Hungarian Schengen Visa: How to Apply

Have you been dreaming of exploring Hungary’s beautiful castles, the rich culture and great food? If yes, then you’ll most likely need a Hungarian Schengen visa, especially if your country doesn’t have a visa-free agreement with Hungary.

Now, applying for a visa can sound stressful. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you step by step using simple, friendly English. You may be going for tourism, business, school, or to visit a loved one, anyone it is,  this article will help you understand everything you need to know about getting a Hungarian Schengen visa.

What is a Hungarian Schengen Visa?

A Hungarian Schengen visa is a special travel permit that allows you to visit Hungary and other countries in the Schengen Area for a short period—usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have agreed to remove border checks between them. This means that once you enter one of these countries, you can move freely to the others without needing another visa.

Some of the countries in the Schengen Zone include:

• Hungary
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Austria
• Sweden
• Belgium
• And many more…

So, when you apply for a Hungarian Schengen visa, you are not only allowed to travel to Hungary, but also to these other Schengen countries, as long as Hungary is your main destination.

What does “Main Destination” mean?

This means:

• You should spend most of your time in Hungary
  OR
• Hungary should be your first point of entry (the first Schengen country you land in)

For example:

• If you’re spending 5 days in Hungary and 3 days in Austria, Hungary is your main destination.
• But if you’re spending 3 days in Hungary and 10 days in France, you should apply through the French embassy instead.

 How Long Can You Stay?

A Hungarian Schengen visa allows you to stay:

• Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
• For tourism, business, family visit, or short studies
• It is mostly for short-term stays, not for working or settling permanently

What You CANNOT Do With This Visa

It’s good to know what this visa doesn’t cover:

• You can’t work or take a full-time job
• You can’t live in Hungary long-term
• You can’t study full-time (only short courses or training)
• You must leave the Schengen area before your visa expires

Types of Hungarian Schengen Visas

Before you apply, it’s important to know which type of Hungarian Schengen visa you need. The type of visa you choose depends on why you’re visiting Hungary. Each type has its own purpose, and choosing the right one will help avoid problems or delays in your visa application.

Let’s look at the most common types:

1. Tourist Visa

This is the most popular type of Schengen visa. You should apply for a Tourist Visa if:

• You want to visit Hungary for sightseeing
• You’re going on vacation or a holiday
• You’re visiting friends or family for fun and not for a serious reason

2. Business Visa

If your reason for visiting Hungary is work-related (but not full-time employment), then you need a Business Visa.

Use this if:

• You are attending a business meeting, seminar, or trade show
• You are going for a job interview
• Your company is sending you to represent them for a short stay

3. Short-Term Study or Training Visa

This is for people who want to study short courses or take part in training programs in Hungary.

You can apply for this visa if:

• You are going to attend a short class or workshop
• You are doing research or academic training
• The course or training is less than 90 days

4. Family or Friends Visit Visa

This type of visa is for people who have relatives or friends living in Hungary and want to visit them.

You must show:

• An invitation letter from your host
• Proof of relationship (if it’s family)
• Their address and legal status in Hungary

5. Transit Visa

This is for travelers who are passing through Hungary to another country. It’s mainly used by people who:

• Have a layover at a Hungarian airport
• Need to change flights in Hungary

There are also some special cases like:

• Medical treatment visa
• Cultural or sports event visa

But these are less common. Most travelers will apply for one of the five main visa types above.

Who Can Apply for a Hungarian Schengen Visa?

Before you start gathering your documents, it’s good to know whether you actually need a Hungarian Schengen visa or not. The rules are not the same for everyone, and it depends on your nationality and your current residence.

Who NEEDS a Hungarian Schengen Visa?

You must apply for a Hungarian Schengen visa if:

• You are from a country that does not have a visa-free agreement with Hungary or the Schengen Area
• You are staying in Hungary (or Schengen countries) for 90 days or less

Who Does NOT Need a Hungarian Schengen Visa?

You don’t need a visa if you are from a country that has a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Zone and you’re staying for less than 90 days.

This includes citizens of:

• USA
• UK
• Canada
• Australia
• Japan
• South Korea
• Brazil
• New Zealand
• Most EU countries (since Hungary is also in the EU)

BUT—just because you don’t need a visa doesn’t mean you can do anything. You still:

• Can’t work without a proper permit
• Can’t stay longer than 90 days
• May need to show return tickets, hotel bookings, or proof of funds at the airport

What If You’re Living in Another Country?

Let’s say you are from India but living in the UAE or the UK. You still need to apply for a Hungarian visa, but you will apply from the Hungarian embassy in the country where you live.

Make sure:

• You have legal residence in that country (like a visa, residence permit, etc.)
• You apply in the correct country (where you are legally staying)

What About Children and Babies?

Yes, even children and babies need their own Schengen visa if they’re from a country that requires one.
The application is similar to that of an adult but will need:

• A birth certificate
• A consent letter signed by both parents
• Copies of the parents’ passports or ID

Requirements for a Hungarian Schengen Visa 

This is one of the most important parts of your visa journey. To get a Hungarian Schengen visa, you need to submit a complete and correct set of documents. If something is missing or wrong, your application may be rejected or delayed.

Basic Documents (for all visa types)

No matter why you’re going to Hungary, you will need the following:

1. Visa Application Form
2. Valid Passport
3. Passport Photos
4. Flight Reservation
5. Proof of Accommodation
6. Travel Insurance
7. Proof of Financial Means
8. Visa Fee Payment (€80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12)

Extra Documents Based on Visa Type

If you’re applying for a Tourist Visa:

• A travel itinerary (basic plan of what you’ll do)
• Proof of leave from work or school

If you’re applying for a Business Visa:

• Invitation letter from the company in Hungary
• Company profile or business registration documents
• A letter from your employer explaining your purpose of visit

If you’re applying for a Family or Friends Visit Visa:

• An official invitation letter (sometimes notarized)
• A copy of your host’s residence permit or passport
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, photos, messages)

If you’re applying for a Student or Training Visa:

• Acceptance letter from the school or program
• Proof of payment for the course (if required)
• Student ID or academic certificates

If you’re applying for a Transit Visa:

• Visa for your final destination (if required)
• Travel ticket showing Hungary is just a stopover

How to Apply for a Hungarian Schengen Visa 

Applying for a Hungarian Schengen visa may sound stressful, but it’s really not hard once you know the steps.

Let’s go step by step:

Step 1: Know Where to Apply

You need to apply at the Hungarian embassy, consulate, or visa application center (VAC) in your country. If Hungary is not represented in your country, you may have to apply at the embassy of another Schengen country that handles Hungarian visas.

How to find the right place:

• Check the official website of the Hungarian embassy in your country.
• If Hungary uses a visa center like VFS Global or TLScontact, the website will direct you there.

Step 2: Book an Appointment

Most embassies and visa centers require an appointment. You usually cannot walk in.

What to do:

• Go to the official embassy or visa center website
• Register an account if needed
• Pick a date and time for your appointment
• Print or save the appointment confirmation

Appointments can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel season. Try to book at least 4–6 weeks before your planned trip.

Step 3: Prepare All Your Documents

This is where you gather everything listed in the requirements section we covered earlier.

• Arrange them in the exact order listed on the embassy’s checklist.
• Use a transparent file to keep everything clean and neat.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

On your appointment day:

• Arrive at least 15–30 minutes early
• Dress neatly and act polite
• Submit your documents
• Give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) if it’s your first time
• Pay the visa fee (if not paid online)

The visa officer may ask you questions like:

• Why are you going to Hungary?
• How long will you stay?
• Who is sponsoring your trip?
• What do you do for work or school?

Just answer honestly and clearly. It’s not an interview, just a simple check.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

After submission, your application goes under review.

Normal processing time:

• 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 30 or even 60 days in some cases (especially during busy periods or if more checks are needed)

Some embassies or visa centers let you track your application online using a reference number.

Step 6: Collect Your Passport

Once your application is processed, you’ll be notified to:

• Pick up your passport
  OR
• Get it delivered (if courier service is available in your country)

If your visa is approved:

• Your passport will have a sticker showing your visa details: entry dates, duration of stay, etc.

If your visa is rejected:

• You will get a letter explaining the reason
• You can appeal or reapply later (we’ll talk about this in a later section)

Where to Submit Your Hungarian Schengen Visa Application

Before you can submit your visa application, you need to know exactly where to go. This depends on your country of residence and whether Hungary has an embassy or consulate near you.

Here’s how to find out where to submit your visa application:

1. Apply at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in Your Country

If your country has a Hungarian embassy or consulate, that’s the best place to go. They will handle your visa application directly.

To check:

• Visit the official website 

2. Use a Visa Application Center (VAC) Like VFS Global or TLScontact

In many countries, Hungary works with trusted partners like VFS Global or TLScontact to collect applications. These centers:

• Receive your documents
• Take your biometrics
• Send everything to the embassy for decision

They don’t make the final decision; they just help process your application.

To check if Hungary uses a VAC in your country:

• Go to VFS Global or TLScontact
• Choose your country and look for Hungary under available visa services

3. Apply at Another Schengen Country’s Embassy (If Hungary Has No Presence)

In some countries where Hungary has no embassy or visa center, another Schengen country (like Austria or Germany) may represent Hungary and handle Schengen visa applications on Hungary’s behalf.

This will be clearly stated on Hungary’s foreign affairs website. Make sure you check the correct location, as applying to the wrong place may lead to a wasted appointment or a rejected application.

Common Reasons Why Hungarian Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected

Even if you submit your documents and follow all the steps, your visa can still get rejected. That’s why it’s important to know what mistakes to avoid.

Here are the most common reasons—and how you can avoid them:

1. Incomplete or Wrong Documents

How to avoid:

• Use the official document checklist
• Double-check all names, dates, and spellings
• Make sure your documents are in order and clearly readable

2. Lack of Travel Purpose or Proof

How to avoid:

• Be honest and clear about why you’re traveling
• Provide proof of what you will do in Hungary (hotel bookings, travel plans, event tickets, etc.)

3. Weak Financial Proof

How to avoid:

• Show bank statements for the last 3 months
• Add extra proof like payslips, job letter, or sponsor letter
• Make sure the money shown is enough to cover your entire stay

4. Travel Insurance Problems

How to avoid:

• Buy a Schengen-approved travel insurance
• Confirm it covers medical and repatriation costs

5. Suspicious Travel History

How to avoid:

• Be truthful about your travel history
• Attach a short letter if you feel something in your past might need explaining

6. You Didn’t Convince Them You’ll Return

How to avoid:

• Show ties to your home country:
  • Job letter
  • School enrollment
  • Family proof
  • Property ownership

7. Fake or Forged Documents

How to avoid:

• Never use fake documents. Always be honest.
• If you’re missing something, explain it in a cover letter instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How long does it take to get the visa?

Usually 15 days, but it can take up to 30 or 60 days in special cases. Apply early—at least 4 weeks before travel.

2. How much is the visa fee?

• Adults: €80
• Kids (6–12): €40
• Kids under 6: Free
  Extra service fees may apply at visa centers.

3. Can I apply online?

You can fill the form online, but you still need to submit it in person at the embassy or visa center.

4. Do I need to book a flight first?

Yes, but just a flight reservation, not a paid ticket.

5. Can someone apply for me?

Usually, no. You must go in person—especially if it’s your first time or you need biometrics.

6. What if my visa is denied?

You’ll get a reason in writing. You can appeal or apply again with better documents.

7. Can I visit other countries with this visa?

Yes. It’s valid for all Schengen countries, but Hungary must be your main destination.

8. How long can I stay?

Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

9. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. It must cover at least €30,000 and be valid in all Schengen countries.

10. Can I apply if I’m unemployed?

Yes, but show how you’ll pay for your trip; from savings or a sponsor.

Conclusion

Getting a Hungarian Schengen Visa doesn’t have to be hard. Just take your time to collect all the necessary papers and follow the right steps. Make sure you have your travel plan, proof of money, and travel insurance ready before applying.

Remember, applying early is always a good idea so you don’t rush at the last minute. If you prepare well and submit everything correctly, your chance of approval will be much higher.

Hungary is a beautiful country full of history and culture, and with this visa, you can also visit many other Schengen countries easily.

So, get ready, stay organized, and soon you’ll be on your way to an amazing adventure in Hungary and beyond!

Safe and happy travels!