In 2026, using a verified dummy ticket (a flight reservation with a valid PNR) is a widely accepted and legal practice for the initial Dubai visa application. Consulates understand that travelers do not want to risk thousands of dollars on a non-refundable ticket before their visa is approved. These "dummy" tickets are real reservations held in the airline's system for a limited time (usually 48–72 hours), allowing officers to verify the intent to travel. However, using a "fake" or forged PDF (with a made-up PNR) is strictly illegal and will lead to an immediate visa rejection and a potential travel ban. For a 2026 Dubai visa, the key is ensuring the PNR is embassy-verifiable at the time of your application; once the visa is granted, you can then proceed to purchase your actual flight tickets.