Hungary Visa - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

A. Short-Stay (Schengen) Visas (up to 90 days in 180 days)

• Tourist Visa

• Purpose: Travel, sightseeing, visiting friends/family.
• Documents: Proof of travel plans, accommodation, financial means.

• Business Visa

• Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs.
• Documents: Invitation from Hungarian company, proof of employment.

• Transit Visa

• Purpose: Transit through Hungary to another Schengen country.
• Documents: Proof of onward travel, valid visa for next destination (if required).

• Cultural/Sports Visa

• Purpose: Participation in cultural events or sports activities.
• Documents: Invitation from Hungarian organizer, proof of event participation.

B. Long-Stay (National) Visas (over 90 days)

• Study Visa

• Purpose: Studying in Hungarian educational institutions.
• Documents: Admission letter, proof of language proficiency, financial means.

• Work Visa

• Purpose: Employment in Hungary.
• Documents: Work permit, job offer, proof of qualifications.

• Family Reunification Visa

• Purpose: Joining family members residing in Hungary.
• Documents: Proof of family relationship, residence permit of family member.

• Other Long-Stay Visas

• Purpose: Research, volunteering, medical treatment, etc.
• Documents: Vary based on the purpose; check with the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate.

1. Valid Indian Passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay)

Key Requirements:

• Validity: The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area (Hungary included).

• Pages: Ensure you have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

• Condition: The passport should be in good condition, not damaged or altered in any way.

• Passport Types:

• • Ordinary Passport (Dark Blue Cover): Eligible for visa application.

• • Diplomatic/Official Passports: Different procedures may apply; contact the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate for guidance.

Renewal:

• If your passport is due to expire soon, renew it before applying for a Hungarian visa.

• Processing Time for Indian Passport Renewal: Typically 2-3 weeks, but can vary; plan accordingly.

2. Completed and Signed Visa Application Form

Source:

• Download from the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate website.

• Download from VFS Global (if applying through them).

Form Requirements:

• Fill Out Completely: Ensure all sections are filled, even if not applicable (use "N/A" or "-").

• Signatures:

• • Applicant's Signature: Must match the one in your passport.

• • Parent/Guardian's Signature: For minors (under 18).

• Language: Fill out the form in English or Hungarian.

• Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• • Incomplete forms.

• • Mismatched signatures.

• • Incorrect or missing contact information.

3. Recent Photos (as per Schengen specifications)

Schengen Photo Requirements:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm.

• Background: White or light.

• Facial Expression: Neutral.

• Head Position: Straight, full face.

• Eyes: Open, visible, and not obscured.

• Glasses: Avoid heavy frames or glare.

• Headgear: Only for religious or medical purposes, and not obscuring the face.

• Number of Photos:

• • Typically 2-3 photos are required; check with the submission center for the exact number.

Digital Photos:

• If submitting your application through VFS Global, digital copies might be required in addition to physical photos.

4. Proof of Financial Means (varies by visa type, but generally €30 per day)

General Requirement:

• Daily Amount: Approximately €30 per day for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.

• Total Amount: Varies based on the length of stay.

• Acceptable Proof:

• • Bank Statements: Showing sufficient funds, ideally from the last 3-6 months.

• • Income Certificate: From your employer, indicating your position, salary, and employment duration.

• • Sponsorship Letter: If someone else is covering your expenses, including their financial proof.

• Visa Type Variations:

• • Tourism: €30 per day.

• • Business: Might require additional proof of financial resources related to the business trip.

  • Study/Work: Could involve different financial requirements, such as proof of scholarship or employment contract.

5. Health Insurance (covering at least €30,000, valid for the Schengen Area)

Key Requirements:

• Coverage Amount: At least €30,000.

• Geographical Coverage: Schengen Area (including Hungary).

• Policy Duration: Must cover the entire stay in the Schengen Area.

• Acceptable Insurance:

• • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Not applicable for Indian citizens.

• • Private Travel Insurance: Must meet the above requirements.

• Group Insurance: If traveling in a group, ensure the policy covers each member individually.

• Insurance Policy Documents:

• • Policy Certificate: Showing the insured amount, policy duration, and geographical coverage.

• • Insurance Company Contact Information: For verification purposes.

6. Specific Documents related to the purpose of your visit (as outlined in Section 2)

Refer to Section 2 (Types of Hungarian Visas) for detailed document requirements based on your visa type:

• Tourism/Business: Invitation letter, proof of accommodation, etc.

• Study: Admission letter, proof of language proficiency, etc.

• Work: Work permit, job offer, proof of qualifications, etc.

• Family Reunification: Proof of family relationship, residence permit of family member, etc.

Common Documents for All Visa Types:

• Valid Indian Passport
• Completed Visa Application Form
• Recent Photos
• Travel Health Insurance
• Proof of Financial Means
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

Additional Documents by Visa Type:

• Tourist/Business:

• Proof of Accommodation
• Invitation Letter (for Business)

• Study:

• Admission Letter
• Proof of Language Proficiency

• Work:

• Work Permit
• Job Offer
• Proof of Qualifications

• Family Reunification:

• Proof of Family Relationship
• Residence Permit of Family Member

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

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type based on your travel purpose.

Reflection Questions:

• What is the primary purpose of my trip to Hungary? (Select one) 
  • Tourism/Sightseeing
  • Business Meetings/Conferences
  • Studying
  • Employment
  • Family Reunification
  • Cultural/Sports Events
  • Transit
  • Other (Specify)

• Will my stay be short-term (up to 90 days) or long-term (over 90 days)?

Visa Type Selection Based on Purpose:

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents.

• Common Documents for All Visa Types:

• Valid Indian Passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
• Completed and Signed Visa Application Form (see Step 3)
• Recent Photos (as per Schengen specifications: 35x45mm, white background)
• Travel Health Insurance (covering at least €30,000, valid for the Schengen Area)
• Proof of Financial Means (e.g., bank statement, income certificate)
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

• Additional Documents by Visa Type:

• For Tourism/Business:
• Proof of Accommodation
• Invitation Letter (for Business)

• For Study:
• Admission Letter
• Proof of Language Proficiency

• For Work:
• Work Permit
• Job Offer
• Proof of Qualifications

• For Family Reunification:
• Proof of Family Relationship
• Residence Permit of Family Member

• Check the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global Website for specific requirements.

Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Application Form.

• Source:

1. Download from the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate website.
2. Download from VFS Global (if applying through them).

• Form Requirements:

1. Fill the form electronically and then print it, or print and fill it out by hand using capital letters.
2. Sign the form in the designated area.
3. Ensure all information matches your passport.
4. Attach a recent photo to the form (if not uploading electronically).

Step 4: Submit Your Application.

• Option 1: In Person at the Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate in Mumbai.

• Address:
• New Delhi: 2/50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021
• Mumbai: Nirmal Building, 11A, 11th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai, 400021
• Phone/Email: Check the official website for contact information.

• Option 2: Through a Registered Agent.

• Ensure the Agent is Authorized by the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate.
• Provide the Agent with All Required Documents.

• Option 3: Via VFS Global (authorized service provider for visa applications).

• Website: www.vfsglobal.com/hungary/india/
• Centers in India: Check the VFS Global website for locations.
• Appointment Scheduling: Recommended to book an appointment in advance.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data at the submission center.

• Who Needs to Provide Biometric Data:

• All first-time applicants.
• Applicants whose biometric data are not valid (i.e., data provided more than 59 months ago).

• Biometric Data Collected:

• Fingerprints (all fingers).
• A digital photo.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee.

• Fees (subject to change, check for current rates):

• Schengen Visa for Adults: €60 (approximately INR 4,700, depending on the exchange rate).
• Children between 6-12 years: €35 (approximately INR 2,700).
• Children under 6 years, Family Members of EU/EEA Nationals, and Others: Exemptions may apply.

• Payment Methods:

• Cash (at the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global, if accepted).
• Credit/Debit Cards (check with the submission center for accepted cards).
• Bank Drafts (in some cases, check for acceptance).

Step 7: Wait for the Visa Decision.

• Processing Time:

• Typical: 15 calendar days.
• Maximum: Up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases.

• Check Status:

• Online: Through the VFS Global website (if applied through them).
• Phone/Email: Contact the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate directly.

Step 8: Collect Your Passport with the visa (if approved).

• Collection Options:

• In Person: At the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
• Courier Service: If available, for an additional fee.

• Ensure to Check:

• Visa Approval: Verify that your visa has been approved.
• Visa Details: Confirm the visa type, duration, and travel dates match your application.

Schengen Visa Fee for Adults: €60 (subject to change; check current exchange rate for INR).

Children between 6-12 years: €35.

Children under 6 years, Family Members of EU/EEA Nationals, and Others: Exemptions may apply.

Payment Methods: Generally, cash, credit/debit cards, or bank drafts (check with the submission center for accepted methods).

Typical Processing Time: 15 calendar days.

Maximum Processing Time: Up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases.

Check Status:

• Online through the VFS Global website (if applied through them).
• Contacting the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate directly.

Who Needs to Provide Biometric Data?

• All First-Time Applicants:

• If you've never applied for a Schengen visa before, you'll need to provide biometric data.

• Applicants with Invalid Biometric Data:

• If your biometric data were collected more than 59 months (almost 5 years) ago, you'll need to provide new biometric data.
• This ensures the biometric database remains up-to-date and secure.

What Biometric Data is Collected?

• Fingerprints (All Fingers):

• Why: Fingerprints are unique to each individual, making them an effective biometric identifier.
• How: A digital fingerprint scanner will capture images of all your fingers.
• Tips:
• Ensure your fingers are clean and dry for clear prints.
• If you have any issues with your fingers (e.g., cuts, bandages), inform the staff.

• Digital Photo:

• Why: A digital photo helps in identifying the visa holder and prevents identity fraud.
• Specifications:
• The photo will be taken during the biometric data collection process.
• Ensure you meet the standard Schengen photo requirements (35x45mm, white background, neutral expression).

Exemptions from Biometric Data Collection

• Children Under 12 Years Old:

• Reason: Children's fingerprints are still developing and may not provide a stable, unique identifier.
• Requirement: While exempt from biometric data, children's applications must still include a recent, compliant digital photo.

• Persons with Physical Difficulties:

• Condition: If fingerprinting is physically impossible due to a medical condition or injury.
• Requirement: Provide a medical certificate explaining the condition and, if possible, offer alternative identification methods.

• Heads of State or Government and Official Delegation Members:

• Condition: When invited by Member States’ governments for an official purpose.
• Requirement: Exempt from biometric data collection, but may need to follow special application procedures.

Biometric Data Collection Process

Appointment: Book an appointment at the Hungarian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global (if applicable).

Arrival: Arrive with all required documents and a valid, government-issued ID.

Fingerprint Scanning:

• A trained staff member will guide you through the fingerprint scanning process.
• Place each finger on the scanner to capture a clear image.

Digital Photo:

• A digital photo will be taken, ensuring it meets the Schengen requirements.

Data Verification:

• Your biometric data will be verified to ensure everything is in order.

Completion:

• Once the biometric data collection is complete, you'll receive confirmation.

• Insufficient or Missing Documents.
• Invalid or Expired Passport.
• Lack of Proof of Financial Means.
• Unclear or Inconsistent Travel Plans.
• Previous Visa Rejections or Entry Bans.

• Apply Early to account for any delays.
• Ensure All Documents Are Complete and Accurate.
• Check the Hungarian Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global Website for the latest information.
• Consider Consulting the Embassy/Consulate for complex cases.

Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi:

• Address: 2/50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021
• Phone: +91 11 2611 4737
• Email: mission.del@mfa.gov.hu

Consulate General of Hungary in Mumbai:

• Address: Nirmal Building, 11A, 11th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai, 400021
• Phone: +91 22 2288 0541
• Email: mission.mum@mfa.gov.hu

VFS Global (for Hungary):

• Website: www.vfsglobal.com/hungary/india/
• Contact Details Vary by Location; Check the Website for More Information.