hungary tourist visa
Hungary Visa for Indians: A Complete Overview of Hungary Tourist Visa and Appointment Procedure
Hungary is located in Central Europe and emerges as a hot favorite among Indian travelers for its rich history and stunning architecture. If you plan to explore Budapest, indulge in thermal spa baths, or take a cruise on the Danube, a Hungary visa is essential.
In this guide, you will find all of the pertinent information for the Hungary visa for Indians, such as visa types, processing steps for a Hungary tourist visa, Hungary visa appointment scheduling, documentation requirements, processing duration, fee structure, and tips to increase your visa approval chances.
- Do Indians Require Visa for Hungary?
Indian citizens do need to obtain a visa to travel to Hungary. Hungary is in the Schengen area and thus, you will require a Schengen visa to travel to the country. With a Schengen visa, you can travel to Hungary and 26 other European countries that are part of the Schengen agreement.
Typically, Indian travelers apply for a Hungary tourist visa, which is a short-stay category visa (Type C Schengen visa).
- Types of Hungary Visa for Indians
The following is a non-exhaustive list of Hungary visa types for Indians:
- Hungary Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa – Type C)
- For leisure activities, tourism, or visiting friends or family.
- Must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Hungary Business Visa
- For business meetings, conferences, or exhibitions.
- Hungary Student Visa
- For short-term courses or programs offered by Hungarian educational institutions.
- Hungary Transit Visa
- For travelers continuing to a third country, provided Hungary is a transit stop.
*Note: Planning to stay in Hungary for over 90 days? You’ll need a long-stay visa (Type D) which is a different process altogether.
- How to Apply for Hungary Tourist Visa from India
The application process is a bit more complex than most people think, and skipping a single step could result in expensive mistakes. Follow these steps to avoid delays, rejection, and other undesirable outcomes:
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type
Select the appropriate visa for the purpose of your visit. Most Indian nationals opt for the Hungary tourist visa for leisure.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment for Hungary Visa Application Submission
It is mandatory for all visa seekers to book an appointment for a Hungary visa at the Visa Application Center (VAC) or the Embassy/Consulate of Hungary in India.
For the Hungary visa appointments in India, VFS Global’s Hungary visa application portal allows for online booking.
Step 3: Fill in the Hungary Visa Application Form
You may either print out the Schengen visa application form or download it. Make sure the information you provide in the form either is filled at hand or computerized, matches the supporting documents.
Step 4: Collect Necessary Documents
As stated, there are several documents that must be submitted during the Hungary Visa appointment.
Step 5: Attend Your Hungary Visa Appointment
As scheduled, visit the VFS Center with your application form, supporting documents and any other listed requirements. The process will include a capture of your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
Step 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee
Submission of application form and documents entails payment of processing fee. It is charged regardless of the outcome of the application and is not eligible for a refund.
Step 7: Application Status Tracking and Processing Wait Time
You may access and monitor the application status after 3 working days after submission. Processing time is 10 to 15 business days.
- Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens Visiting as Tourists
Indian nationals seeking to obtain a tourist visa for Hungary must provide the following documentation:
– A completed application form for the visa.
– A passport that is eligible for travel (containing a minimum of two blank pages and is not expiring in less than three months of the planned visit) and is a minimum of three months past the intended travel dates.
– Recent passport-sized photographs in the Schengen format.
– A letter explaining travel plans and the purpose of travel.
– Insurance policy for travel and medical, valid in the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
– Flight booking for both arriving and departing the country.
– Documentation for the intended stay (either a hotel booking confirmation, letter of invitation from the host, or both).
– A letter from the host organization detailing the purpose of visit (if employed).
– A letter from the host organization detailing the purpose of visit (if self-employed).
– A letter detailing the purpose of visit from the host organization (if self-employed).
– Most recent income tax returns.
– Supporting documents for the visit (marriage certificate for spouse or birth certificate for children).
- Hungary Visa Appointment: Making and Booking them.
An essential requirement of the application is that the candidate must schedule a Hungary visa appointment. In this section, you will find guidance on appointment booking.
Procedure for Booking:
– Go to VFS Global portal for Hungary.
– Select the city you are situated in (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata etc).
– Create or login to your existing account.
- Choose an open date and time slot for Hungary visa appointment.
- Confirm booking and download letter.
Best Practices for Attending the Appointment:
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early;
- Bring all documents required in originals and copies;
- Formally dressed and courteous during the interaction;
- Be straightforward and truthful in case of inquiry on the reason of travel.
- Hungary Visa Processing Time
Standard processing timeline for Hungary tourist visa is 10-15 working days from application submission. It could take longer during peak seasons.
Tip: For a stress-free experience, book flights at least 4-6 weeks prior.
- Hungary Visa Fees for Indians (as of 2025)
Here are the current visa fees for Hungary (subject to change):
Visa Type | Fee (INR) |
Schengen Tourist Visa | ₹7,200 approx. |
VFS Service Charges | ₹1,800 – ₹2,000 |
Travel Insurance | Varies by provider |
Note: Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
- Duration and Validity of Hungary Tourist Visa
As is the case with most other Schengen Area countries, the Hungary tourist visa permits the holder to stay for a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen zone in a 180 day duration period. The Hungarian Embassy determines the validity period, number of entries (single, double, or multiple), and how many entries you are granted based on your travel history.
Types of Entries:
The entries are classified as single, double and multiple as defined below:
- Single-entry: Enter Schengen once.
- Double-entry: Enter Schengen twice.
- Multiple-entry: Enter and exit multiple times within the validity.
- Hungary Visa Refusals: Frequent Causes
As there are many Indian travelers obtaining Hungary visa, there is the potential for visa rejections. Some common reasons are:
- Absence or inadequate documentation
- Insufficient bank balance
- Considerable doubts about returning to India (weak ties)
- Absence of international travel insurance
- Highly questionable travel history
Visa applicants are provided with a rejection letter detailing the reason when a visa rejection occurs. These applicants are then given the choice to appeal the decision or either reapply with bolstered documentation.
- Hungary Tourist Hotspots for Indian Visitors
As soon as you receive your Hungary tourist visa, you can begin to plan your trip. Some popular tourist hotspots are:
- Budapest: Explore the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge
- Thermal Baths: Relax at the world-famous Széchenyi or Gellért baths
- Danube River Cruise: City views that are second to none
- Lake Balaton: A great place to unwind amid nature and for summer vacations
- Eger: Notable for its historic architecture and famous wine.
Hungary is noted for being easy on the pocket compared to the rest of Western Europe. This makes it a favorable option for Indian travelers.