The ETIAS Hungary visa for U.S. citizens
Citizens of the United States will be required to present an ETIAS visa when travelling to Hungary. ETIAS permit can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your ETIAS via e-mail once the application is approved. This ETIAS permit will allow U.S. citizens to enter Hungary for work, tourism, transit, or medical reasons, as long as the duration of the trip is under 90 days, and it will be valid for multiple entries made by air, sea, or land. Moreover, people between 18 and 70 years of age will be able to apply for ETIAS free of charge.
What is ETIAS Hungary for U.S. citizens?
The ETIAS visa will come into force in November 2023, as part of a program of the European Commission aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people entering Schengen Area. This program was already approved in 2016, after the terrorist attacks that affected some European countries.
How does the ETIAS Hungary visa work for Americans
From November 2023 U.S. citizens must present an ETIAS visa before travelling to Hungary. But if the trip has other purposes than those provided for ETIAS visa, or a duration longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a Schengen permit, at the embassy or consulate of Hungary, respecting the requirements and timing for the visa they are applying for. Once issued, the ETIAS visa is valid for 3 years, and can be used for multiple entries in Hungary and other Schengen Area countries, as long as each visit has a duration of less than 90 days. In order to get your approved ETIAS visa in time for the trip, it is recommended to apply for the permit at least 4 days before the departure date. If ETIAS visa is denied, you can still apply for a full visitor Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of Hungary or present an appeal to the country that denied ETIAS permit.
ETIAS destinations for Americans
From November 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for American citizens in order to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the moment, Americans will not have to obtain an ETIAS permit to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these countries are currently not part of the Schengen Area. However, these countries may enter the Schengen Area in the future, so please keep updated with the permit requirements.
ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens and how to apply
In order to apply for ETIAS visa, you have to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you do not have an American passport, you will require a full visitor Schengen visa. ETIAS permit application can be completed online, entering all necessary information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly.
How much does ETIAS cost for Americans
At the end of the application procedure, all U.S. citizens between 18 and 70 years of age must pay a 7 euros fee, using a credit or debit card. U.S. citizens under 18 and over 70 years of age are entitled to apply for ETIAS permit free of charge.
About Hungary
Hungary is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
Hungary has an area of 93,030 sq. km and a population of almost 10 million people.
The official language is Hungarian, the major religion is Christianity, and the currency is the Forint (HUF).
Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting European and international visitors.
The capital city, also the largest city, is Budapest, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Budapest is a significant economic hub and classified as a leading global city; it lies on both banks of one of Europe’s most historic and longest rivers, the Danube.
The country offers a diverse landscape, relatively low mountains, the Great Plain, lakes and rivers including Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Hungary is also home to the second largest thermal lake in the world, Lake Hévíz.
Hungary joined the European Union in 2004 and has been part of the Schengen Area since 2007. Membership of the Schengen allows border controls to be regulated across all country members.
During the summer months, the border from E.U. countries are generally open, but up to six-hour delays from Belgrade, Serbia are not unheard of.
Hungary at a glance
Capital: Budapest
Timezone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Languages: Hungarian
Area: 93,030 KM2
Currency: Forint (HUF)
Population: 9,982,000
Calling Code: +36
Travel in Hungary
The Danube and the Tisza rivers divide Hungary into three sections
- Dunántúl (literally “beyond the Danube” or Transdanubia)
- Tiszántúl (“beyond the Tisza”)
- Duna-Tisza köze (“between the Danube and Tisza”)
Transdanubia is a primarily hilly region which includes the far eastern stretch of the Alps. The foothills of the Carpathians is located in the northern part of the country, as is Hungary’s highest peak, The Kékes.
For many travelers, the opportunity to sample Budapest’s famous spa baths is the prevailing reason for their visit. From the fin de siècle grandeur of the Gellért to the octagonal pools of the
Király or Rudas baths, travelers have been taking the waters in Budapest for centuries.
As a new addition to the city’s thriving nightlife, ‘Sparties’ are becoming increasingly popular, the spas may be a place for relaxation and healing by day, but by night revelers take over the spas. With DJ’S playing, disco lights are flashing and drinks being consumed, the spas are opening up to a whole new type of traveler.
Budapest is a favorite destination for a mix of culture, history, art, modern Hungarian cuisine and shopping. Whilst many visitors prefer to visit from May to September, Budapest embraces all things Christmas from late November until New Year’s Eve.
The US and Hungary
Hungary partners with the USA in their common goals in Europe and their common interest in global challenges beyond Europe.
Stability in the Balkans and Operation Atlantic Resolve are two important joint interests.
USA and Hungary share a mutual commitment to reducing threats posed by nuclear proliferation and terrorism, supporting human rights and the rule of law.
U.S. manufacturing and service companies have located facilities in Hungary, thanks to its strategic location in Europe, sound infrastructure, highly skilled and educated workforce and access to E.U. markets.
The U.S. and Hungary both belong to the following organizations
- The United Nations
- North Atlantic Treaty Organizations
- Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
Hungary is also an observer to the Organization of American States.
Direct flight times from the USA to Hungary are about eight and a half hours, although most travelers will experience a stop in another European country.
When the European Travel Information Authorization System comes into effect, it will give border guards greater confidence in dealing with the traveler in front of them. Border controls in Hungary are notoriously strict and thorough.
Having already been pre-approved, travelers will experience faster border crossings.
If an application for an ETIAS is found to have been filled in incorrectly or the traveler’s circumstances have changed, or information has been found to have been submitted fraudulently, the traveler will be flagged by the automatic system, linked to an extended reserve of information.
The majority of travelers will experience a smooth and uneventful journey.
FAQ about ETIAS Hungary visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Hungary
The Embassy of USA in Budapest, Hungary
Address: Szabadság tér 12 H-1054 Budapest Hungary
Phone: (36-1) 475-4400
Fax: (36-1) 475-4248
Facts: David B. Cornstein – Ambassador
The Embassy of Hungary in Washington, USA
Address: 3910 Shoemaker St, NW Washington DC 20008 USA
Phone: (202) 362.6730
Fax: (202) 966.8135
Email: was.missions@kum.hu
Consulate of Hungary in New York, USA
Address: 223 East 52nd St New York, NY 10022 USA
Phone: +1.212.752.0669
Fax: +1.212.755.5986
Email: nyf.missions@kum.hu
Consulate of Hungary in Miami, USA
Address: 2445 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, FL, 33022-2480
Phone: (954) 925.1100
Fax: (954) 925.1101
Email: office@austrianconsulatemiami.com