Hungary, renowned as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, offers a rich blend of culture, natural beauty, and arts. The capital city, Budapest, often hailed as one of the most picturesque cities globally, sits gracefully on both sides of the River Danube. Budapest is just one of the many reasons why people seek a Hungary tourist visa to explore this enchanting nation.

Understanding Hungary Tourist Visa:

What is Hungary Tourist Visa?

Hungary attracts travelers for various purposes, including tourism, business, and work opportunities. If you plan to visit Hungary for tourism, you will need a tourist visa, also referred to as the Hungary Schengen tourist visa. This visa allows you to engage in activities such as sightseeing, leisure, adventure, and other forms of tourism. It falls under the Schengen category, granting a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. Tourist visas can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry permits.

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How to Apply for Hungary Tourist Visa:

To apply for a tourist visa, you must follow an offline application process. Before initiating the application, ensure your eligibility for tourist travel to Hungary. Once eligible, proceed with the application process as follows:

1. Collect Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents specific to this category.

2. Download Application Form: Visit the website of the Hungarian Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the embassy and download the common short-term application form. Specify the purpose of your visit as “tourism.”

3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Hungary tourist visa application form, print it, and sign it.

4. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment for document submission at either a VAC or the Embassy/Consulate-General of Hungary in India. Appointments can be booked via phone, the VAC’s online portal, or by emailing the embassy/consulate. Due to high application volumes, prior appointment booking is mandatory.

5. In-Person Submission: Visit the appointed center in person with your documents, application form, and fees. In certain situations (outlined below), you can authorize a third party to submit your application.

6. Biometrics and Fees: Provide your biometrics and pay the required fees. Some applicants may be subject to an interview with a consular officer.

Note: If you have submitted biometrics for any Schengen visa category in the past five years, your data is stored in the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System). In this case, you do not need to resubmit biometrics, and you can authorize a third party to submit your application with an authorization letter.

Apply at the VAC with jurisdiction over your state of residence. If applying directly at the embassy/consulate, 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 residents of other Indian states, apply at the Embassy of Hungary in New Delhi.

Ensure that you submit only genuine documents and provide accurate information. Submitting fake documents or false information can result in an automatic Schengen visa rejection, which negatively impacts your travel history.

Eligibility for Hungary Tourist Visa:

Before initiating the application for a Hungary tourist visa from India, ensure that you meet the following eligibility criteria. The following conditions determine your eligibility for the tourist category:

1. Residency: You must be residing in India when submitting your application. If you hold a residence permit in a foreign country, you can apply from that respective country.

2. Valid Passport: Possess a valid passport that meets specific requirements.

3. Purpose of Visit: Your primary reason for visiting Hungary must be tourism-related activities.

4. Financial Capability: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Hungary.

5. Application Conditions: Apply for the permit only if:

   • Hungary is your sole destination, or
   • Hungary is one of your primary Schengen destinations, with the majority of your stay in Hungary, or
   • If there is no main destination, Hungary must be your port of entry.

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Documents Required for Hungary Tourist Visa:

As per Hungary tourist visa requirements, the following documents are typically necessary for a successful application. Note that slight variations may exist based on individual traveler eligibility.

• Valid Passport:

  • Must have at least two blank pages.
  • Should not be older than 10 years.
  • Must be valid for at least six months from your travel date.
  • Attach any old passports.

• Completed Application Form:

  • Print and sign the completed application form.

• Covering Letter:

  • Include applicant details and visit specifics.
  • Clearly state the source of funds.
  • Mention the purpose and duration of your visit.
  • Sign the letter and address it to the Embassy of Hungary.

• Travel Itinerary/Documents:

  • Detailed travel itinerary.
  • Round-trip flight booking.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Medical travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000.

• Proof of Occupation:

  • Employment letter or copy of a business license, etc.

• Financial Documents:

  • Bank statements for the past three months.
  • Copy of your passbook.
  • Income Tax Returns (ITR), etc.

Ensure that you bring all original documents to your appointment. However, be prepared to submit only photocopies of certain documents, as they will not be returned. Additionally, you may be required to have your documents translated into Hungarian and certified.

Hungary Tourist Visa Photo Specifications:

Follow these Hungary tourist visa photo specifications:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Color: Colored
• Head Position: Must occupy the central position.
• Recency: Must be recently captured (within the last three months).
• Background: Solid, plain white, or grey.
• Face Coverage: 80%
• Facial Expression: Neutral
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are permitted.
• Headgears: Only for religious reasons.
• Facial Hair: Permitted

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Processing Time and Fees:

Hungary Tourist Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for a tourist visa for Hungary from India depends on the entry type of the permit, the volume of applications, and other factors. In regular circumstances, the visa is processed within 15 working days. However, this duration may extend to 30 days in special cases and up to 60 days in exceptional cases. Due to this variability, it is advisable to apply well in advance. You should submit your application at least 15 days before your intended travel date but no more than three months in advance.

Hungary Tourist Visa Fees:

The total fees for this application depend on several variables, including the number of entries, biometric charges, and additional service fees. Fees may also fluctuate based on foreign exchange rates without prior notice. As a result, it is crucial to verify the exact fee amount before starting the application process.

• Multiple entry Normal: €65.20
• Multiple entry Normal: €65.20
• Multiple entry Normal: €85.20
• Multiple entry Normal: €85.20

After Submission:

Once you have successfully submitted your application and fees, your application will enter the processing phase. If the embassy requires additional verification, you may be asked to attend an interview. If your application is approved, you can collect your passport and visa directly from the VAC or the embassy/consulate. You may also opt for the VAC to deliver it to you for a specific fee.

Please note that even if you submit the application at a VAC, they have no control over the processing and decision of the application. This authority rests solely with the embassy or consulate.

How to Check Visa Status:

While waiting for a response, you can check the status of your application. Visit https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking and provide your application reference number and date of birth to track your application status. Alternatively, you can contact your travel agency to inquire about the status. Do not contact the embassy or consulate directly, as they do not provide information on application status.

During Your Stay:

Upon receiving the tourist permit, remember the following key points to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Hungary:

• Keep a record of the visa’s expiry date, permitted stay duration, and the number of entries specified on the visa sticker.
• Carry all required documents during travel, including copies of those submitted during the application.
• Ensure that you travel to Hungary within six months of the visa’s issue date; after this period, the visa becomes invalid.
• Carry copies of your travel documents while in the country and secure the original documents safely.
• While on a tourist permit, refrain from engaging in work activities. However, you are permitted to participate in other activities within the Schengen short-term category, such as visiting friends or engaging in voluntary charity work.
• Understand that tourist visas are typically not extendable under normal circumstances.
• As a Schengen visa holder, you are free to travel to any other Schengen countries. However, if you possess a Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visa, you can only visit countries explicitly listed on the visa sticker.

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