Round-Trip or One-Way — What Do Embassies Want?
One of the most common questions visa applicants ask is: should I get a round-trip or one-way dummy ticket? The answer depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the country's specific requirements.
Getting this wrong can weaken your application. Here is a clear guide for Bangladeshi travelers.
When You Need a Round-Trip Dummy Ticket
Most tourist and visitor visas require a round-trip itinerary. The embassy wants to see that you plan to leave the country before your visa expires. This applies to:
- Schengen visa: Round-trip is mandatory. Your exit flight must be before your visa validity ends.
- UK visitor visa: Round-trip strongly recommended. Shows intent to return to Bangladesh.
- US B1/B2 visa: Round-trip recommended for the interview. Demonstrates ties to home country.
- Thailand tourist visa: Round-trip required. Thai embassy specifically asks for return flight evidence.
- Malaysia visa: Round-trip expected for tourist applications.
- UAE/Dubai visa: Round-trip typically required.
- Singapore visa: Round-trip recommended.
For tourist visas, always default to round-trip unless the embassy specifically says otherwise.
When One-Way Is Acceptable
Some visa types do not require — and may even prefer — a one-way itinerary:
- Student visas: Your stay depends on course length (1-4+ years). A return date is unknown at application time. See our student visa dummy ticket guide.
- Work visas: Employment-based visas like Saudi Arabia work visa or Qatar work visa. Your employer typically handles return travel.
- Immigration visas: If you are migrating permanently (e.g., Canada PR), a one-way ticket is normal.
- Hajj/Umrah: Return flights are expected, but the format may differ from standard tourist visas. See our Hajj/Umrah visa guide.
Country-by-Country Quick Reference
| Country / Visa Type | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen (Tourist) | Round-trip (required) | Exit date must be within visa validity |
| UK (Visitor) | Round-trip | Shows intent to return |
| UK (Student) | One-way acceptable | Course duration unknown at application |
| Canada (Tourist) | Round-trip | Shows temporary intent |
| Canada (Study Permit) | One-way acceptable | Multi-year programs |
| USA (B1/B2) | Round-trip | Strengthens interview impression |
| USA (F-1 Student) | One-way acceptable | Duration of studies visa |
| Thailand (Tourist) | Round-trip (required) | Embassy specifically requires return |
| Malaysia (Tourist) | Round-trip | Expected for tourist applications |
| Australia (Tourist) | Round-trip | Shows genuine temporary entrant |
| Australia (Student) | One-way acceptable | Visa covers course duration |
| Saudi Arabia (Work) | One-way acceptable | Employer-sponsored return |
| Qatar (Work) | One-way acceptable | Employer-sponsored return |
Multi-City Itineraries
If you are visiting multiple countries on one trip (common for Schengen travel), you may need a multi-city itinerary showing flights between destinations. For example:
- Dhaka → Paris → Rome → Dhaka (Schengen multi-country trip)
- Dhaka → Bangkok → Singapore → Dhaka (Southeast Asia tour)
EchoFlights supports multi-city itineraries. On the search page, select "Multi-City" to build your custom route.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- One-way for tourist visa: This is the most common mistake. Tourist visa applications almost always need round-trip flights. An embassy may reject your application if you only show a one-way ticket.
- Return date after visa expiry: For Schengen visas especially, your return flight must be before the visa validity period ends.
- Mismatched dates: Your flight dates should align with your hotel bookings and travel insurance dates.
- Wrong airport: Make sure you are flying into the country where you are applying for the visa (for Schengen, the country of longest stay).
How to Get Your Dummy Ticket
- Search your route on EchoFlights
- Choose one-way, round-trip, or multi-city as needed
- Select your preferred flights and dates
- Enter passenger details matching your passport
- Pay 100 Taka via bKash
- Download your embassy-ready PDF instantly
Not sure what a dummy ticket is? Read our complete guide. Want to know if they are legal? See are dummy tickets legal and safe.