What are the reasons for making a hotel reservation for a Schengen visa instead of actual bookings?

When applying for a Schengen visa, it's common and often advisable to provide hotel reservations (also called dummy bookings or proof of accommodation) instead of making actual, paid hotel bookings. Here are the main reasons why hotel reservations are preferred over actual bookings: Financial Loss in the Event of a Schengen Visa Rejection In the event of a visa rejection or processing delay, applicants may incur substantial financial losses—especially if they have prepaid for non-refundable hotel accommodations. This risk is particularly relevant for Schengen visas, which often require applicants to provide hotel reservations covering the full duration of their intended stay. At a minimum, you may choose to make confirmed hotel reservations for one week and then use Schengen Visa Itinerary to generate provisional bookings for the remainder of your stay. A Visa Is Granted Solely for the Duration of Your Hotel Reservations While the Schengen visa allo...