Short Term Stay

SCHENGEN VISAS  AND  ENTRY REGULATIONS

SHORT TERM STAY (not exceeding a period of 90 days)

VISA FREE ENTRY

Citizens of countries/entities listed in Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 Annex II.

(“positive list”) may travel to Hungary without a visa: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018R1806.

Visa free states:

  • Albania (with biometric passport only)
  • Andorra
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bosnia-Herzegovina (with biometric passport only)
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Columbia
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominica (Commonwealth of Dominica)
  • East Timor
  • Grenada
  • Georgia (with biometric passport only)
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong (only with „Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” passport)
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Kiribati
  • Macao (only with a "Regio Administrativa Especial de Macau" passport)
  • Malaysia
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova (with biometric passport only)
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro (with biometric passport only)
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • North Macedonia (with biometric passport only)
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Palau
  • Peru
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and Grenadines
  • Solomon Islands
  • Salvador
  • San Marino
  • Seychelles
  • South Korea
  • Samoa
  • Serbia (with biometric passport only - with the exception of the passports issued by the Coordination Directorate)
  • Singapore
  • Taiwan (the exemption from the visa requirement applies only to holders of passports issued by Taiwan which include an identity card number)
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tuvalu
  • Ukraine (with biometric passport only)
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay
  • Vatican
  • Vanuatu
  • Venezuela
  • British nationals (Overseas)
  • British overseas territories citizens (BOTC)
  • British overseas citizens (BOC)
  • British protected persons (BPP)
  • British subjects (BS)
  • Member states of the European Union
  • Member states of the Schengen Agreement

Furthermore, visa exemption is applied to:

kérdőjel Nationals of countries under visa obligation, who are holders of a local border traffic card issued by the Member States pursuant to the relevant EC regulation, when these holders exercise their right within the context of the Local Border Traffic regime (Hungary concluded Local Border Traffic agreement with Ukraine in 2007. For more information see Act CLIII of 2007.)

kérdőjel Recognized refugees and stateless persons and other persons who do not hold the nationality of any country, who reside in an EU Member State and are holders of a travel document issued by that Member State.

kérdőjel Recognized refugees and stateless persons if the third country where they reside and which issued their travel document is one of the third countries listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806.

kérdőjel Third-country nationals who are the flight crew and attendants on emergency or rescue flights another helpers in the event of disaster or accident.

kérdőjel Third-country nationals whose travel documents were issued by the UN, the Council of Europe, the International Criminal Court.

kérdőjel Civilian flight crew and attendants.

kérdőjel Sea crew.

kérdőjel The civilian crew of ships navigating in international inland waters.

kérdőjel Certain third-country nationals (according to bilateral partial visa waiver agreements listed in: Visa free to Hungary, in possession of diplomatic or service passport can enter the country without possessing a visa.

kérdőjel Third-country nationals in possession of diplomatic passport can enter the country without possessing a visa according to visa facilitation agreements.

kérdőjel According to the Regulation (EU) No 265/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 a third-country national holding a long-stay visa (D) issued by a Member State should therefore be allowed to travel to other Member States for 90 days in any 180 day period, under the same conditions as the holder of a residence permit.

SHORT STAY

Attention! A visa is only a preliminary permission for entry, and not an automatic entry authorization.

The traveller may be requested to provide proof of the conditions of his entry and stay in Hungary and, if he is not able to fulfil this, entry to the country might be refused.

Basic rules for the issuance of Schengen visas

Types of Schengen visa:

Airport transit visa (A):

Authorizes the bearer to enter the international zone of the airport(s) and to remain there until the departure of the flight to the destination country.

Nationals of  the following states are obliged to apply for an airport transit visa: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka.

Short stay uniform visa (C):

Authorizes the bearer to stay in the Schengen Area  maximum 90 days  within any 180 day period.

Where to submit a visa application?

Uniform visa applications have to be submitted at the representation of the country which is the main/sole destination of the visit (the main destination is either defined by the purpose of entry or – if the applicant plans to visit more Schengen countries with the same purpose - by the length of stay).

If visiting several states with stays of the same duration, the application should be lodged at the consulate of the the Member State whose external border the applicant intends to cross in order to enter the territory of the Member States. Thus, in line with the Schengen regulations applicants can submit the visa applications at the Hungarian representation if Hungary is the main destination.

According to the Schengen rules border posts do not issue visas, except in special  circumstances  and if these conditions are met:

a) the applicant must justify the purpose and conditions of entry and stay;

b) the applicant have to verify that he/she was not in a position to apply for a visa in advance;

c) there is no doubt as to the applicant’s free and safe return to the country of origin or residence or transit to a third country into which they are certain to be admitted

Which of the Hungarian consulates is responsible for issuing a visa?

The general rule is that an application can be lodged at the consulate which is in the country

a) where the applicant resides / has a habitual residence (the applicant holds a permit that makes a stay longer than 3 months possible – e.g. residence permit),

b) the applicant does not have a habitual residence or right for a long stay, but at the moment stays legally there and gave reasons for applying at that consulate. This is not a personal right, it depends on the consulate’s consideration and is viable for a sound reason. The stay is legal if, according to the third country’s law, the applicant is entitled to stay within the consular disctrict for a short stay (e.g. with a visa) or for a longer stay (e.g. with a residence permit).

If in the framework of a visa representation agreement, a Member State represents Hungary regarding visa issues, the representing Member State should be considered the competent mission.

If there is no Hungarian consulate in the country where the applicant has his/her habitual residence or no other Member State represents Hungary, the visa application can be handed in at any Hungarian consulate outside the Schengen Area.

CONDITIONS OF LODGING A VISA APPLICATION

How to apply?

The application can be submitted:

a) personally, at which occasion  biometric data – fingerprints, photo - are collected

b) by an accredited commercial intermediary

c) by a professional, cultural, sports or educational association or institution on behalf of its members.

  1. The consul  might call the applicant for an interview.
  2. Applications can be lodged 6 months – 15 days before the start of the intended visit.
  3. The decision about the admissible applications are to be made within 15 calendar days from the date of submission. Hence it is advised to apply earlier than 15 days before the planned departure. The consulates do not take responsibility for delayed submission and for travels failed as a consequence.
  4. The period for decision might be extended for up to 45 calendar days

The visa application should satisfy the following general conditions:

a) the application has been lodged no more than six months and not less than 15 days before the start of the intended visit;

b) the visa applicant presents a legibly filled out, signed application form. The application form may be acquired free of charge at the consulates or downloaded from the website of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

c) the applicant shall present a valid travel document satisfying the following criteria:

  • contains at least two blank pages;
  • issued within the previous 10 years;
  • the validity shall extend at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the member States or, in the case of several visits, after the last intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States;

d) one passport-size colour photo (not older than 6 months) is attached

e) biometric data have been collected (if applicable)

f) visa fee is paid

The Table of the travel documents recognized by the Member States for crossing the borders of the Member States is available at the website of the Council of the European Union. Please check: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/prado/en/prado-recognised-documents.html

Further documents necessary:

  • Certificate of residence or of legal stay if the applicants are not nationals of the country where they lodge the application
  • Travel medical insurance: The insurance shall be valid for the territory of the Schengen Member States and cover the entire period of the person's intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000. The valid medical insurance has to also cover any expenses, which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay(s) on the territory of the Member States.
  • documents establishing the purpose of the visit
  • proof of sufficient funds for the visit and return to the country of origin or to a third country

Besides the above general requirements, the applicant shall also supply a certificate of the financial coverage of his/her expenses, The financial coverage of the expenses can be certified with the following documents:

  • an original income certificate of the employer or
  • a bank account statement for the last three months or
  • a pension slip or
  • company registration in the case of an entrepreneur and a certificate of the accountant
  • a letter of invitation.

When applying for a short stay uniform visa (Schengen C-type), the purpose of the entry can be certified with the following documents:

  • Tourist visit: the certificate of the travel agency; or in the case of an individual visit: the prepaid reservation of accommodation.
  • Educational or other scientific or professional training purpose: the certificate of the receiving institution, the certificate of the place of accommodation in Hungary
  • Visiting friends, acquaintances: a letter of invitation may be in the form of a public notarial document and a photocopy of the personal identification document/passport of the inviting party in Hungary.
  • Family relations: an invitation letter as described in the previous indent or a letter signed by the applicant in full awareness of his/her criminal liability describing the degree of the family relation, giving the name, address and phone number of the family member and the purpose of the entry and stay.
  • Business: in case there already exists a business partner in Hungary: a letter of invitation from the business partner, proof of the existence of commercial business relations; or the certificate of the local chamber of commerce on the existence of business relations, and the certification of the place of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Medical treatment: the certificate of the receiving health institution, including reference to the fact that the expected coverage of the medical treatment is available, as well as the certification of the  expected place of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Cultural activities: agency contract with the Hungarian service provider, invitation letter issued by the host organization
  • Sport: proof of accreditation / participation in the sports event or contract with the Hungarian sport club, or the certificate issued by the delegating sport club / Olympic committee / Ministry of Sport, etc.
  • Conference: invitation letter issued by the host organization, confirmation on participation issued by the host organization, and/or a certification issued by the delegating organization; receipt of the payment of the registration fee
  • Other purposes, not listed: documents about the purpose of the entry and stay.

Attention! The above list of supporting documents is non-exhaustive.

  • return air ticket and / or proof of reservation of an organized tourist trip and of the accommodation
  • in case of a minor: the legal representative’s statement and proof of financial means

In case, the host country and the European Union have signed a visa facilitation agreement, further exceptions may be applied. Hence in case of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cape Verde, Serbia, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North-Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova different certifications may be asked.  Please check: https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en. For detailed information concerning these agreements please contact the competent Hungarian foreign representations in the respective countries.

VISA FEES:

Airport transit visa (A) or uniform short-stay visa (C)  80 EUR

The visa fee is EUR 40 for children from the age of six and below the age of 12 years

The visa fee shall be waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories:

  • children under the age of 6;
  • school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
  • researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of scientific research;
  • representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations;
  • family members of EU/EEA nationals (European Economic Area);
  • holders of diplomatic passports.

Attention!

kérdőjel The visa fee is payable when the application is submitted.

kérdőjel The consulate does not charge any further fees other than those mentioned above for issuing a visa.

kérdőjel If the application for a visa is refused, the fee will not be reimbursed.

DECISION ON THE VISA APPLICATIONS

The consul checks the visa application:

  • consults the Schengen Information System (SISII):
  • inspects former visas issued to the applicant
  • may consult with competent authorities of other Member States in particular cases
  • may consult the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • may consult with foreign representations of other Schengen States
  • may request an interview with the applicant
  • may request the presentation of further documents or certificates in addition to the ones already attached to the application. A visa application shall be decided on within 15 calendar days. In individual cases the period may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days. In case of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the EU this time period is 10 days.

The visa application will be refused, if the applicant:

  • presents a false, counterfeit or forged travel document
  • does not prove the purpose and conditions of the intended stay
  • does not provide proof of sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay, and for the return to his country of origin or residence,
  • has exceeded the maximum duration of authorized stay within the same 180-day period in the territory of the Member States
  • is a person for whom an alert has been issued in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purpose of refusing entry
  • is considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security or public health, or to the international relations of any Member States, in particular where alert has been issued in Member States national databases for the purpose of refusing entry on the same grounds
  • is not in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance, where applicable

furthermore, in case:

  • the information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable;  the applicant’s intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa could not be ascertained

The reason for refusal is stated by the consul using the uniform refusal form.

In case of refusal the consulate will not reimburse the visa fee.

Appeal procedure

If the visa is refused, annulled or revoked, the applicant has the right to appeal. Appeals can be submitted by the applicant or by a person authorized by the applicant at the Hungarian Consulate within 8 days after receiving the refusal; and 3 days within the date of receiving the decision for the annulment or revocation of a visa. The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade decides on the appeal within 15 days, and on the appeals against the decision for the annulment or revocation of a visa within 5 days.

The fee of the appeal procedure is 160 EUR, which cannot be reimbursed, not even in the case of a positive decision.

The appeal decision may be subject to Administrative Court review.

In case of refusal a new application may be submitted at any time, and the visa fee has to be paid again.