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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Hungary?

Since Hungary is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, most of its visa policy is tailored accordingly to Schengen area regulations, displaying only slight differences. European Union, European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein in addition to the EU states), and Switzerland citizens are eligible for a visa-free entry to Hungary. Given that they do not take up employment and their stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days per 180 days.

Other than the EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens, Hungary signed bilateral or multilateral agreements with various countries from different parts of the world to abolish visa requirements mutually. Their stay is also limited to a maximum of 90 days per 180 days and cannot take up employment. These countries are listed below.

*Citizens of these countries required to have biometric passports.

**Only holders of passports that include an identity card number.

***The rules on travel regarding Brexit will stay the same until 31 December 2020.

****Visa-free stay for up to 30 days.

***** The visa requirement exemption applies only to holders of the ‘Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ passport.

Countries that are not listed above have to apply for a Schengen visa beforehand to visit Hungary.

Hungary Visa Types

We covered Hungary visa types that vary depending on the duration and purpose of the stay.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa is a short-duration free-roaming agreement that was first established between Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain in 1995. After 1995, many other European states became an integral part of the agreement in different years, thus creating the Schengen area. Today, the Schengen area consists of 26 countries without border controls between them and having a Schengen visa issued by these countries will grant a visa-free stay up to 90 days in a 180 day period in the Schengen area as well as transits through international airports. Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are the member countries of the Schengen area. If you would like to visit any of these countries freely, you will have to obtain a Schengen visa.

Although Hungary has been a part of the Schengen area since 2007 and subject to its regulations, there are minor differing requirements regarding the local laws and various other nationalities.

Hungary Schengen Visa (Category C Visa for Short Stay Visits)

Depending on your purpose of visit that is limited to 90 days or less in a 180 days period to Hungary; it is possible for you to obtain one of the following visa types.

Hungary Airport Transit Visa

An airport transit visa is required for certain countries when their citizens have to change flights at a foreign country and the necessity of the visa is determined by the country in which the airport is located in. Hungary follows the regulations of the Schengen area regarding nationalities that are asked for an airport transit visa and does not additionally require any other nationalities to obtain a Hungary airport transit visa.

Hungary Business Visa

A Hungary business visa is a type of short-term visa that is needed for the third country (neither the citizens of European Economic Area nor Switzerland) individuals or groups who have designated meetings, unpaid trainings, or business-related events without labor or gainful employment. An invitation letter from a Hungarian-based company, a certificate from sending company stating or allowing the business travel, business bank statements, trade license, proof of financial means to cover expenses are some of the additionally required documents while applying for a Hungary business visa.

Hungary Tourist Visa

A Hungary tourist visa is issued for international tourists who are intended to visit Hungary for sightseeing purposes. It is possible to obtain a Hungary tourist visa through consulates, authorized visa companies, or authorized travel agencies.                            

Hungary Visitor Visa

A Hungary visitor visa is issued for individuals who are planning to visit a family member or a friend residing in Hungary. In order to get the visa, it is vital to include an invitation letter from the person whom you are visiting while applying.

Hungary Schengen Visa Types

Schengen Transit Visa

A Schengen transit visa is a permit asked from some nationalities that will transit through a Schengen country to a non-Schengen country even if he/she does not leave the international transit zone at the airport. If the second destination is also to a Schengen country, then a regular Schengen visa would be needed. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka are required to obtain a Schengen transit visa. It is important to note that some Schengen countries have their own listings with additional countries regarding the visa. When applying for a Schengen transit visa, the applicant is required to provide documents regarding the onward trip to the final destination after the intended airport transit as well as proof of intention not to enter the territory of the member states.

Schengen Tourist Visa

If you would like to visit a Schengen country for sightseeing purposes, you can apply for a Schengen tourist visa which is specified for this purpose and can be issued by any of the Schengen states. It is possible for you to visit more than one Schengen country with the Schengen tourist visa.

Schengen Business Visa

A Schengen Business visa is issued for business-related purposes including meetings, events, fairs, business ventures, or commercial activities. The visa permits its holder to enter and remain in any Schengen country for 90 days in a 180 days period.

Schengen Visitor Visa

A Schengen visitor visa is issued for the individuals who are visiting a family member or friend that is legally residing in Hungary or any other Schengen state. There are some certain additional requirements required for a Schengen visitor visa such as an invitation letter, proof of relationship for families, and proof of sufficient income during the stay.

Schengen Cultural Visa

A Schengen cultural visa enables individuals or groups to be able to enter a Schengen country for a number of purposes including cultural activities, sports, or filmmaking. It is required to include a letter that clearly states the purpose of the visit from both sending and receiving associations to obtain a Schengen cultural visa.

Schengen Medical Treatment Visa

A Schengen medical treatment visa is issued for people who are planning to receive medical treatment in a Schengen country institution. There are many additional documents required for a Schengen medical treatment visa including but not limited to proof of payment to the Schengen area-located medical institution, proof of accommodation, and letter of admission from the receiving medical institution.

Hungary Category D Visa for Long Stay Visits

Hungary category D visas are issued for stays that exceed a three month period in the country and they are not to be confused with permanent residence permits.

Hungary Student Visa

A Hungary student visa is required for third country students who are intended to study in the country at an educational institution for more than three months. Proof of accommodation, sufficient linguistic knowledge regarding the studies, proof of sufficient financial means, and confirmation letters both from the receiving and sending institutions are some of the required documents asked from applicants to the visa.

Hungary Employment Visa

A third country national who wishes to stay and work in Hungary for more than 90 days has to submit a Hungary employment visa request through his/her employer with additionally required documents including but not limited to sufficient means of subsistence, duration of occupation, and confirmation of required skills for the employment.

Hungary Job Seeker Visa

A Hungary job seeker visa or an establishment card allows its holder to stay in the country to look for a job and if he/she finds a job during the length of the visa, it is possible to apply for an employment permit. A job seeker visa is usually granted for Hungarian university graduates or very highly qualified workers such as senior managers or scientists.

Hungary Family Reunion Visa

A Hungary family reunion visa is issued for third country nationals that have spouses, unmarried minors, registered parents, or another family member in Hungary as a citizen. The visa grants a temporary and extendable residence permit for two years and it enables the holder to work in Hungary.

Hungary Researcher Visa

It is possible for individuals to obtain a Hungary researcher visa if he/she has been offered a paid position as a researcher in a Hungarian institute with a duration of more than three months.

Hungary Freelancer Visa

If you are working location-independently and have sufficient means of subsistence, health insurance, and adequate means of accommodation you can apply for a Hungary freelancer visa.

Hungary Language Course Visa

A Hungary language course visa is needed for third country individuals who are planning to stay in Norway for more than three months to learn Hungarian, German, English, or any other recognized languages. A confirmation letter is asked from the receiving institution as well as proof of accommodation, insurance, and proof of sufficient financial sources from the applicant.

Hungary Student Internship Visa

An internship that exceeds three months is considered as gainful employment in Hungary for third country nationals and requires a student internship visa. The applicant has to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation, and purpose of stay.

Hungary Partnership Visa

A Hungary partnership visa is granted for third country nationals whose spouse is a Hungary citizen or an EU blue cardholder. The applicant has to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation, and proof of relationship in addition to other necessary documents while applying.

Hungary Work Permit Visa

A Hungary work permit visa is required for every individual or group for all types of employment if they are intended to work in Hungary except for citizens of the EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

Hungary Relative Visa

A Hungary relative visa is issued for third country nationals who have spouses, registered parents, or unmarried minors who are Hungary citizens. The applicant needs to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation, and proof of relationship in addition to other required documents.

General Requirements to Apply for Hungary Visa

In order to successfully obtain a Hungary visa it is important to be prepared and gather all the necessary information regarding your nationality and purpose of visit beforehand. There are certain stages to obtain a Hungary touristic visa:

Plan Ahead

It is important to apply for a Hungary tourist visa in a reasonable time window. As a common rule in the Schengen area, visa applications should not be handed to the corresponding consulate 15 days prior to the expected date of the arrival to the member country.

Make an Appointment

It is almost always required to make an appointment through the internet or phone to visit any Hungarian embassy around the world.

Finalize Your Application

Find out which Hungarian consulate is the most convenient for you to travel since you need to hand in the required documents in-person. There will be an interview held at the consulate to confirm your purpose of visit as well as other supporting documents.

Receive Your Visa

After processing time, you will be informed by the corresponding consulate or authorized visa service center and a Hungary tourist visa should be affixed to your passport.

Hungary Visa Applications

You are required to present the following documents if your nationality is not eligible for a visa-free entry to Hungary:

• A duly completed application form
• Two recent photos on a light background
• A valid passport with previously issued visas
• A return ticket or flight reservation
• Proof of sufficient financial means such as bank statements, payroll, or property income
• Proof of adequate accommodation such as hotel bookings or confirmations
• A letter clearly states the purpose of visit
• Proof of civil status
• Medical travel insurance minimum 30.000 euros coverage

There are additionally required or supporting documents from certain applicants:

Employed:

• Employment contract
• A letter from the company that states your absence, duration of the stay, and confirms returning to current job
• Bank statement of the last six months
• Income tax return if applicable
• Original bank slips

Self-Employed:

• Copy of business license
• Company bank statement of last six months
• Income tax return if applicable

Student:

• Proof of enrollment and no objection certificate from the registered school
• Sponsorship documents if the applicant cannot support himself/herself financially during the period of the stay

Retired:

• Proof of pension of the last six months
• Property income if applicable

What is Visa Sponsorship for Hungary?

A visa sponsorship is required in Hungary or any Schengen member state if the applicant cannot cover his/her expenses for educational or touristic purposes by own in the duration of the stay. A sponsor could be a parent, sibling, other relatives, or a friend. However, it would increase chances to obtain a visa if the sponsor is a first-degree relative and has a permanent residence permit or citizenship in a Schengen country. The required documents from the sponsor are:

• A signed sponsorship letter that clearly states the relationship with the applicant, information on how and what expenses going to be covered, personal and contact info of both the applicant and the sponsor, and accommodation details of the applicant
• A scanned copy of the ID
• Proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements or payroll
• Proof of estate or business ownership if applicable
• Signatory circulars

Keep in mind that there might be additionally asked supporting documents while applying for a visa with a sponsorship. You can check our website for more details about visa sponsorships.

Hungary Visa Rules

There are many countries across the globe can enter Hungary without a visa. If your country is not eligible for visa-free entry to Hungary, you need to obtain a Hungary visa and take consideration of the following visa rules:

• The passport should not be older than ten years and contain at least two blank pages.
• The passport should be valid for more than three months from the expected day of arrival to
• The visa application form of the children under 18 years of age must also be signed by both parents or a legal guardian.

Hungary Visa Requirements

Hungary Visa Requirements for Third Country Nationals

Third country nationals without a right of free movement in the EU should apply for a visa to Hungary from its consulates across the globe. A Hungary visa will enable its holder to travel any country within the Schengen area in the duration of the stay.

Hungary Visa Requirements for Sweden Citizens

Swedish citizens are allowed to visit Hungary with newly issued plastic identity cards that include the data of the holder’s citizenship details.

Hungary Visa Requirements for Croatia Citizens

Croatia citizens do not require to have their passports with them and can enter Hungary only with their ID cards.

Hungary Visa Requirements for US, UK, and Canada

Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada can enter Hungary without a visa if:

• Their passport is valid for more than three months from the expected time of arrival to Hungary,
• They can present proof of sufficient financial means,
• Their purpose of visit is clear and documented.

Hungary Visa Fees

Hungary short-stay visa types listed below exclusively include the visa fee. Keep in mind that there might be additional payments expected from the applicant such as consular fees, service fees of the outsourced companies, or application form fees.

The current Hungary visa fees valid as of March 2020 are as follows:

NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

WARNING: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, visa applications for your destination country may not have started yet. Please consult the relevant official authorities for up-to-date information.

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Hungary is an amazing country to explore with its remarkable cultural heritage and all-around historical landmarks that attract millions of international tourists every year. The country is situated in central Europe, the most northern part of the Balkans with a population of almost up to ten million.

Hungary Visa

Through our Hungary Visa Guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the visa policy of Hungary regarding various nationalities across the globe, different types of visas including the Schengen visa, specific requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and many more. Before your visa application to Hungary, it is vital to have a scheduled flight ticket at hand. You can visit our Hungary Flight Ticket page to buy one and enjoy our amazing prices.