Should I show Hotel reservation when entering Schengen zone?

Should I show Hotel reservation when entering Schengen zone? - Old fashioned golden service bell and reception sign placed on wooden counter of hotel with retro interior

I already have a single entry visa from Czech republic.

While applying, my plan was to travel to Prague stay there 3 nights including my date of arrival & 3rd day depart to Germany, spend there 2 days & back to Prague and stay there 1 day, & depart to my resident country.

Now my current plan is to enter Prague & later morning take a flight to Brussels, go sightseeing & take night trains, travelling through countries like the Netherlands, Germany & Austria & back to Prague on the 6th day where I have a hotel booking, then next day return back to my resident country.

I will be reaching Prague on 2nd November midnight & I have booked another flight from Prague to Brussels on the very same day early morning flight. I already have return ticket booked to my resident country, and all the bus/train night tickets & other tickets throughout countries which I will travel & 1 hotel bookings which I have taken in Germany.

So when entering Prague, should I show them the hotel reservation in Prague? Or should I show them flight booking to Brussels which is same day travelling? Will they make any issues in airport? The bookings I submitted with my visa processing, I cancelled after the visa was approved.

  • I could make some free cancellation bookings in Prague from November 2nd to another few days, finish the immigration process and enter the country then later in morning I can get back to terminal 2 & proceed to Brussels as normal domestic travel.

  • Or I could show the Brussels ticket & convince them that I will travel to Brussels and will be back to Prague on November 4th and will be staying in Prague for 5 days, by showing them some free cancellation hotels bookings from Nov 4 to Nov 9.

Which is better?






Pictures about "Should I show Hotel reservation when entering Schengen zone?"

Should I show Hotel reservation when entering Schengen zone? - Unrecognizable couple of travellers with backpacks entering hotel
Should I show Hotel reservation when entering Schengen zone? - Comfortable chairs and bathtubs in spacious contemporary spa center with mosaic elements and walls decorated with fresh green plants
Should I show Hotel reservation when entering Schengen zone? - Interior of spacious lobby with comfortable white sofa and armchairs placed in contemporary hotel in daylight



How do you show proof of accommodation?

This can be done in 3 ways:
  • Provide an invitation letter from a friend or relative residing in the country you are visiting.
  • Book a reservation with a hotel or hostel and use the confirmation letter as proof of accommodation.
  • Get a dummy hotel reservation through a verified agent.


  • Do I need itinerary for Schengen Visa?

    Some will accept the Schengen Visa flight itinerary when applying for the visa but may request the original air ticket when the visa is collected. You will have to present your Schengen Visa flight itinerary at your visa interview.

    Can I change my hotel after getting Schengen Visa?

    The Schengen visa means the visa is for the Schengen area; otherwise it will be called a country-specific visa. There is no requirement to enter first to the country who issued you visa and hence no hotel change issue.

    Should my first trip be to the country issued by Schengen Visa can I enter a different Schengen country?

    Your first country of entry is the country in which you enter the Schengen Area for the first time from the outside. It does not need to be the country that issued you with a Schengen Visa, as you must apply with the nation where you are planning to spend the majority of your stay in the Schengen Area.



    When to Book Schengen Visa Hotel Reservations (Europe Visa)




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Andrea Piacquadio, George Pak, Max Vakhtbovych, Max Vakhtbovych