NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic for the most up-to-date information.

Hungary is a distinct country with its unique culture and magnificent architecture. The country boasts a spectacular atmosphere and many must-see attractions. If you’re planning to visit this European gem soon, let’s discover all about its visa regulations!

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. You can find the full list of these countries on the official page prepared by Hungary’s Consular Services.

Did you book a flight to Hungary?

While your visa application is an important step, obtaining a visa isn’t enough for the perfect trip. You need to secure an affordable ticket and plan your visit in general. Thankfully, with Pegasus Airlines’ budget-friendly flight tickets, you can book your flight to Hungary without breaking the bank.

You can also check out our Hungary travel guide for a comprehensive overview of attractions and must-have experiences in Hungary.

You may also be interested in this article:

Budapest Travel Guide

Hungary Visa Types

In Hungary, there are two main types of visas: Uniform Schengen Visa (Category C) and National Visa (Category D). Uniform Schengen Visa allows its holder to stay in Hungary for up to 90 days, while National Visa is issued for longer stays. You can find below brief information about different Hungary visa types.

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

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 29 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.

Depending on your purpose of visit that is limited to 90 days or less in a 180-day period to Hungary; it is possible for you to obtain various types of Schengen visas. The most common of these are short-stay business trip and tourist visas. It should be noted that the business stay visa only allows business stays and does not grant its holder the right to carry out gainful activities.

Hungary visitor visa is another type of Schengen visa granted to travellers who wish to visit their family members in Hungary. This visa is usually granted upon an invitation from the Hungary-resident relative of the visitor.

Hungary Category D Visa for Long Stay Visits

Hungary Category D visa is issued to visitors who wish to stay in Hungary for longer than a three-month period. Students and individuals working in Hungary usually receive this visa. Besides, family members, spouses, and relatives of Hungary residents can also apply for a long-stay Hungary visa. If you work as a freelancer or wish to seek a job in Hungary, Category D visa is the one for you.

General Requirements to Apply for Hungary Visa

• Filled out, signed application form,
• A valid passport with previously issued visas,
• One passport-size colour photo (not older than 6 months),
• Biometric data,
• 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 that clearly states the purpose of visit,
• Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30 000,
• Visa fee.

What is Visa Sponsorship for Hungary?

A visa sponsorship is required if the applicant cannot cover their expenses for educational or touristic purposes on their own for the duration of the stay. A sponsor could be a parent, sibling, other relatives, or a friend. However, it would increase the chances of obtaining a visa if the sponsor is a first-degree relative and has a permanent residence permit or citizenship in a Schengen country.

Hungary Visa Requirements

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. In this section, you can find more information about country-specific visa regulations of Hungary.

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 European Citizens

Citizens of the EU have the freedom of movement in Hungary and can stay and reside in the country as long as they wish.

Hungary Visa Requirements for US, UK, and Canada

Citizens of the USA, the UK, and Canada can travel to Hungary without a visa for up to 90 days.

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.

You can find the detailed informations and latest update about visa fee by visiting the official page of VFS Global.