hold Reservation
- A temporary airline booking where a seat is reserved for a limited period (typically 24–72 hours) without requiring full payment. Airlines and certified travel agencies can create hold reservations through GDS systems.
- Schengen Visa
- A short-stay visa allowing travel to any of the 27 European countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen Visa Code (Article 14) requires applicants to provide proof of transport arrangements.
- Visa Denial / Rejection
- A decision by an embassy or consulate to refuse a visa application. Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, weak ties to home country, or inadequate travel documentation. Using fake flight itineraries can result in permanent visa bans.
- Booking Confirmation
- An official document from an airline confirming a passenger's reservation. It typically includes the PNR code, flight details, passenger name, and booking status (Confirmed, Pending, or Waitlisted).
- Travel Agency Protocols
- Certified procedures that licensed travel agencies use to access airline GDS systems. These protocols allow agencies to create hold reservations, issue tickets, and manage bookings on behalf of travelers.
- Embassy Verification
- The process by which a consular officer confirms the validity of a flight reservation. Officers enter the PNR code on the airline's official website to verify that the booking exists and shows a “Confirmed” status.
- Proof of Onward Travel
- Documentation showing that a traveler plans to leave a destination country. This can include a return flight reservation, an onward flight to another country, or other travel arrangements.