When applying for a Portuguese visa, one question often causes unnecessary anxiety.

Have you already booked your flight?

Applicants sometimes hear this during visa appointments at VFS Global or at a Portuguese consulate. Given the current reality of long delays in securing appointments and even longer waits for visa approvals, the question can feel intimidating. Many people assume that booking flights in advance is required.

It is not.

Why the question comes up
Some interviewers ask about flights to understand your intended travel timing. In certain cases, they may be trying to determine appropriate visa start dates. This is an administrative clarification, not a legal requirement. The question alone does not mean you are expected to present a booked ticket.

Our advice to clients
We consistently advise clients to explain that they have not booked flights yet because they do not know when the visa will be approved. This approach is reasonable and avoids unnecessary financial risk. Booking flights before approval can lead to change fees, cancellations, or losses if timelines shift.

Real outcomes in practice
So far, all of our clients have been approved for their visas without having booked flights in advance. None have been refused or delayed for this reason. This is based on real cases, not theory.

Why applicants panic
Many applicants assume that if an interviewer asks a question, it must be mandatory. Visa interviews often include clarifying questions that are not tied to legal requirements. A question is not the same as a condition for approval.

What the rules actually say
Confirmed flight bookings are not listed on the official visa checklist. They are not required under Portuguese visa law. They are not a valid reason to refuse a visa.

If a refusal were ever issued solely because flights were not booked, it would be appealed. There is no legal basis to deny a visa on that ground.

What to do at your appointment
If you are asked about flights, remain calm and answer clearly. Explain that you intend to book once the visa is approved because approval timelines are unpredictable. This response is logical, lawful, and widely accepted.

In the current environment of delays and backlogs, waiting to book flights until after visa approval is not only sensible. It is standard practice.

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** Requirements change all the time so be sure to get in touch with VFS Global or the Consulate to verify before your appointment.