United States entry requirements for Hungary passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
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 an approved ESTA to enter the United States for tourism or business in 2026. Apply online before you travel — approval is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. The ESTA costs US$40.27 and is valid for multiple entries over two years.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationESTA is an electronic travel authorization that allows Hungarian citizens to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa. Required for visa-free entry | Apply for an ESTA at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ at least 72 hours before departure. The cost is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Approval is often instant but can take up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from the US. Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Hungarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the US border officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officers may ask to see proof of onward travel; having a ticket avoids delays. Recommended to show at entry | Although not always required, it is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave the US within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou may be asked to show you can support yourself during your visit. Recommended to show at entry | While not mandatory, carrying evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) is recommended to satisfy border officers if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the customs declaration given on the flight. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Hungarian citizens entering the United States. | Not required |
Apply early — ESTA can take up to 72 hours
While most ESTA applications are approved instantly, some take up to 72 hours. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least 3 days before your flight.
ESTA is not a visa — but it's required
Hungary is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, but ESTA is available to Hungarian citizens. You cannot use a traditional visa on arrival — you must have an approved ESTA before boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the ESTA application online
Go to the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/), fill out the application with your passport details, travel plans, and answer eligibility questions. Pay the US$40.27 fee online. You'll receive a decision — often instantly, but allow up to 72 hours.
2
Receive your ESTA approval
Check your email for the ESTA status. If approved, your authorization is linked to your passport electronically. Print a copy or save a screenshot for your records — it's not required but useful.
3
Book your travel and accommodation
Once approved, book your return flight and first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations handy — immigration may ask to see them.
4
Arrive at the US border
At the port of entry, present your passport to the CBP officer. They may ask about your trip, accommodation, and funds. Your ESTA is automatically checked — no separate document needed. You'll be admitted for up to 90 days.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Max stayUp to 6 months (at discretion of CBP officer)
ValidityTypically 10 years (multiple entries)
Cost$185 (application fee)
Required for stays longer than 90 days or if you do not qualify for ESTA. Must apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate and attend an interview.
Work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1)
Max stayVaries by visa type (typically 3 years, extendable)
ValidityVaries; often 3 years with extensions
CostVaries (e.g., H-1B base fee $460 plus additional fees)
Requires a U.S. employer sponsor and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Student visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of academic program plus optional practical training
ValidityDuration of studies (I-20 form)
Cost$185 (application fee) + SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
Must be accepted by a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school.
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 |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeNon-refundable, paid online at time of application. | $40.27 |
| ESTA authorization (if approved)Valid for multiple entries for up to 2 years or until passport expires, whichever comes first. | Included in application fee |
| Visa waiver overstay fine (if applicable)Overstaying the 90-day limit may result in fines and future inadmissibility. | Varies |
| Extension of stay (not available under ESTA)ESTA does not allow extensions; you must depart before 90 days. | Not applicable |
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
No transit visa needed
Hungarian citizens do not need a visa to transit through the United States if they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). However, you must have an approved ESTA before boarding a flight to the U.S., even for transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you do not qualify for ESTA (e.g., previous overstay, criminal record), you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa even for transit.
- If you are transiting through the U.S. to a third country, you must clear immigration and customs at the first U.S. port of entry, so a visa or ESTA is always required.
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
Approval is often instant, but the official processing time is up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe. Once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
No. ESTA is strictly for short visits up to 90 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa before traveling. Overstaying your ESTA can result in a ban from the Visa Waiver Program.
Yes, you need an approved ESTA even for transit. However, if you're transiting airside (not passing through immigration), you may qualify for a C-1 transit visa instead. Check with your airline — but an ESTA is simpler and covers transit.
If denied, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Budapest. The ESTA denial does not prevent you from applying for a visa. You'll need to complete the DS-160 form, pay the $185 fee, and attend an interview.
No. ESTA is for tourism, business meetings, or transit only. You cannot be paid by a U.S. employer. For paid work, you need an H-1B or other work visa.
The fee is US$40.27 (US$4.00 processing + US$36.27 authorization). This covers multiple entries for two years. There are no additional fees unless you need to reapply after your passport expires.
Bring your valid passport (with 6+ months validity), your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Your ESTA is linked to your passport electronically — no printout is required, but it's wise to have a copy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.