Based out in Central Europe, Hungary is a landlocked country stretched across a distance of 93,030 square kilometres of the Carpathian Basin. The total population of Hungary is 9,595,387 as of 2023, according to the Worldmeter elaboration of the latest United Nations data.
The neighbourhood countries of Hungary are Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, and Serbia. The official language spoken in the country is Hungarian, the capital and largest city of which is Budapest.
The country is very much known for its thermal spas and hot springs and also has been known as Europe’s leading medical tourism destination.
One can plan to travel to Hungary by applying for a Schengen visa. The process to apply for a Schengen visa has been initiated in the year 2007 when Hungary was a Member state of the European Union, also as a member state of the Schengen area.
Here are the Entry Requirements for Hungary
As Hungary is considered a member country of the Schengen Zone, natives of the other EU/EEA member states can visit along with an identification document.
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen intending to travel Hungary, following documents are required at the Hungarian port of entry:
- A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of departure from the Schengen Agreement and issued within the last 10 years.
- Visa – if you are covered by the Hungarian visa system
- Documents to prove the objective of your visit – For example: hotel reservations, invitations, invitations to conferences and other events.
- Proof that you have enough financial strength to spend your time in Hungary. Hungarian authorities do not specify the amount that must be declared per day of stay in Hungary.
Also, at the Hungarian entry port border officials may ask some questions related to your trip to Hungary. Following are the questions you may need to answer.
- What’s your intention to visit Hungary?
- How long do you intend to stay over there?
- Where are you going to stay in Hungary?
The border officer is the ultimate authority in determining whether you may be allowed to enter Hungary, based on the examination of your documents to ascertain if you pose any danger to Hungary or the European Union.
Make sure that the border officials put stamping on your passport when you enter Hungary, because without a stamp, you could be detained or fined.
Who Requires a Schgen Visa to Visit Hungary ?
If you are an equal member of the Schengen Zone and the European Union, a short-stay visa will be required to make entry to Hungary, if:
- You are a national of a third world country that does not have a visa liberalisation agreement with the Schengen countries.
- You are a national of a third world country with a visa liberalisation agreement with the Schengen countries, but have previously been denied entry to Hungary or another Schengen country.
What Documents do you Need for Hungary Schengen Visa Application?
As part of applying for a short-term Hungary Visa at the Hungarian embassy/consulate in your country of residence, you must fulfil the Hungary visa requirements and submit certain mandatory documents. The documents required are as follows:
Visa application form of Hungarian – Complete the form, providing correct information that matches the information on the rest of the required documents. Print the form and sign it at the end.
2 passport size photos – Please make sure the photo is no more than 3 months old and was taken according to the Hungarian Schengen visa application photo requirements.
A valid passport. Must meet the following passport criteria for a Schengen visa:
- At least two blank pages are required to attach your visa.
- Must not be older than 10 years old.
- Must be valid for at least 3 months from the date you wish to leave Hungary and the entire Schengen area.
- Copy of previous visa
- Hungarian Travel Health Insurance. Covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid throughout Hungary and the Schengen Area.
- Proof of travel: This will be one of the following:
- Round-trip schedule. If you are arriving in Hungary by air, please provide this document certifying that you have booked a flight to/from Hungary. This document includes flight number, date and customer details.
- If you travel by car. Vehicle registration, vehicle insurance and return ticket (ferry or Eurotunnel) with vehicle registration number and driver’s licence details.
- Bus/train ticket
- Proof of accommodation. Proof of where you will be staying during your stay in Hungary. B. Book a hotel!
- Proof of enough financial strength to stay in Hungary. Documents proving that you have the financial capacity to enjoy entertainment during your stay in Hungary and Schengen countries
- A cover. A personal letter explaining why you are applying for a visit to Hungary, how long you intend to stay, when you will depart and other details
- Proof of citizenship. This can be a marriage certificate, a child’s birth certificate, a spouse’s death certificate, etc.
Secondary Hungarian Visa Requirement Depending on your Employment Status
Depending on your professional status and according to Hungarian visa requirements, you will need to submit additional documents such as:
If employed:
- Employment contract
- Checking statements for the last 6 months
- Paid vacation from employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or
If self-employed:
- Copy of business licence
- Company account statements for the last 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If a student:
- Enrollment proof
- School or college clearance certificate
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If retired:
- Statement of pension of the latest 6 months
If applicable:
- Proof of earnings generated by property, for the last 6 months
Note: Get to know more about opportunities that Hungary offers to those who are doing remote jobs through Hungary Digital Nomad Visa.
Secondary Hungarian Visa Requirement for Minors
People below the age of 18 who are seeking a short-term visa to Hungary, or guardians applying on behalf of a minor, must meet certain Hungarian Visa Requirements. This list of documents is as follows:
- Hungary Application form signaturized by both parents
- Minor’s birth certificate travelling to Hungary
- Family court order. Where only one parent has sole custody of the child
- Notarized copy of parent’s ID/passport
In case, if a minor will be travelling with another person:
- Original and photocopies of the passport pages of the accompanying person showing the holder’s date and expiry date, a photo, and a copy of the valid visa
- Notarized entry permit to Hungary signed by parents/legal guardians
Note: Minor children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when applying at the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate in their home country.
Additional requirements Depending on the Purpose of Entry to Hungary
Depending on why you are applying for a visa to Hungary, you may need to provide supplemental documents to demonstrate the purpose of your visit. Below, please find the Hungary visa requirements that may apply, depending on the purpose of your trip.
Airport Transit Visa Requirements for Hungary
If you require a stay in Hungary while travelling to a non-Schengen destination country, you may need to apply for a Hungary Airport Transit Visa.
Check the list of the nationals whose citizens are required to hold a Hungarian Airport Transit Visa when passing through the international airport transit zone at a Hungarian airport. To determine if you need to apply for one, consult the list.
Documents you Require for an airport Transit Schengen Visa to Hungary
The following additional documents must be presented when applying for a Hungarian airport transit visa:
- A valid visa for the last country to travel (if required)
- Air ticket for the last country to travel
Requirements for Hungary Tourist Visa
If you desire to visit Hungary for leisure or to explore the nation and its culture, you must apply for a Hungary Schengen Tourist visa.
Documents you Require for a Tourist Schengen Visa to Hungary
The following additional documents must be presented when applying for a Hungarian tourist visa:
- Proof of where you will be accommodating yourself.
- Itinerary. A description of your daily trip, including estimated arrival and departure dates in Hungary, where to stay and places to visit.
- Proof of how your trip will be financed
Hungary Visitor Visa Requirements
You can apply for a visitor visa to Hungary if a family member or friend who lives in Hungary invites you to visit them.
Documents Required for a Schengen Visitor Visa to Hungary
If you are planning to apply for a visa to visit friends or relatives in Hungary, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- Itinerary of travel – A detailed daily plan of your trip to Hungary.
- Invitation letter – A relative/friend living in Hungary invited you to visit and has been confirmed by the Hungarian Immigration Service.
- Proof of relationship with host living in Hungary.
Hungary Business Visa Requirements
A Schengen Business Visa for Hungary is intended for travellers who wish to enter Hungarian territory for the purpose of conducting business activities such as attending meetings or signing contracts.
Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Hungary
- An invitation from the Hungarian firm you are going to visit. The letter must contain a proof of the actual business connection in Hungary and trustworthy contact details of the Hungarian business partner
- A letter from your employer. This letter should state the reason for travelling to Hungary
- Proof of travel funds. For the expenses during the applicant’s stay in Hungary, either the employer or the affiliated company must indicate in the letter or invitation that the expenses will be covered
- Your portfolio
Hungary Study Visa Requirements
If the main purpose of your visit to Hungary is to take participation
Into study courses, internships or any training related to your field of study, you can apply for a study visa.
Following are the requirement documents for study schengen visa:
- A letter of no objection from your current educational institution (if applicable).
- Internship contract. Signed between Hungarian company, original company and trainee.
Hungary Medical Visa Requirements
In order to receive medical treatment, such as therapies or to have surgery, in Hungary, you must apply for a Hungary Schengen Medical visa. If you are accompanying a person who is travelling to Hungary for medical care, then your application must be for a Hungarian Medical visa.
Following are the required documents for a medical Schengen visa to Hungary:
- Local medical report – issued by a doctor/clinic/hospital in your native country to confirm that you need treatment in Hungary.
- A medical certificate from a Hungarian hospital or doctor confirming the appointment date and health status. You also need to make sure that the hospital can provide certain treatments and you will be admitted accordingly.
- Proof of financial agreement
- Official treatment confirmation from the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic)
Cultural/Sports/Religious/ Events Visa Requirements for Hungary
In order to participate in, or attend, cultural, sports, or religious events in Hungary, or to travel as a film crew member, you must apply for a Cultural/Sports/Religious Events Visa, which is a short stay visa for Hungary.
Following are the documents you Need for a Schengen Visa to Hungary for Sports/Religious/Cultural events:
- Letter of invitation from the event organiser in Hungary, including, if applicable, entry tickets, enrollment, program, and accommodation details.
- Furthermore, we require evidence of participation in prior events, such as festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winner’s certificates, and any proof of world/international ranking (sports).
If you are a film crew members, then:
- A letter from the film company with your name, movie synopsis, and location.
- A complete list of named crew members.
- A letter from the Hungarian agency confirming the arrangement of filming permits.
- Certificate of Registration with the Local Film Producers Association/Film Chamber of Commerce
Hungary Visa Requirements for Husband/Wife of a Hungarian Native
If you are married to a Hungarian citizen and are looking to travel to Hungary for a short-term stay, you will need to apply for a visa specifically designated for this type of applicant.
Following are the documents required when it comes to apply for a Hungarian visa as a spouse of a Hungarian national:
- Proof of Hungarian citizenship (ID card or consular card or Hungarian certification)
- Nationality or naturalisation decision)
- Hungarian marriage certificate.
- Hungarian Family Book.
Documents you Require for Official Visit to Hungary
If you are part of an Official Delegation from a government, institution, or organisation travelling to Hungary, you will need to apply for a Hungary Visa for Official Visits.
Hungary Schengen Visa for the Member of Official Delegations
If you apply for a Hungarian visa as part of an official delegation, you will need to present the following additional documents:
- Official invitation copy
- Evidence of the purpose of the trip (negotiations, meetings, intergovernmental organisation events, consultations).
How you can Apply for Hungarian Short-stay Visa
You need to get the following application process done to obtain short-stay visa:
- Find out what type of visa you need to enter Hungary
- Check where to submit your visa application
- Fill out the short-stay visa application form
- Collect the necessary documents for a Hungarian visa
- Arrange a visa interview. Attend an interview at the relevant Hungarian Embassy/Consulate/VAC
- Wait for your application to be processed
Where you can Apply for Hungarian Short-stay Visa
If you have determined the visa type that you need to enter Hungary based on your purpose for travel, the next step is to determine where to apply for it. Depending on the rules in place in the country of your residence, you may need to submit your application at one of the following locations.
- Hungarian Embassy
- Hungarian Consulate
- Visa application centres entrusted by Hungary to issue visas
- Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen area to which Hungary has entrusted visa issuance.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate or VAC?
If Hungary is your sole destination within the Schengen Area, please submit your visa application to the Hungarian Embassy / Consulate / VAC in your country of residence.
On the other hand, if you are planning to visit other Schengen countries in addition to Hungary, submit your short-stay visa application to a Hungarian Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if one of the following conditions applies to you.
- The number of days spent in Hungary is longer than in other countries.
- Spend the same number of days in each country, but enter the Schengen area via Hungary.
To apply for a short-stay visa at the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate/VAC, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You are a citizen of the country from which you are applying.
- You are a foreigner with permanent residence or temporary residence permit in the country from which you are applying.
How Much Time Does it Take to Get a Hungarian Visa?
A Hungary short-stay visa processing time may take up to 15 days, however, this timeframe can be extended to 30 days in certain circumstances, particularly if the applicant is also planning to visit other Schengen countries, as some of these may need to be consulted prior to the issuance of the visa. In rare cases, processing may take up to 60 days.
It is strongly recommended that you apply for a Hungarian short-stay visa at your earliest convenience to prevent delays in the issuance of your visa. Please bear in mind that filing your application should take place no earlier than three months prior to your journey to Hungary and no later than 15 days.
What is the Cost of Applying for a Hungarian Visa?
Following is the costing mentioned:
- For adult travellers – €80
- For children 6 – 12 years – €40
- For children under 6 years – Free of cost
Based on your nationality, the purpose of your visit and other criteria, you may qualify for an exemption of the fee or even a reduced fee. Therefore, please review the list of Hungarian Schengen Visa fees to see if you are eligible!
How Long Can You Stay in Hungary without a Visa?
- Residents of EU/EEA nations are permitted to remain in Hungary for a duration of up to 90 days within a 180-day stretch. For an extended stay, they must register with the appropriate Hungarian officials.
- Holders of passports from the visa-exempt countries of Hungary may stay in Hungary and other Schengen nations for a duration of up to 90 days over a six-month span.
- Citizens from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of South Korea, and the United States of America who intend to stay in Hungary for an extended period must apply for a residence permit with the corresponding Hungarian authorities within three months of entering Hungary.
- Individuals from Hungary visa-exempt countries who desire to extend their stay in Hungary must apply for a Hungary National visa for long stays from their home country.
Citizens of nations that have yet to sign a visa-free pact with Hungary and other Schengen countries will have to acquire a visa prior to their travel to Hungary or any other Schengen country.
Note: Also, ensure that you are aware of the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Steer clear of exceeding this rule, even for a single day, otherwise there may be repercussions for surpassing the stay in the Schengen area.
Is Schengen Visa Extendable?
In exceptional cases, such as humanitarian reasons or force majeure, you may be eligible to extend your Hungarian short-stay visa after entry in the country. To apply for an extension of your stay in Hungary, you should go to the Office of Immigration and Nationality, Regional Directorate of Budapest, and Pest County.
If you would like to know the requirements and conditions for extending your Hungarian Schengen Visa, have a look at – How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Hungary.
Can Hungarian Schengen Visa be Revoked?
Yes, your Hungarian visa can be revoked by the relevant Hungarian authorities should they determine that the conditions for its issuance are no longer satisfied.
It is important to be aware that, should the visa holder fail to provide the border officer with the necessary entry requirements, there may be a decision to cancel or rescind the visa, though not necessarily.
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