United States entry requirements for Hungary passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Hungarian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business in 2026. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Budapest before you travel. Visa interview wait times are typically 2–4 months, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Budapest. Complete the DS-160 form online and pay the $185 fee. Schedule an in-person interview — wait times vary from a few days to several months depending on the season.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay in the US | Your Hungarian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United States. Unlike some other countries, the US does not require 6 months of remaining validity beyond your departure date — just cover your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. CBP officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially on first visits. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit cards | Bring recent bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. The US has no fixed minimum amount, but having access to at least $100–$200 per day of your stay helps. | Recommended |
Plan ahead — interview slots fill fast
U.S. visa interview appointments in Budapest can be booked 2–4 months out. Don't wait until your travel dates are set. Apply as soon as you know your plans.
Visa-free travel not available for Hungarians
Hungary is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A visa is required for any purpose — tourism, business, or transit.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the form, upload your photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at a designated bank in Hungary. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, and book an appointment. Wait times vary — check the current estimate on the embassy website.
4
Attend the visa interview
Arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest (Szabadság tér 12) with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The interview is short — answer honestly. You'll be told if approved or refused on the spot.
5
Collect your passport with visa
If approved, your passport will be returned via courier or pickup within a few days. The visa sticker will be inside. Check the validity dates and any annotations.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical for Hungarian passport holders)
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at US embassy in Budapest.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (€170) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time study at accredited US institution. Requires I-20 from school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years (renewable)
Validity3 years initially, extendable
Cost$460 USD (€425) + filing fees
For specialty occupations. Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (renewable)
$460 USD (€425) + legal fees
For professionals in specialty fields (e.g., IT, engineering). Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD (€170) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000 USD (€970,000) minimum investment
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs in the US. Requires significant capital and business plan. Leads to citizenship after 5 years.
exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Varies by program (up to 7 years for some categories)
$220 USD (€200) + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, research, or teaching. Requires sponsorship by designated program. May include two-year home residency requirement.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (€170) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Hungarian passport holders. | $185 USD (€170) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period. | $370 USD (€340) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bars from re-entry; fines are not standard but possible. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to Hungary30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous US visa overstay20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Hungarian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if staying airside, unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for transit. ESTA is not available for transit-only purposes; a visa is required.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without additional visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without visa under certain conditions (C-1 exemption).
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (Hungary is not a VWP country) must have a visa for any US entry, including transit.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer and early fall, especially in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food or contaminated water; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Potomac Service Center
2200 Potomac Center Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extension applications by mail; no walk-in services for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person appointments only; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for HU travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The interview wait time at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest is typically 2–4 months. After approval, your passport is returned in 3–5 business days via courier. Check the current wait time on the embassy's appointment calendar.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. The fee is $455 plus a $85 biometrics fee. Extensions are granted in 6-month increments, but approval is not guaranteed. Overstaying can get you banned.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which Hungary is not part of). You need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa even for a layover. Apply at the embassy.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal (e.g., stronger ties to Hungary). There's no appeal process.
No. B-1 allows business activities like meetings and conferences, but you cannot be paid by a U.S. employer. B-2 is for tourism only. For paid work, you need an H-1B or other work visa.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (approx. €170). Additional costs: DS-160 form (free), photo (€10–15), courier delivery (€10–20), and travel to Budapest for the interview.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, one photo, and any supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and invitation letter if visiting someone. Organize them in a clear folder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.