Hungary Visa Guide

The land of thermal baths and goulash, Hungary is a small European country that has many tourist attractions. The country is blessed with several other stunning destinations which you can visit after getting your Hungary visa. Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, offering picturesque scenery, beaches, and water sports. Not to forget the Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed traditional village showcasing rural Hungarian life and culture.

Budapest, the capital, is popular among tourists with its iconic and historical castles like Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion on Castle Hill, and Neo-Gothic architecture Parliament Building. Széchenyi Thermal Baths is one of the famous thermal bath complexes in Budapest. Applying for a Hungary visa involves several steps. Please keep in mind that Hungary is a Schengen country and you will need a Hungary Schengen visa.

We also have a comprehensive Schengen visa guide which provides detailed information about the visa, how to apply, types of visa, and how to track your visa application.

You can apply for a Hungary visa or the Hungary Schengen visa to visit this country. The steps to apply for the visa are:

• Identify which visa type is suited for you.
• Fill the Hungary visa application 
• Take an appointment and complete the payment process
• Visit the nearest Hungary Visa Application Centre with the filled application form, and supporting documents, for submission
• You will receive an email with your scheduled appointment information for interview

You can track your Hungary visa application from the official government website or take help from VFS Global.

Scroll below to know more about Hungary visa.

1. Tourist visa
2. Airport transit visa
3. Business visa
4. Study visa
5. Medical visa

Hungary tourist visa is considered a short-stay visa. While applying for this visa, do not get confused between Hungary Schengen visa and a Hungary tourist visa, they are the same.

Documents for tourist visa

• Hungary visa application form
• Valid passport with minimum two blank pages
• Two passport-sized photos
• Travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Proof of funds

Tourist visa validity

A Hungary tourist visa is valid for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period (6 months). If you want to stay for a longer duration, you need to apply for a long-stay visa.

Processing time for tourist visa

The processing time for Hungary visas for Indians takes up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

You may be required to apply for a Hungary Airport Transit Visa if you land at one of the airports, so that you can board another flight to reach your destination country. 

Documents for transit visa

• Hungary visa application form
• Valid passport from the date of travel, with minimum 2 blank pages
• At least 2 passport-sized photos 
• Travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Onward flight reservation to next country 
• Proof of funds

Processing time for transit visa

The processing time for Hungary visas for Indians takes up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

To work in Hungary, you need to have a work permit. A Schengen Business Visa in Hungary is a visa issued for the purposes of business meetings, contracts signed, and other types of commercial travel within the territory of Hungary.

Documents for work visa

• Hungary visa application form
• Valid passport from the date of travel, with minimum 2 blank pages
• At least 2 passport-sized photos
• Travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Onward flight reservation to next country
• Proof of funds
• Employment details like contract or a letter from the employer

Work visa validity

A work visa is valid for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period (6 months). If you want to stay for a longer duration, you need to apply for a long-stay visa.

Processing time for work visa

The Hungary visa processing time for Indians takes up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

If the purpose of your visit to Hungary is to take part in a course, train, or study, you have to apply for this visa.

Documents for study visa

• Valid passport with minimum two blank pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Proof of accommodation
• High school diploma
• Proof of funds
• Invitation letter from the university
• Health insurance
• Proof of English language proficiency
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Proof of payment of university fees
• Proof of sponsorship/scholarship, if any

Study visa validity

Depending on the type of course you take, your student visa in Hungary will be valid. You can extend the visa as per the duration of the course. The stay duration for a normal multiple entry visa is 90 days.

Processing time for study visa

The processing time for Hungary visas for Indians takes up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

You need a Hungarian Schengen Medical Visa if you have to undergo medical treatment in Hungary, and/or take part in some kind of health care, like medicine or surgery. You also have to apply for the Hungarian Medical Visa if you are accompanying someone who is travelling to Hungary to receive medical treatment.

Documents for medical visa

• Completed and signed visa application form
• Valid passport with minimum two blank pages
• Two passport-sized photos
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Proof of funds
• A medical report from the local hospital
• Confirmation for treatment from the hospital in Hungary

Medical visa validity

A medical visa is valid for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period (6 months). If your medical treatment extends, you need to re-apply for a long-stay visa.

Processing time for medical visa

The legal Hungary visa processing time for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

Where to apply for a short-stay Hungary visa for Indians?

You can apply for a visa at one of the following points.

• The Hungarian Embassy
• A Hungarian consulate
• A Visa Application Center
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country (This is when Hungary has outsourced the submission of visa)

You may apply for a visa at the Hungarian Embassy in your country of residence if Hungary is the only country in the Schengen area you intend to visit.

If, however, you intend to visit another Schengen country as well, apply for a Short Stay Visa at the Hungarian Embassies' and Consular Offices or VAC, only if one or more of these is in line with your situation:

• You plan to spend more days in Hungary
• You plan to enter Hungary first rather than other Schengen countries

Reasons why Hungary visas can be refused

• Your documents are forged
• Do not have a proper proof of duration of stay
• Insufficient funds or return flight ticket
• Have exceeded the number of stay within the 180 day time in any of the Schengen countries
• Have criminal record
• Invalid travel medical insurance