Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Budapest, Hungary
1. Schengen Visa Requirements
For non-EU citizens, a Schengen visa is necessary to enter Hungary and travel within the Schengen Area. It allows stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Visa Type: Short-term visa for tourism or business purposes
- Processing Time: Varies depending on embassy and application completeness
- Required Documents: Includes passport, application form, travel insurance, proof of funds, and invitation letter (if applicable)
2. Hungarian Visa for Longer Stays
For stays exceeding 90 days, a Hungarian National Visa may be necessary. This visa can allow for work, study, or residence in Hungary.
- Visa Type: Long-term visa for various purposes such as employment, education, and residency
- Processing Time: Can take several weeks to several months for processing
- Additional Documents: May require proof of employment, invitation letter from employer or educational institution, and financial documents
3. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
For certain nationalities, an ETA is required for entering Hungary. It's a simplified visa process, allowing for online application and quicker processing.
- Visa Type: Simplified short-term travel authorization
- Processing Time: Usually processed within a few days
- Online Application: Available on the Hungarian immigration website
4. Transit Visa for Budapest Airport
If you're passing through Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and staying in the airport transit area without exiting, a transit visa may be required.
- Visa Type: Short-term transit visa for airport layovers
- Processing Time: Typically processed in a few days if applied for ahead of travel
- Validity Duration: Usually valid for the length of your transit period
5. Visa Waiver Program
Certain countries are eligible for the Hungarian visa waiver program, allowing citizens to travel to Budapest without a visa for stays under 90 days.
- Eligible Countries: Countries listed on the Hungarian immigration website
- Visa-free Stay: Allows stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Travel Document: Valid passport is required for participating countries
6. Hungarian Work Permit Requirements
For foreigners seeking employment in Hungary, a work permit is required. The process involves submitting an application to the relevant authorities.
- Work Permit Type: Required for employment in Hungary
- Processing Time: Varies depending on embassy and application completeness
- Additional Requirements: May require criminal background check, proof of qualifications, and work contract
7. Hungarian Student Visa Requirements
Foreign students planning to study in Hungary for more than 90 days need a student visa. Application involves submitting an application to the relevant authorities.
- Visa Type: Required for studying in Hungary
- Processing Time: Varies depending on embassy and application completeness
- Additional Documents: May require acceptance letter from educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance
8. Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers seeking long-term stays in Hungary, a digital nomad visa is available. It allows for work and residence in Hungary for up to a year.
- Visa Type: Long-term visa for remote workers
- Processing Time: Typically processed within a few weeks
- Additional Requirements: May require proof of income, health insurance, and self-employment registration
9. Hungarian Residence Permit for EU Spouses
Spouses of EU citizens can apply for a Hungarian residence permit. This allows them to live and work in Hungary without restrictions.
- Permit Type: Residence permit for EU spouses
- Processing Time: Typically processed within a few weeks
- Additional Documents: May require proof of marriage, passport, and residence in Hungary
10. Hungarian Yellow Fever Certificate Requirement
Travelers from yellow fever-infected areas are required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry into Hungary.
- Vaccination Certificate: Required for travel from yellow fever-infected areas
- Exemptions: Infants under 9 months and individuals with contraindications may be exempt
- Validity Duration: Certificate must be valid at the time of entry into Hungary
11. Hungarian COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Due to the ongoing pandemic, travel restrictions and testing requirements may apply for entering Hungary. Check the latest updates on the Hungarian embassy website.
- Testing Requirements: May require negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival
- Quarantine Period: A quarantine period may be required upon arrival in Hungary
- Travel Advisor: Always check the latest updates on the Hungarian embassy website or with your travel provider
12. Hungarian eVisa Application Online
Some nationalities can apply for their Hungarian eVisa online. This simplifies the application process and speeds up processing times.
- Online Application: Available on the Hungarian immigration website
- Processing Time: Usually processed within a few days
- Required Documents: Includes passport, application form, and travel itinerary
13. Hungarian Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
If you lose your passport while in Hungary, an emergency travel document can be issued. It allows for departure from the country.
- Document Type: Issued in case of lost or stolen passports
- Processing Time: Usually processed within a few days
- Validity Duration: Usually valid for a single journey out of Hungary
14. Hungarian Visitor Insurance Requirements
Some travelers may be required to have visitor insurance while in Hungary. Check with your travel provider or the Hungarian embassy for requirements.
- Insurance Type: Covers medical expenses during stay in Hungary
- Coverage Amount: Varies depending on policy and embassy requirements
- Travel Provider: May be required by travel provider or embassy for certain nationalities
15. Hungarian Visa Extension in Hungary
For stays longer than anticipated, a visa extension may be necessary. This involves submitting an application to the relevant authorities.
- Visa Extension Type: Required for extensions of stay in Hungary
- Processing Time: Varies depending on embassy and application completeness
- Additional Requirements: May require proof of financial means, accommodation, and reason for extension