Visa Requirements for Hungarian Citizens (November 2026)

A Hungarian passport is a strong travel document. As citizens of an EU member state, Hungarians can visit around 185 countries and territories without a visa or with a simple online authorisation. They can also live and work anywhere in the European Union. Here is what Hungarian travellers need to know.

Travel within the EU and Schengen Area

Hungary is part of both the EU and the Schengen Area. Hungarian citizens can travel to other Schengen countries without passport checks, using either a passport or a national ID card. They can also live, work and study in any EU country, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, under freedom of movement rules.

Travelling to the United States

Hungary is part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Hungarian citizens can visit the US for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. In 2023, the US reduced the validity of ESTA approvals for Hungarian passport holders to one year, and limited them to a single use, citing concerns about Hungary's fast-track citizenship programme. Check whether these restrictions are still in place before you apply.

United Kingdom

Since Brexit, Hungarian citizens need a passport to enter the UK. Most visitors also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Stays of up to six months are allowed for tourism, visiting family and short business trips. Working in the UK requires a visa under the points-based immigration system.

Other popular destinations

• Canada: visa-free with an eTA for air arrivals.
• Australia: eVisitor visa applied for online.
• Japan, South Korea and Singapore: visa-free short stays.
• China: short-stay visa-free entry has been extended to Hungarian citizens.
• Turkey and the Balkans: easy entry, in some cases with an ID card.
• Thailand: visa-free tourist stays.

Where Hungarians need a visa

A limited number of countries still require visas from Hungarians, including some in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Many offer e-visas, such as India and Vietnam. Russia requires a visa or e-visa for Hungarian citizens.

Hungarian ID card travel

Within the EU and some neighbouring countries, such as Serbia and North Macedonia, Hungarian citizens can travel with a valid national ID card. Check the rules before relying on your ID card outside the EU.

Dual citizens and simplified naturalisation

Hungary has granted citizenship to many ethnic Hungarians abroad through simplified naturalisation. These citizens have the same travel rights as any other Hungarian, though the US ESTA restrictions mentioned above were introduced partly because of this programme.

Travel tips

• Keep at least six months of passport validity for travel outside Europe.
• Carry your European Health Insurance Card in the EU.
• Register on Hungary's consular service platform for travel to higher-risk countries.
• Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice before booking.

How to check the rules yourself

Entry rules connected to Hungarian Citizens can change with little notice, and third-party websites are often months out of date. The most reliable approach is to check three sources in order: the official immigration or visa portal of the country you are visiting, the website of its embassy or consulate in your country of residence, and your airline's travel document checker, which uses the same database airport staff rely on at check-in. If the three disagree, follow the strictest one and contact the embassy directly. Do this two to three weeks before departure, then once more a few days before you fly.

Final word

Hungarian citizens enjoy wide access to the world. A quick check of ETA and ESTA rules is usually all that stands between you and your next trip.