ETIAS for Hungary
Europe travel authorisation for Hungary
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The ETIAS visa waiver for Hungary will be available from 2026 for all travellers wishing to visit Hungary and other European nations from all ETIAS-eligible countries.
The ETIAS visa waiver stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System which seeks to help border control and immigration authorities secure and protect European borders.
Hungary has been a member of the European Union since 2004. The country also became a part of the Schengen zone in 2007.
HUNGARY: BASIC INFORMATION
Situated in Central Europe, Hungary borders several European countries, some of which are members of the Schengen Area:
- Slovakia, to the north
- Ukraine, to the northeast
- Romania, to the east and southeast
- Serbia, to the south
- Croatia and Slovenia, to the southwest,
- Austria, to the west
Hungary’s territory was inhabited by different peoples, including the Celts, Romans, Germanic tribes, Huns, Avars, and West Slavs.
The country is mostly flat, featuring a lowland area known as the Great Hungarian Plain. The Danube River runs through the middle of Hungary, and it is the nation’s largest river.
Another impressive feature of this central European country is three major freshwater lakes, including Lake Balaton and Lake Hévíz, one of the greatest thermal lakes on earth.
In the late ninth century, the Hungarian grand prince Árpád established the foundations of the Hungarian State. The country was partially occupied by the Ottoman Empire and in the 18th century, it came under the Habsburg rule, joining Austria later on to form the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
It is currently a middle power in international affairs. It is a member of several organisations including the United Nations, NATO, WTO, World Bank, and the Council of Europe.
HUNGARY’S POLITICAL SYSTEM
The country is a parliamentary republic with a head of government, the prime minister, who exercises executive power. It also counts with a head of state, the president, whose responsibilities are representative.
ECONOMY IN HUNGARY
The most important sectors in Hungary’s economy are:
- Industry
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Transport, accommodation, and food services
- Public administration, education, defense, human health, and social work activities
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Most people in Hungary are Hungarian or Magyar, however, other several ethnic groups live in its territory.
Traditional folk music is an essential part of Hungary’s culture, as well as classical music with Béla Bartók and Franz Liszt as two of its greatest composers.
Public spas are a staple of Hungarian culture. The country has hundreds of natural hot springs.
Hungary
Capital City: Budapest
Official language: Hungarian
Currency: Forint
Population: 10 million people
EU member state since: January 2004
HUNGARY IN THE EU
In 1989, the iron curtain that separated Hungary from Austria fell. In 1990, it held its first democratic elections. Fourteen years later, Hungary joined the EU.
Hungary had planned to join the Eurozone and adopt the euro as its official currency in 2007 or 2008. The target date was moved to 1 January 2010. However, plans to adopt the euro are now on hold. For several years, Hungary has not met the Maastricht criteria.
Hungary has 21 representatives in the European Parliament. In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet frequently to discuss, adopt, and coordinate EU laws.
In the European Economic and Social Committee, there are 12 representatives from Hungary. This body is consulted on proposed laws that will impact employers, workers, and other interested parties.
As a member of the Schengen Area, Hungary will introduce ETIAS in 2026 . The European Parliament voted 494 in favor of introducing this security system. ETIAS will pre-screen travellers from visa-exempt countries ahead of their trip to identify possible threats or people trying to commit identity theft or fraud.
TRAVEL TO HUNGARY
As a member of the Schengen Area, nationals from EU member states can travel freely to Hungary. In the same way, Hungarian nationals can travel to any other Schengen country without applying for an entry visa or authorisation.
The country also welcomes citizens of over 50 nationalities that are not required to obtain a visa to enter its territory.
Hungary’s visa policy is ruled by the Schengen Agreement. This means that third-country nationals that are not visa-exempt need to obtain a Schengen visa. When the ETIAS system is officially launched, eligible travellers will need to obtain their electronic travel authorisation to travel to Hungary and other Schengen member states.
GETTING AROUND HUNGARY
Domestic transport in Hungary is affordable, accessible, and efficient. Cities and towns are connected by a system of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Budapest, the capital, has 4 metro lines. EU nationals older than 65 travel for free on all public transport.
The train is one of the easiest ways to travel around the country.
Locals and tourists alike can move around with bicycles. The cycle-lane network in Hungary’s cities is regularly extended and improved. Bicycle hire can be found in large cities or on camping grounds, hotels, or even bicycle repair shops.
In recent years, the country has implemented changes to make public transport, public areas, and facilities more accessible for people with reduced mobility.
DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE TO VISIT HUNGARY
Nationals from visa-exempt countries do not need medical insurance to visit Hungary or other countries in the Schengen area. However, travel insurance is highly recommended.
European citizens are advised to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but this is not mandatory.
Foreign visitors should keep in mind that medical costs could be high in case of an emergency or a trip to the doctor.
Third-country citizens from countries that require the Schengen visa must have a valid medical insurance to enter Hungary. Obtaining medical insurance is obligatory and a requirement for those applying for a Schengen visa.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR A SCHENGEN VISA
International travellers who need a Schengen Visa to visit Hungary should get their insurance before applying.
The insurance should meet the following criteria:
A minimum coverage of at least €30,000 It should be valid for all of the Schengen Area Cover all expenses in case of repatriation for medical reasons Cover all expenses in case of an emergency, treatment Cover all expenses in case of death
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS
There are a few requirements needed to get an ETIAS visa waiver, however, having medical insurance is not a requisite. Upon arrival in Hungary, ETIAS holders will not be asked to present health insurance. However, foreigners are advised to have some form of coverage to avoid issues while on vacation, family trip, or business visit.
HUNGARY’S BORDER CONTROLS
After signing the Schengen Agreement and joining the Area, internal borders were eliminated.
It is permitted to enter or leave the territory of Hungary from or to Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia without being checked, as long as the person is a EU citizen or a visa-exempt traveller.
EU passengers of airplanes from or to Schengen countries are not required to undergo a passport check. However, they must go through a security check before departure.
To enter or leave Hungary to or from Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia foreigners should go through the designated border crossing points during opening hours. The rules of entry and stay in Hungary are stipulated by the regulations of the border crossing point.
HUNGARY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISA HOLDERS
Schengen visa holders travelling to Hungary must have the following documents upon arrival:
- A passport, issued in the last 10 years and valid for 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay (credit card, cash)
- A return or onwards ticket
- Hotel or accommodation reservation or address
- Medical insurance
Border authorities may ask visitors to provide the reason for their trip and the length of stay.
ARRIVING IN HUNGARY
The most important airport in Hungary is situated in Budapest. Foreign nationals can arrive in Hungary by train, road, or airplane. Travellers may also rent a car to travel within the Schengen Area.
The central European nation is well-connected to the rest of Europe.
ARRIVING IN HUNGARY BY AIR
International flights arrive in Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport. From the airport, visitors may take the bus to Kőbánya-Kispest M3 metro station. Another alternative is to take the 100E coach, which will take travellers to central Deák every half hour, between 5am and 12.30 am.
ARRIVING IN HUNGARY BY TRAIN
There are three main train stations in Budapest:
- Keleti
- Nyugati
- Déli
These stations are connected to metro lines of the same name as well as trams and buses.
ARRIVING IN HUNGARY BY BUS
The largest bus stations in Budapest are Népliget and Stadion. Both are on the M3 metro line and connected to the rest of the city by tram 1.
WHAT TO SEE IN HUNGARY
Landlocked and bordered by 7 different Central and Eastern European countries, Hungary is a medium-sized EU member state that invites tourists from all over. For those citizens who travel to Hungary from an ETIAS-eligible country, it will be necessary to have a Europe Travel Authorisation for Hungary before departing.
Featuring a beautiful and exciting capital, thermal spas, and iconic architecture, Hungary is an ideal destination for leisure trips. The territory is also dotted with caves, castles, lakes, and plains which make it a hub for historical and nature tourism.
Hungary is home to a range of cities with early Christian architecture, cathedrals, and palaces. As a nation very much steeped in history, there are museums of all kinds and various cultural attractions with numerous folk traditions including local dances and crafts.
Architecture is one of its unique treasures. Visitors will find Roman ruins, medieval townhouses, baroque churches, art nouveau bathhouses, and modern buildings.
While exploring this former empire, travellers may want to indulge in local cuisine. Some of the hearty dishes worth trying include Goulash, paprikás, ñángos, and stuffed cabbage.
Besides a vibrant capital, the countryside is perfectly unspoiled. A trip to Hortobágy National Park is highly recommended.
Other major cities worth exploring include:
- Szeged
- Sopron
- Kecskemét
- Debrecen
Some of the main reasons to visit Hungary are:
- Hungarian food and wine
- The architecture
- Hungarian folk culture
- Thermal baths
- Fresh lakes
- Natural beauty
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN HUNGARY
Hungary has countless attractions, some of the highlights include:
- Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built over a destroyed palace in the 18th century for the Habsburg monarchy.
- The Danube, which flows from north to south and splits the city of Budapest in two.
- Spa Towns, Hungary’s reputation for hot springs dates back to the Romans. Under the Ottoman empire, many Turkish baths were built which are still in use today.
- Natural Springs, there are over 1000 springs, the most popular being Lake Hévíz, the largest thermal lake in the world.
- Hungary’s Parliament Building, set in Budapest, is an impressive work of architecture.
- Lake Balaton is a stunning freshwater lake. Travellers often stay in resorts around the lake.
- Eger Castle, located in the spa town of Eger, is a great fortress that provides insights into the history of the country.
EUROPEAN VISA WAIVER SYSTEM FOR HUNGARY
Travellers from eligible countries will have to obtain their ETIAS visa waiver for Hungary before entering its territory.
Visitors will need to complete the Hungary Visa Waiver online application form which consists of introducing personal information, travel details, and responding to some basic security questions. The ETIAS application process should only take each applicant approximately 10 minutes to complete. Most applications are expected to be processed and approved within a few minutes.
The ETIAS program is being initiated to improve Europe’s security. It will identify immigration and health risks by screening foreign nationals data.
ETIAS will be operational from 2026 . Once it becomes mandatory, ETIAS will be required to go to Hungary for tourism or business. Each visitor must apply for and be granted a valid Hungarian ETIAS visa waiver which can be obtained through a simple online application and payment of the ETIAS fee.
ETIAS For HUNGARY FAQ
Which countries can I visit from Hungary? Toggle faqs
Hungary is bordered by 7 countries, 3 of which are Schengen member countries. An ETIAS authorisation will allow eligible travellers to enter Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia when travelling from Hungary.
To visit European countries outside of the Schengen Area, travellers are advised to check their entry requirements.
ETIAS will be operational from 2025. Visa-exempt travellers to the Schengen zone will have to apply online for their ETIAS visa waiver.
Which type of visa do I need for Hungary? Toggle faqs
As a member of the Schengen Area, the visa policy in Hungary is ruled by the Schengen Agreement. This means that EU nationals from Schengen countries do not need a visa to enter their territory. It also means that nationals of over 50 countries are visa-exempt and can enter Hungary visa-free. From late 2023 these foreign citizens be able to register online with the ETIAS system to travel to Hungary and all other countries in the Schengen zone.
Foreign nationals who are not visa-exempt must apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Hungarian territory. The visa can be acquired by applying through an embassy or consulate and presenting a series of documents along with a valid passport.
Which documents do I need to enter Hungary? Toggle faqs
All foreign nationals, with the exception of EU nationals from Schengen countries, must present a valid passport upon entering Hungary.
When ETIAS is available, eligible applicants should have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. An approved ETIAS will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.
Holders of a Schengen visa should have medical insurance, and upon arrival in Hungary, must present their visa and passport.