Visa-free travel to 170+ destinations with a Hungarian passport

We can divide all simplified entry conditions for Hungary passport holders into three types: visa-free countries, visa-on-arrival countries, and electronic travel authorisation countries.

Visa-free countries — 113. Hungarian passport holders can visit a large number of countries without obtaining a visa. This privilege enables spontaneous travel while reducing the paperwork and time associated with visa applications.

Visa-free travel typically allows stays of a few days to several months, depending on the destination. In the Schengen Area, Hungary citizens have freedom of movement and are granted a 90-day stay every 180 days.

How to travel to the Schengen Area with a Hungary Golden Visa

Visa-on-arrival countries — 30. In some countries, Hungarian citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival. This means that travellers do not need to apply for a visa before leaving Hungary but can obtain one once they reach their destination.

The visa-on-arrival process usually involves filling out a form and paying a fee at the airport or border entry point. This option is especially convenient for last-minute trips or destinations without embassies in Hungary.

Electronic travel authorisation, or eTA countries — 28. Electronic travel authorisation (eTA) is another simplified entry process available to Hungarian nationals. This digital authorisation is often required instead of a traditional visa and can be applied for online.

The application process is typically simple, requiring only basic personal information and travel details. Once approved, an eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, allowing for a more efficient entry process upon arrival.

Travellers obtain visas at the destination airport or other point of entry. In some cases, the applicants are required to present a reservation at a hotel and sufficient funds for the time of travel.

Typically, the visa-on-arrival booth is located before passport control. Depending on the line, it takes up to one hour to get the visa.

Visa-on-arrival is applicable only for short trips with purposes like tourism or visiting a friend and can’t be used for professional activities.

An eTA, or electronic travel authorisation, is usually obtained through a special web portal by a country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another authority.

This type of entry permission typically requires the traveller to provide their basic information, such as name, contact info, and identification documents. Depending on the country, it can take from 5 minutes to a week to obtain an e-visa.

In 2023, Hungarian residents made approximately 21 million international trips, including both overnight and same-day visits.

Hungarian travellers can choose from a great number of popular tourist destinations thanks to the country’s strategic location in Central Europe and the strength of its passport. Here are some popular destinations that Hungarian citizens often visit:

• Austria;

• Slovakia;

• Germany;

• Italy;

• Spain;

• Romania;

• Croatia;

• Serbia;

• Slovenia.

In 2023, Hungarians spent the most in Austria — about 691 million euros, followed by Germany with 473 million euros.

USA entry. Hungarian citizens can enter the USA using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an electronic visa waiver program. The application process for ESTA is done online. To apply, Hungarian citizens need to register on the official ESTA website.

The application requires personal and travel information, and the process is typically straightforward, with approvals often granted within minutes, although it’s advisable to apply at least 72 hours before departure.

UK entry. Hungarian citizens do not need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom, despite Brexit. The allowed period of stay for Hungarian citizens is up to 180 days per visit.

Travellers should ensure they have a valid passport for the duration of their stay and be prepared to show proof of return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to check the UK government’s official travel advice.

If you have Hungarian parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. You need to provide proof of your Hungarian ancestry and apply through the Hungarian authorities.

You can acquire a Hungarian passport even if you are not of Hungarian descent. Here are other pathways to obtain it:

• marriage to a Hungarian citizen and naturalisation after 3 years of residency;

• Hungary Golden Visa program and later naturalisation;

• naturalisation after continuously living in Hungary for 11 years.

Hungary’s Golden Visa program involves obtaining residence by investment. An applicant makes a significant contribution to Hungary’s economy in exchange for a residence permit. The minimum required investment amount is €250,000. This process typically takes 4 to 6 months.

Once the investor has lived in Hungary for three consecutive years and maintained their investment, they can apply for permanent residency. This status allows them to stay in Hungary indefinitely and enjoy many of the same rights as Hungarian citizens.

After holding permanent residence status for eight years and living in Hungary for a total of eleven years, the investor can apply for citizenship through naturalisation. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language and pass a basic knowledge test about Hungarian history, culture, and constitution.

The Hungary Golden Visa program provides a viable pathway to citizenship for foreign investors. This program is designed to attract international investment and foster economic growth in Hungary by offering residency rights in return for a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

Under this residence program, investors can:

• invest in local real estate funds for €250,000+;

• purchase residential property for €500,000+;

• donate €1,000,000+ to an institution of higher learning.

The application process for the residence permit takes approximately 4—6 months. The investment condition should be fulfilled within 93 calendar days after the first entrance to Hungary with the Guest Investor Visa.

Hungary residency by investment is valid for 10 years. It can be extended once for the same period.

Immediate family members, including spouses and dependent children, can be included in the application, providing them with the same residency rights.

Upon receiving a residence permit, investors and their families gain the freedom to travel across the Schengen countries without the need for additional visas.

1. Hungarian passport holders can travel to 171 countries and territories without needing a visa. The list includes all Schengen states, as well as the USA and UAE.

2. There are three types of simplified entry conditions for Hungary citizens: visa-free countries, visa-on-arrival countries, and electronic travel authorisation (eTA) countries.

3. Hungary’s Golden Visa program allows foreign investors to obtain residency by investment and later get citizenship by naturalisation.

4. Investors can obtain a residence permit by investing a minimum amount of €250,000.

5. After three years of residence and maintaining the investment, investors can apply for permanent residence. After eight years of permanent residence and a total of eleven years in Hungary, investors can apply for citizenship through naturalisation.

6. The residence permit under the Golden Visa program is valid for 10 years and can be extended once for the same period, allowing visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.