Hungary Visa - Definitive Guide

To enter Hungary, nationals of most countries require an endorsement known as the Hungary visa. Since Hungary is a part of the Schengen area, nationals of other Schengen countries and a few visa-exempt nations do not require a permit to enter the country. Issued as short term and long term categories, these allow you to travel within the Schengen region unless specifically specified as an LTV (Limited Territory Validity). In such a case, you will only be allowed to visit the countries that are listed on your visa sticker.

The application for the Hungary visa for Indians is done offline. However, before starting the application, it is necessary to ensure that you are eligible for the type of category you are applying for. For example, eligibility conditions for a tourist permit will be different from the one for a business category, and so on. After that, you may proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Obtain all the documents necessary for the application process.
2. Visit the website of the Hungary Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the embassy and download the application form. 
3. Fill in the Hungary visa application form and take a print out of it. While choosing the purpose on the form, select the option that you are eligible for, and based on your primary motive of the visit.
4. Book an appointment for the application. You can choose one of the VACs or the Embassy/Consulate-general of Hungary situated in India. You can book it by calling or using the online portal of the VAC, or by emailing the Embassy/consulate.
5. With the documents, application form and the fees, visit the respective appointment centre in person. 
6. You will have to provide your biometrics here. In some cases, you may be subjected to an interview with a consular officer at the embassy/consulate-general.

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen permit in the past 5 years, your biometrics are stored in the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System). In this case, you do not have to submit them again, and as a result, you do not have to attend the appointment in person. You may authorize a third party to submit it for you by providing a certified authorization letter signed by you.

Ensure that you submit genuine and true information. Submission of forged documents or providing false information can lead to an automatic visa rejection. 

The Hungarian entry permits can be classified into the following categories based on the purpose of visit and the duration of stay.

• Short term - Also known as the Hungary Schengen visa, this is issued for a short period of time. The stay period is a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. Depending on the primary purpose behind the visit, these can further be classified as the following - 

• 1. Hungary Tourist Visa - This category is for travellers whose primary motive is to take part in tourist activities such as sightseeing, leisure activities, adventure activities, etc.
  2. Hungary Business Visa - With this permit, you can travel to Hungary to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, etc.
  3. Hungary Visit Visa - This type is issued for people who have been invited to visit their family members or friends living in Hungary.
  4. Hungary Cultural/Sports Visa - This is for people who are to take part in cultural events or sporting events for a short duration. 
  5. Hungary Study Visa - These are issued for academic individuals who are visiting the country to take part in short term studies, training, research and other educational activities.
• Long term ‘D’ - This is more commonly known as the resident permit, and is issued for periods longer than 90 days. These can be issued for different purposes such as - 
  1. Work - This is granted for people who have been offered a job or employment position in the country for a longer period of time.
  2. Study - This type is issued for a student entering the country to take part in academic activities that last longer than 90 days. 
  3. Family Reunion - This is for people who are visiting their family in Hungary and staying with them for a long period. 

Keep in mind that despite what the name suggests, both the short term and long term are Schengen valid. This means that you can move around the Schengen region unless specified. 

As per the requirements, the following are the list of documents required for Hungary visa for Indians. These are, however, the list of general documents that are common for all the categories. For more specific document list as per the individual category, kindly check the requirement for the individual types.

• A valid passport
• Covering letter stating the details of the visit
• Travel itinerary
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation/employment/student status
• Financial documents to show proof of funds to support the stay.

Ensure that you carry all the original documents to the appointment as you will have to show them to the respective officials. However, you must submit only photocopies of most documents as you will not receive these back. Also, for certain documents, you may require to translate them into Hungarian language and certified.

The Hungary visa photo specifications are as follows -

• Hungary visa photo size: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The total fees for the Hungarian permit depend on the number of entries, the type of visa, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges levied. The Hungary Schengen visa fees can also vary upon the foreign currency rates of the Euro and Rupee. As a result, it is suggested that you check the exact fees before starting the application.

The Hungary Schengen visa processing time depends on a large number of parameters such as the number of entries, the type of the visa, the volume of applications at the embassy, and so on. In normal cases, the permit is issued within 15 working days. However, these can increase to 30 days in certain cases, and even up to 60 days in exceptional cases. As a result, it is advised that you apply for the permit well in advance. The VAC does not accept applications that have been submitted less than 4 days before the date of travel. It is suggested that you apply at least 15 days before the day of intended travel, but no more than 30 days before.

While you are waiting for a decision about your visa, you can check the Hungary visa application status. Please note that the embassy or the consulate do not answer queries regarding the status. You can, however, check Hungary visa status online by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking and entering your D.O.B and application reference number. You may also choose to contact the travel agent through whom you have applied, to check the status.

The applications can be made at one of the VACs situated across India, or directly at the Embassy/Consulate. However, the VACs are split into ‘North and East’ zone and ‘South and West’ zones. You must select the VACs in the zone that has jurisdiction over your state of residency. Also keep in mind that if you are applying directly to the Hungarian diplomatic mission, the residents of Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli must apply at the Consulate-General of Hungary in Mumbai. For the rest of India, you may apply at the Embassy of Hungary in New Delhi.