Содержание Show
Hungary Schengen visa allows foreign nationals to travel to Hungary and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. This guide will help you understand its types, application process, requirements, and how and where to extend it.
What is a Hungary Schengen visa?
Hungary Schengen visa lets travellers visit Hungary for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period, for tourism, business, family visits, or other purposes. With a Hungary Schengen visa, you can also visit other Schengen countries without the need for additional visas.
Hungary Schengen visa can be issued as a single-entry visa, allowing one entry into the Schengen Area, or a multiple-entry visa, which allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times within its validity period.
Who needs a Hungarian Schengen visa?
The requirement for a Hungarian Schengen visa depends on the applicant’s nationality, nature, and duration of the stay. For instance, citizens of Schengen member states and the EU do not need a visa for short stays in Hungary.
Nationals of countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and others that signed a visa agreement with the Schengen area are also exempt from needing a visa for short trips. If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will typically need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Hungary.
Types of Hungary Schengen visas
Understanding which visa type meets your travel needs is important, considering the varied requirements and procedures associated with each. Here are the main types of Hungarian Schengen visas based on the purpose of travel:
Tourist visa is for foreigners who wish to visit Hungary for a holiday, sightseeing, or recreation. Applicants must provide their accommodation details, travel itinerary, and other relevant documentation.
Business visa is for individuals travelling to Hungary for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, and other business-related activities.
Study visa is for those who wish to undertake short-term study or training in Hungary. It is suitable for attending short courses, workshops, or seminars.
Transit visa is for travellers transiting through Hungary to reach another non-Schengen country. They will not leave the international zone of the Hungarian airport during their layover.
Medical visa is issued to seek medical treatment in Hungary. They will need to provide medical documents and a letter from a medical institution in Hungary.
Official visit visa is for individuals travelling to Hungary on official government business or as part of an official delegation.
Visitor visas are for visiting family or friends in Hungary or another Schengen country.
Cultural, sports, or religious event visas are issued to individuals attending cultural, religious, or sports events in Hungary.
Documents and requirements for Hungary Schengen visa
The list of required documents for a Hungary Schengen visa might vary slightly depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, applicants generally need to provide:
- a completed Hungarian Schengen visa application form;
- two passport-size photographs;
- a valid passport;
- travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000;
- proof of accommodation;
- proof of flight or travel itinerary;
- proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay;
- cover letter;
- proof of paid visa fee;
- for minors, birth certificates, parents’ passports and consent letters.
Depending on your employment status, you might need to provide more documentation, such as:
- if employed — employment contract, leave permission, income tax return, bank statement from the last six months;
- if self-employed — business licence, company bank statement from the previous six months, income tax return;
- if a student — proof of enrollment, no-objection certificate from your educational institution;
- if retired — pension statement from the last six months.
These are general requirements, and additional documents might be needed depending on individual circumstances.
Additional requirements based on the purpose of travel
The required documents for a Hungarian Schengen visa can vary depending on the purpose of your trip. Here are some general requirements based on various travel purposes:
Required documents for a Hungary transit visa:
- visa for the final destination country, if required;
- flight ticket to the final visit country.
Required documents for a Hungary business visa:
- an invitation letter from the Hungarian company;
- a letter from the employer detailing the purpose of travel, duration, and financial responsibility for the trip;
- business bank statement.
Required documents for a Hungary cultural, sports, or religious event visa:
- invitation letter from the host organisation;
- entry tickets for cultural or sports events;
- details about the event or purpose of the visit.
Required documents for a Hungary study visa:
- enrollment certificate from a Hungarian educational institution;
- no objection letter from the educational institution in the home country.
Required documents for a Hungary medical visa:
- medical certificate or letter from a hospital in Hungary indicating the medical treatment;
- medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in the home country stating the reason for treatment in Hungary.
Requirements documents for a visa for a spouse of a Hungarian citizen:
- marriage certificate;
- Hungarian spouse’s passport or ID.
Required documents for a Hungary official visit visa:
- invitation letter from the official entity;
- evidence of previous official dealings with Hungary, if any.
How to obtain a Hungary Schengen visa
Obtaining a Hungary Schengen visa involves a step-by-step process, which is mainly similar to the procedures for other Schengen countries. Here’s a general guide on how to obtain a Schengen visa for Hungary:
-
Gather all required documents
Prepare the necessary documents per the checklist provided by the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
-
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Hungarian consulate, embassy or visa application centre to submit your application.
-
Submit the application
On the scheduled date, attend the visa appointment at the Hungarian consulate or embassy and submit your application with the required documents. Be prepared to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, during the appointment.
-
Pay the visa fee
The fee is non-refundable and varies depending on the applicant’s age and nationality. The cost for adults applying for a Schengen Visa to Hungary is €80, for children aged six to twelve — €40, and for younger children it is free.
-
Wait for processing
After submission, your application will be processed, which can take up to 15 calendar days under normal circumstances. It can take up to 30 or even 60 days during peak travel seasons or if additional document verifications are needed.
-
Collect your visa
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified about the decision. Your passport will have the Schengen visa sticker inside if your visa is approved. If denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal.
Extending a Hungary Schengen visa
Extensions of a Hungary Schengen visa are typically given only under specific circumstances, such as:
- force majeure;
- humanitarian reasons;
- serious personal reasons.
To apply for an extension, visit the local immigration office in Hungary and provide documents that justify the reason for the extension. There might be a fee associated with the visa extension application. However, there is no guarantee that your Hungarian Schengen visa will be extended. The immigration authorities have the final say in the matter.
Key points about Hungary Schengen visa
- The Hungary Schengen visa permits travel to Hungary and other Schengen nations for up to 90 days. It suits tourism, business, family visits, and other purposes.
- EU, Schengen member states, and countries with visa agreements with the Schengen area are typically exempt from visas for short visits to Hungary.
- The Hungary Schengen visa application process involves gathering documents, booking an appointment, attending it, paying fees, and awaiting processing.
- Extensions of Hungary Schengen visa are rare and depend on exceptional reasons like force majeure, humanitarian grounds, or personal issues.
- Remember to always check specific requirements with the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hungary included in the Schengen visa?
Yes, Hungary is part of the Schengen area. A valid Hungary Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within it.
Does Hungary require a visa for US citizens?
No, US citizens can visit Hungary for up to 90 days without a visa.
Is it easy to get a Hungarian visa?
The process is easy but needs careful attention. Providing complete and accurate information on your application improves your chances significantly.
Which country gives the longest Schengen visa?
Most countries only issue visas for general purposes for up to 6 months. It depends on several factors, including nationality, purpose of stay, and individual circumstances. It’s best to check with specific embassies or consulates.
How much is a Schengen visa in Budapest?
The general visa fee for an adult applying for a short-stay Schengen visa for Hungary is €80.
