Hungary Visa
Traveling to Hungary
Hungary, which is beautiful and centrally located, is an attractive destination for tourists from Europe and elsewhere around the world. Many come to Budapest, its vibrant capital, to experience its fascinating history and unique culture.
You may need a visa to travel to Hungary , depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed). There are numerous types of visas for Hungary, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Hungary visas have different Hungary visa requirements and validity periods.
In general, Hungary visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Hungary is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country).
Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Hungary will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Hungary visa types
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study (Hungary Schengen Student visa)
- Tourism (Hungary Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Hungary Transit visa
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
Long stay visa applicants to Hungary should apply for a residence permit to Hungary. Applicants who apply for and receive a residence permit will be issued a long-term visa to Hungary. Long term residence permits are available for the following purposes:
- Job-searching or entrepreneurship (Hungary Business visa)
- Family reunification
- EU Blue Card
- Traineeship
- Medical treatment
- Official
- Gainful activity
- Research or researcher mobility (long-term)
- Visit
- Employment
- National
- Voluntary service activities
- Seasonal work
- Studies or student mobility (Hungary Student visa)
- Intra-corporate transfer
- Other
Hungary visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Hungary.
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Hungary)
Visa fee
Your Hungary visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Fees are generally non-refundable, even in the case of a denied visa
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions). You will likely upload these photos electronically; alternatively, you will be asked to submit physical copies
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Hungary visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Hungary visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Hungary
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents must likely be written in Hungarian or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Hungary visa application
Applicants for Hungary visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Determine how long you intend to be in Hungary i.e. what type of Hungary visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your visa purpose
Choose your reason for travel (working, study, etc.)
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single entry visa for Hungary or the multiple entry visa for Hungary will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Hungary cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply (application destination)
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. For more information, see “where to apply.” - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
There is no online Hungary visa application system. Long term visa applicants should access the long term visa application form, while Schengen visa seekers should print out the universal Schengen visa form. Online forms are available for download here.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Hungary visa type. - Schedule your visa interview
Almost all Hungary visa applicants, even those who apply online, must attend a visa appointment at their application destination (local Hungary embassy/consulate/visa application center). Scheduling a Hungary visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months. Applicants should reach out to the embassy/consulate/visa application center directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, pay your Hungary visa fee, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Hungary visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Please note that certain visas may require subsequent steps (for example, if you are applying for a long term Hungary Working visa you may need to apply for Hungary Work Permit—other long term visas may require you to apply for a residence permit for Hungary. For more information about whether your visa application will subsequently require you to seek a Hungary Work Permit or a residence permit for Hungary, make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your specific visa type.
Where to apply for Hungary visa
Hungary visa application processing occurs at Hungarian embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. If you are outside of Hungary and are applying for a Hungary visa, you will apply through the Hungary embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live. If there is no Hungarian mission in your country, you will likely apply for your visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Hungary’s interests abroad.
When to apply for a Hungary Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Hungary are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Hungary visa processing time
The Hungary visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Hungary visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Hungary visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Hungary . Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Hungary (visa) by submitting an application to your local Hungary embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Hungary visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Hungary or a single entry visa for Hungary.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Hungary (different Hungary visa, such as a Hungary Working visa).
