Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Hungary Visa

Next stop? Hungary!

Whether you’re planning to explore the stunning capital of Budapest or relax along Lake Balaton, understanding the Hungary visa process is a crucial part of your travel preparations. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about visas for Hungary, from the application process to special visa types, and more.

Do I need a visa to go to Hungary?

Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, which means that the type of visa you need depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. While some travelers can enjoy short stays without a visa, others may need to apply ahead of time.

Citizens of non-exempt countries (such as China or India) need to obtain a visa to travel to Hungary.

Do US citizens need a visa for Hungary?

If you’re a US citizen, great news! For visits up to 90 days for tourism or business within a 180-day period, you do not need a visa for Hungary. Your US passport will allow you to travel freely, as Hungary is part of the Schengen Zone.

However, from 2025 on, US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS authorization for short stays. This application is simple and entirely online. US citizens with valid Hungary visas will not need to apply for ETIAS (it’s a one-or-the-other situation).

Who doesn’t need a visa to go to Hungary?

In addition to US citizens, travelers from other visa-exempt countries, such as Canada, Australia, and others can visit Hungary without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days). Those traveling for tourism, business, or family visits fall under this exemption.

Additionally, citizens of countries in the Schengen zone or the EU also do not need a visa to visit Hungary.

How do I apply for a Hungary visa?

If you’re not from a visa-exempt country or plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa. Hungary offers several visa types depending on the purpose of your visit, including tourism, work, study, and digital nomad visas.

Can I apply for a Hungary visa online?

No, Hungary does not offer an online application process. You’ll need to submit your visa application in person at a Hungarian consulate or visa processing center in your country.

However, some visa forms can be completed electronically before submitting in person, which helps speed up the process.

In the coming years, those traveling to Hungary will be able to apply for a Hungary visa online through a system called EU VAP. It hasn’t launched just as of yet, but it will streamline the process and make it more accessible for applicants of all backgrounds in the future.

Is a Hungarian visa difficult to get?

Generally, Hungary’s visa process is straightforward. The ease of obtaining a visa can depend on the visa type, seasonality, the completeness of your application, and more.

What is the rejection rate for Hungary visas?

In 2023, the global rejection rate for Hungarian visas was 15.13%. Applications can be denied for many reasons, but a common one is incomplete documentation and lack of sufficient funds.

What is the processing time for a Hungary visa?

The typical processing time for a Hungary visa is around 10-15 calendar days, but this can extend up to 60 days or more, especially during busy seasons or if additional documents are needed. Be sure to allow plenty of time before your planned travel.

Hungary visa application requirements

Whether you’re visiting for business, tourism, or something else, meeting Hungary’s visa requirements is essential for a smooth application process – and that means understanding which documents you need to prepare.

For all Hungary visa applications, there are some essential required documents you can expect to need to provide. Then, specific visas will require additional documents on top of the essential ones.

Which essential documents are required when applying for a Hungary visa?

• A completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos (meeting Schengen standards)
• Valid passport (with at least 3 months of validity beyond your intended stay)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)
• Schengen-compliant travel insurance
• Flight itinerary
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter, etc.)

What are the specific Hungary visa requirements?

Depending on the visa type, specific documents may be needed. Below are detailed requirements for various visa categories.

Hungary visitor visa requirements (Type C, short-stay)

For tourists, the necessary documents are typically the ones listed above.

Type D (long-stay) Hungary visa requirements

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, a Type D visa is required. This includes work visas, student visas, family reunification, and other reasons for long stays.

Hungary study abroad visa requirements

Students must provide proof of enrollment in a Hungarian educational institution and the documents listed above.

Hungary digital nomad visa requirements

Officially known as the White Card, Hungary does offer a digital nomad visa. Non-EU citizens can apply for a White Card as long as their work remains outside of the Hungarian market (a US citizen working for a US company remotely, for example).

Also, keep in mind that if you’re not a freelancer, the company you work for needs to offer “work anywhere” or be able to legally employ overseas workers.

Is there an interview when applying for a Hungary visa?

Yes, Hungary visa applications require an in-person interview at a visa center or consulate in your country of residence. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit, as well as present the required documents for your application. At this appointment, your application will be submitted for processing.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS to visit Hungary?

If you’re traveling without a Hungarian/Schengen visa, you need ETIAS authorization from 2025 on. However, if you hold a valid Hungarian/Schengen visa, you do not need to apply for ETIAS (it’s an either/or situation).

Who needs ETIAS to visit Hungary?

Visa-exempt travelers, including US citizens, will need to apply for ETIAS for short stays in Hungary and the Schengen zone as of 2025. This process is straightforward and entirely online.

Is Hungary part of the Schengen Zone?

Yes! Hungary is one of the 29 countries in the Schengen Zone, meaning you typically can travel to other Schengen countries without border checks once you enter Hungary.

Does my Hungary visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

If you have a valid Schengen visa for Hungary, you can usually travel freely within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Key Takeaways for Hungarian Visas

• There are a variety of types of visas for Hungary.
• Each Hungary visa type has specific document requirements.
• Hungary is part of the Schengen zone.
• To apply, you must have Schengen-compliant travel insurance, and proof of it at the time of your appointment.
• Some visas allow you to work on Hungarian soil, others do not.
• Hungary offers a digital nomad visa.
• Processing times vary for Hungary visas range from 10-15 days or more.
• To apply, in most cases, you must have proof of sufficient funds, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
• You must apply for a Hungary visa in person at a visa center, Hungarian consulate, or embassy in your country of residence.
• In the coming years, you will be able to apply for a Hungary visa online with EU VAP.
• From 2025 onward, US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Hungary, if they do not hold a valid Hungarian visa.