However, if you intend to visit other Schengen countries as well, submit your application at the Hungarian Embassy or VAC if you plan to spend more time in Hungary or enter Hungary before any other Schengen country.
Types of visas for Hungary
The different types of visas available for visiting Hungary are as follows:
- Single Entry Tourist Visa: The Single-Entry Tourist Visa is intended for individuals travelling to Hungary for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends and family. This visa allows you to enter Hungary only once during its validity period. After entry, you can stay in Hungary for a maximum of 15 to 30 days. This type of visa is ideal for short-term visits where a single entry into the country is enough. This type of visa is perfect for those who do not plan on returning to Hungary during their trip.
- Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: For travellers who wish to explore Hungary more extensively or plan multiple visits within a short period, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa offers a flexible solution. This visa permits you to enter and exit Hungary multiple times within a 90-day period. The total duration of stay in Hungary cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period, making it suitable for frequent tourists who wish to travel back and forth between Hungary and other Schengen Area countries or their home country.
- Single Entry Business Visa: The Single-Entry Business Visa is tailored for business professionals who need to conduct business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or short-term work assignments in Hungary. This visa allows for a single entry into the country, with a stay permitted for up to 15 to 30 days from the date of entry. It is ideal for individuals whose business activities are confined to one visit and do not require repeated entries.
- Multiple Entry Business Visa: For those engaged in ongoing business activities that necessitate several trips to Hungary, the Multiple Entry Business Visa is an appropriate choice. This visa allows for multiple entries into Hungary, accommodating the need for repeated visits over a longer period. Each visit is limited to a maximum stay of 30 days. This visa is beneficial for business professionals who need to manage long-term projects or maintain regular business engagements in Hungary.
- Transit Visa: The Transit Visa is specifically designed for travellers passing through Hungary en route to a third country. This visa permits a single entry into Hungary and allows for a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry. It is suitable for those who are not staying in Hungary for leisure or business purposes but require a brief stopover as part of their journey to another destination.
The table below outlines various Hungarian visa types, detailing their purposes, entry conditions, and permitted durations of stay:
Visa Type | Purpose | Entry & Duration of Stay |
Single Entry Tourist Visa | Tourism, leisure, visiting friends or family | Single entry; maximum of 15 to 30 days from the date of entry |
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | Frequent or multiple visits for tourism | Multiple entries; up to 90 days within a 180-day period |
Single Entry Business Visa | Business activities such as meetings or conferences | Single entry; maximum of 15 to 30 days from the date of entry |
Multiple Entry Business Visa | Ongoing business activities with multiple trips | Multiple entries; maximum of 30 days per visit |
Transit Visa | Passing through Hungary to a third country | Single entry; maximum of 30 days from the date of entry |
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Hungary Visa for Indians
To apply for a Hungarian visa, Indian citizens must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Clear Travel Plan: You must present a detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations, accommodation details, and a general schedule of your activities in Hungary. The plan should demonstrate the purpose of your visit and the dates of your stay.
- Financial Means: You need to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. This can be shown through bank statements, salary slips, sponsorship letters, or other financial documents.
- Indian Citizenship and Valid Passport: You must be an Indian citizen with a valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years. It should also have at least two adjacent blank pages for the visa.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of where you will be staying during your visit. This could be confirmed hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host if you are staying with friends or family. The accommodation proof should cover the entire duration of your stay.
- Travel Insurance: Obtain international travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies and repatriation. The insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen Area, including Hungary, for the entire duration of your stay.
- Correct Submission of Documents: Ensure that all required documents are completed accurately and submitted correctly. Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays or rejection of your visa application. Double-check all forms and supporting documents for accuracy.
Hungary Visa Processing
Time Processing times for a Hungarian visa application from India generally range between 20 to 25 working days under optimal conditions. To ensure a smooth application process and avoid any delays, it is advisable to apply for your visa well in advance. The recommended timeframe for application is at least one month before your intended travel date but no more than three months prior. This allows ample time for processing and any potential issues that may arise.
Documents Required for a Hungarian Visa for Indians
To apply for a Hungarian visa, Indian passport holders must submit several documents. The specific requirements may vary based on the type of visa, but here is a comprehensive list:
- Health Certificate: For certain visa categories, particularly long-term visas, a health certificate may be required. This document is necessary if you plan to stay in Hungary for an extended period and confirms that you meet health requirements.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are employed, you must provide a letter from your employer. The NOC should state that you have been granted leave and explain the purpose of your trip.
- Passport Size Photos: Submit three recent passport-sized photos. Each photo should be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, taken within the last three months on a matte or semi-matt white background. The face image should be 25–35 mm from chin to crown. Ensure that photos are clear and not scanned.
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. It should be issued within the last 10 years and have at least two adjacent blank pages for the visa.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of your stay in Hungary. This can be confirmed hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host if you are staying with friends or family.
- Proof of Finances: Show that you can financially support yourself during your stay by providing bank statements, salary slips, sponsorship letters, or other relevant financial documents.
- Purpose-Specific Documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business, study), additional documents may be required. Check the specific visa category for detailed requirements.
- Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance that covers at least 30,000 euros for medical emergencies and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in Hungary. This is mandatory for all Hungarian visa applications.
- Travel Itinerary: Present a detailed plan of your trip, including flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and a general itinerary of your activities while in Hungary.
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the visa application form. Ensure that all personal details are accurate and match those in your passport.
The table below outlines the various documents required for different types of visas to Hungary:
Documents Required | Tourist Visa | Airport Transit Visa | Business Visa | Study Visa | Medical Visa |
Hungary visa application form | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Two passport-sized photos | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Travel insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Proof of accommodation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Round-trip flight reservation or detailed itinerary | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Proof of funds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Onward flight reservation to next country | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Employment details (contract or letter from employer) | No | No | Yes | No | No |
High school diploma | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Invitation letter from the university | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Health insurance | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Proof of English language proficiency | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Proof of payment of university fees | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Proof of sponsorship/scholarship (if any) | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Medical report from local hospital | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Confirmation for treatment from hospital in Hungary | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Hungarian Visa
Before you apply for a visa to Hungary refer to the Schengen cooperation guidelines. Here are the steps to apply for a visa to Hungary:
- Step 1: Start by selecting the correct visa type for your trip to Hungary.
- Step 2: Verify your eligibility for the visa and gather information on required documents, processing times, and fees.
- Step 3: Download and complete the visa application form. Print the completed form and prepare it for submission at the Hungary Visa Application Centre along with the necessary documents for your chosen visa category.
- Step 4: Schedule an appointment at a Hungary Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photos). You will receive an appointment confirmation via email. If applying as a family or group, book separate appointments for each member.
- Step 5: Pay the visa application fee either online or at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment.
- Step 6: Attend your scheduled appointment at the Hungary Visa Application Centre to submit your completed application form and supporting documents in person.
- Step 7: Monitor the status of your visa application through email updates or SMS notifications if available. You can also track your application status online using the Reference Number from your receipt.
- Step 8: Once your visa application has been processed, collect your passport and documents from the Visa Application Centre or receive them via courier, depending on your chosen delivery method. If collecting in person, bring your original ICR and government ID proof.
For third-party collection, ensure you provide an authorization letter and the required documents. If the processed passport includes a letter from the embassy, you must collect it in person and sign the letter. If you lose your receipt, visit the centre in person to collect your passport.
Hungary Visa Application Centre in India
City | Days of Operation | Opening Hours |
Pune | Monday to Friday | 08:00 - 14:00 |
Bangalore | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 01:00 |
Delhi | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Mumbai | Monday to Friday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
Cochin | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 01:00 |
Goa | Monday to Friday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
Hyderabad | Monday to Friday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
Jaipur | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Whitefield Bangalore | VAC is currently not operational | - |
Ahmedabad | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Kolkata | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
Trivandrum | VAC is currently not operational | - |
Gurgaon | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
Chandigarh | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Jalandhar | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Pondicherry | Monday to Friday | 08:00 - 13:00 |
Chennai | Monday to Friday | 08:00 - 15:00 |
Lucknow | Monday to Friday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
How to Track Your Hungarian Visa Application
You will receive an email notification once a decision on your visa application is returned to the Hungary Visa Application Centre. Regularly check your email for this update. If you prefer or have trouble accessing email, confirm if SMS updates are available at your Hungary Visa Application Centre. This service might provide you with SMS alerts on your application status
You can track your visa application online by following the steps given below:
- Step 1: Visit the tracking section of the Hungary Visa Application Centre’s website.
- Step 2: Enter your Application Reference Number provided on the invoice/receipt given to you by the Centre.
- Step 3: Enter your last name exactly as it appears on your application.
- Step 4: Type the text shown in the image for security purposes.
- Step 5: After submitting the required information, check the online status for updates on your visa application.
Conditions for Visa Application Refusal
Your visa to Hungary may be refused for the following reasons:
- Submission of false, counterfeit, or forged travel documents.
- Inability to prove the purpose and conditions of the intended stay.
- Failure to demonstrate sufficient means of subsistence for the stay and return.
- Exceeding the maximum duration of stay within a 6-month period in Schengen Member States.
- An alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS) refusing entry.
- If you are considered a threat to public policy, internal security, public health, or international relations, with an alert in national databases.
- Lack of adequate and valid travel medical insurance, where applicable.
- Unreliable information regarding the purpose and conditions of the stay.
- Uncertainty about the applicant’s intention to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires.
- Insufficient justification for applying for a visa at the border rather than in advance.
Note: If your visa application is refused, the consul will provide the reason for the refusal using an established refusal form. This information can only be obtained in person at the consulate. Please note that visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the refusal decision.
- Can I get a multiple-entry Hungary tourist visa?
Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa if you plan to visit Hungary more than once within a specific period. Ensure you specify your need for a multiple-entry visa when applying.
- Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Hungary Schengen visa?
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Hungary allows you to travel to all 26 countries within the Schengen Area. This includes other member countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
- Do Indian citizens need a visa to enter Hungary?
Yes, Indian citizens must obtain a Schengen visa to enter Hungary. As Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, this visa permits entry into the country and travel within the Schengen Zone.
- How many months before the trip should I apply for a Hungarian visa?
You should apply for a Hungarian visa up to 3 months before your intended travel date. However, applying around 30 days before your trip is generally recommended to allow for sufficient processing time.
- Is Hungary part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Hungary is a member of the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries that have eliminated passport control at their mutual borders, facilitating free movement within the zone.
- Is the Hungarian visa issued as a sticker or an e-visa?
Hungarian visas are issued as sticker visas. This physical sticker is placed on your passport and must be presented when travelling to Hungary.
- Is there a Visa on Arrival for Indians in Hungary?
No, Indian citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Hungary. As Hungary is a member of the Schengen Area, Indian travellers must secure a valid Schengen visa before arriving in the country.
- Is travel insurance mandatory for Indians applying for a Hungary visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Indian passport holders. Since India is not part of the Schengen Area, you must obtain travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay. Ensure the policy meets Schengen requirements.