Hungary visas
Hungary is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Hungary issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide. Start your application online today — our visa experts will check everything before it is submitted.
Important information
Hungarian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
Hungarian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Hungary Visa
The visa policy of Hungary comprises the official regulations and requirements applicable to all international visitors. Hungary is a member state of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen Area, applying identical visa regulations as other Schengen nations.
Third-country nationals—individuals from outside the EU or Schengen Zone—not exempt from Hungarian visa requirements must obtain a Schengen Visa prior to entry, irrespective of the duration or purpose of their visit. Hungarian embassies issue Schengen Visas for tourism, employment, studies, residency, or other specified categories.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their Schengen Visa application at the earliest opportunity to accommodate processing times. A valid visa document is mandatory for travel, as airlines will deny boarding without verified travel authorisation.
Hungary Schengen
If you need a visa to visit Hungary, youll be glad to hear that the Hungarian embassies have reopened and are already processing Hungary visas. Hungary Schengen visa applications can take up to 72 hours for the initial review & processing. For a faster response, pick express processing from the applications drop down option.
We highly recommend that you apply as soon as possible to guarantee that you are granted a Hungary Schengen visa in time for your trip. Appointment waiting times can be months long in the busy season.
Hungarian Schengen Options
Please select one of the following options when applying for your Hungary Schengen Visa:
- Single Entry Visa
- Double Entry Visa
- Multiple Entry Visa
What is a Hungary Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa for Hungary is a short-term European visa. This type of Visa enables the holder to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area. The visa, itself is issued by one of the Schengen nations. That is to say, you can visit any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day period.
The Schengen Visa is the most common visa in Europe. In order words, it entitles the holder to enter, travel freely within, and exit the Schengen area from any Schengen member country. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
Hungary Schengen Visa Purposes
- Visiting relatives or friends who are legitimately living in the Schengen area.
- Business - Many people travel to and from the Schengen countries on a regular basis.
- Medical grounds – For travelling to any Schengen member country for medical treatment.
- Students and learners - those who want to attend any kind of educational institution for a period of less than three months, such as university courses, language classes,
- Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews - a visa designed for those who live outside of the Schengen area who wish to visit Europe for a Cultural, Sports, or Religious Event, as
Entry Into Hungary
You should apply for your visa as soon as possible since interview wait times vary by location, season, and visa type. Examine the appointment wait time at the location where you want to apply.
The Schengen Zone is made up of 26 European nations. At their shared borders, they have agreed to eliminate all passports and other forms of border control. In terms of international travel, the region primarily functions as a single jurisdiction with a uniform visa policy.
All third-country nationals who have not yet signed a liberalization agreement with Schengen member states must get this travel authorization before to traveling in Europe. To determine if you need a Schengen visa to visit a Schengen member country
When you leave the Schengen Area for the second time with this visa, you lose your right to return, even if you have not spent all of the days you were allowed to be there. If you have previously earned a double-entry visa and are a frequent visitor to the Schengen area, you are more likely to be granted a multiple-entry visa.
For detailed information on specific parts of the visa process, you can refer to the links to the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Schengen Countries
A Visa is required for any third national wishing to enter Hungary or any other Schengen country. It could be a short-stay Schengen C-visa for stays of up to 90 days or a national D-visa / residence permit for longer stays in the country.
The Schengen region consists of 26 countries ("Schengen States") without internal border controls. The countries in the Schengen area are as follows:
Business people, tourists, specialist employees, and students who wish to remain in Hungary for a short period for particular travel objectives need Schengen visas. Applicants seeking a Schengen visa must demonstrate to the Visa Application Centre that they plan to depart the Schengen zone at the conclusion of their temporary stay.
- Austria Visa — Belgium Visa — Czech Republic Visa
- Denmark Visa — Estonia Visa — Finland Visa
- Switzerland Visa — France Visa — Germany Visa
- Greece Visa — Hungary Visa — Iceland Visa
- Italy Visa — Latvia Visa — Liechtenstein Visa
- Lithuania Visa — Luxembourg Visa — Malta Visa
- Netherlands Visa — Norway Visa — Poland Visa
- Portugal Visa — Slovakia Visa — Slovenia Visa
- Spain Visa — Sweden Visa — Transit Visa
Options For Your Visa to Hungary
- Single Entry Visa For Hungary
- Double Entry Visa For Hungary
- Multiple Entry Visa For Hungary
Hungarian Visa Policy Information
Hungary is a member of the Schengen Area, a unified region of 27 European countries without internal border controls. Schengen nations maintain standardised external border regulations and collaborate closely on security measures, judicial procedures and police cooperation.
Under Hungary's visa policy, approximately 150 third-country nationals—citizens from outside the Schengen Zone—must obtain a Schengen Visa before entry, regardless of visit length or purpose.
Currently, Hungary does not issue electronic visas (eVisas) or visas upon arrival. Applicants must schedule an appointment at a Hungarian embassy or consulate in their jurisdiction. It is recommended to arrange this appointment several weeks before your planned travel date due to processing times.
At your consular appointment, you must submit a completed Schengen Visa application form indicating the specific visa category required: tourist, business, transit, student, employment, or residency. Approved visas will be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry travel documents, depending on the purpose of travel.
Hungary Schengen Visa Requirements
Applicants must ensure they gather the required supporting documents before attending their consular appointment. These supporting documents include:
- Completed Hungarian visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs meeting official specifications
- Valid passport with sufficient validity beyond the planned return date
- Copies of previously issued Schengen visas, if applicable
- Proof of valid Travel Health Insurance covering the duration of your stay in Hungary
- Confirmed accommodation details
Business Visas For Hungary
A Hungarian business visa is a short-stay Schengen visa specifically for third-country nationals attending business meetings, training sessions, or similar professional activities. This visa type does not authorize employment or paid activities within Hungary.
Business visa applicants must provide additional supporting documents, including an official invitation from a company registered in Hungary or formal authorisation from their employer confirming the purpose of the visit.
Tourist Visas for Hungary
Tourist visas are intended for third-country nationals visiting Hungary for leisure, sightseeing or visiting friends and family. Tourist visas can be obtained from Hungarian consulates, accredited visa agencies or authorised travel agents.
Applicants are advised to submit their Schengen Visa application at least 15 working days before their intended travel date.
Hungary Schengen Visa Purposes
Applicants must select the appropriate Schengen visa category based on their travel intentions. Available visa categories for Hungary include:
- Tourism: A tourist Schengen visa permits third-country nationals to visit Hungary for leisure or sightseeing purposes. This visa authorises a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Business: A business Schengen visa applies to travellers attending meetings, conferences, or other professional engagements in Hungary. This visa does not authorise paid employment; employment-related activities require a separate visa type.
- Study: Individuals planning to undertake academic studies in Hungary require a student visa. The duration of this visa aligns directly with the length of the educational program.
- Family visits: Applicants intending to visit relatives or friends in Hungary must apply for a family visit Schengen visa. This visa grants permission for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Medical treatment: Third-country nationals requiring medical care in Hungary must obtain a medical visa. This visa remains valid for the duration of the specified medical treatment.
- Other purposes: Other Schengen visa categories for Hungary include transit through Hungarian territory, visas for crew members, and visas for religious pilgrimages.
Planning Your Application
Applying early is critical for a successful Schengen visa process. According to Schengen regulations, visa applications should be submitted no later than 15 working days before the intended arrival date. Due to varying processing times and consular appointment availability, it is strongly recommended to apply at least two months before your scheduled departure.
Visa Issuance
Once your Schengen visa application has been processed and approved, the respective Hungarian consulate or authorized visa center will attach the visa directly into your passport.
Other Schengen Countries
A Visa is required for any third-country national wishing to enter Hungary or any other Schengen member state. It could be a short-stay Schengen C-visa for stays of up to 90 days or a national D-visa / residence permit for longer stays in Hungary. The Schengen member states are:
- Austria — Belgium — Croatia
- Czech Republic — Denmark — Estonia
- Finland — Switzerland — France
- Germany — Greece — Hungary
- Iceland — Italy — Latvia
- Liechtenstein — Lithuania — Luxembourg
- Malta — Netherlands — Norway
- Poland — Portugal — Slovakia
- Slovenia — Spain — Sweden
Visa Free Travel To Hungary
Hungary's current visa regulations permit nationals from over 90 countries to enter without obtaining a visa beforehand. Citizens of all 27 Schengen Area member states may enter Hungary freely by presenting a valid national identification card and can remain indefinitely.
Other visa-exempt third-country nationals—those outside the EU or Schengen Area—must hold a valid passport and may enter Hungary visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Visa-free travelers intending to remain in Hungary beyond 90 days or traveling for purposes other than tourism are required to apply for the appropriate Hungarian visa category at their nearest embassy or consulate.
ETIAS for Hungary
The ETIAS system aims to enhance border security across all Schengen Area nations by pre-screening travellers exempt from standard visa requirements. This multiple-entry travel authorisation allows short-term visits for tourism, business activities, medical treatment, or transit purposes.
Travellers approved through ETIAS may stay in Hungary or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within each 180-day period. Eligible travellers will need to complete a brief online ETIAS application, providing basic personal data, passport details, and trip information.
Hungary — key facts
- Short-stay visa
- Schengen visa (Type C)
- Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
- Short-stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- The shared Schengen short-stay rule
- Long stays
- National visa (Type D)
- Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
- ETIAS
- Travel authorisation
- For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
- EES
- Biometric borders
- Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026
Hungarian visas — people also ask
Hungary is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.
