Do embassies check hotel bookings?

Yes, they can. Here's how verification usually happens and what makes a booking hold up.

How checks happen

Consulates don't check every booking, but they can: by calling or emailing the hotel with the booking reference and guest name, by checking the hotel exists at the address given, or by comparing your bookings with the rest of your file. Border officers may also ask where you're staying.

What they look for

• The booking exists at the hotel under your name.
• Dates and cities match the itinerary and the purpose of the trip.
• The documents look genuine: no edited dates, invented references or inconsistent details.

Staying safe

Only submit real bookings. A booking that can't be found can be treated as false documentation. OnwardHotel reservations are real and can be found by the hotel while they're held; if one can't be found, our refund policy returns your money.