Travelling with a Hungary passport: a complete list of visa-free countries

Which countries can Hungarian passport holders visit without a visa?

With a Hungarian passport, you can enjoy the freedom to explore different cultures, landscapes, and cuisines without the stress of visa applications. Whether you are planning a short holiday, a business trip, or an extended stay, knowing which countries you can enter visa-free is invaluable.

For foreigners seeking Hungarian citizenship, main pathways to obtain one include naturalisation, marriage, and descent. Wealthy foreigners can invest in the Hungarian economy under the Hungary Golden Visa program to obtain a residence permit and eventually citizenship.

How to get Hungary Golden Visa and apply for a passport

Hungarian passport holders can visit 113 countries without a visa. This privilege allows for spontaneous travel and reduces the paperwork and time involved in visa applications.

Visa-free travel typically permits stays ranging from a few days to several months, depending on the destination. In the Schengen Area, Hungarian citizens enjoy freedom of movement and can stay there as long as they need.

In 30 countries, Hungarian citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival. This means travellers don’t need to apply for a visa before leaving Hungary but can get one when they arrive at their destination.

The visa-on-arrival process generally involves completing a form and paying a fee at the airport or border entry point. This option is particularly convenient for last-minute trips or destinations that don’t have embassies in Hungary.

The Electronic travel authorisation, eTA, in 28 countries replaces the need for a traditional visa and can be applied for online.

The application process requires basic personal and travel information. Once approved, an eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, making the entry process more efficient upon arrival.

The below table contains data on countries that allow Hungarian citizens entry without a visa, with a visa-on-arrival, or with an eTA, as of August 2024. Always check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before planning your trip.

List of visa-free countries for Hungarian citizens

Where can Hungarian citizens go without a passport?

31 European countries allow Hungarian citizens to enter with just their national ID card. This is due to Hungary’s membership in the European Union and the Schengen Area, which facilitates free movement among member states.

As of 2024, the Schengen Area includes 29 states, of which 25 are EU members and 4 are non-EU. The full list of Schengen countries includes:

1. Austria.
2. Belgium.
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia.
5. Czech Republic. 
6. Denmark.
7. Estonia.
8. Finland.
9. France.
10. Germany.
11. Greece.
12. Hungary.
13. Iceland — non-EU.
14. Italy.
15. Latvia.
16. Liechtenstein — non-EU.
17. Lithuania.
18. Luxembourg.
19. Malta.
20. Netherlands.
21. Norway — non-EU.
22. Poland.
23. Portugal.
24. Romania.
25. Slovakia.
26. Slovenia.
27. Spain.
28. Sweden.
29. Switzerland — non-EU.

Two EU states, Cyprus and Ireland, are not part of the Schengen Area, but they also allow Hungarian citizens to cross their borders without a passport.

Occasionally, countries may impose special entry requirements or temporary border controls in situations such as: 

• heightened security concerns, e.g., terrorist threats; 
• health emergencies like pandemics; 
• large-scale migration or refugee crises; 
• major international events; 
• political or social unrest. 

These measures are typically temporary and are lifted once the situation stabilises. It is always advisable to check for any specific entry requirements before travelling.

Travel requirements for destinations popular among Hungarian citizens

Hungarian travellers often explore various destinations worldwide, with Europe, Asia, and America being among the most popular. Below is an overview of the entry requirements for some of these top destinations.

USA. Hungarian citizens must apply for the ESTA, Electronic System for Travel Authorization, to enter the USA for tourism, business stays, or transit of up to 90 days. Travellers should apply for ESTA online at least 72 hours before departure. 

The total cost of the ESTA is $21. Once approved, the ESTA allows multiple visits to the US within a two-year period.

Canada. An Electronic Travel Authorization, eTA, is required for Hungarian citizens travelling to Canada by air for visits up to 180 days. Travellers need to apply for an eTA online before booking their flight. 

When entering Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, including cruise ships, foreigners need a Visitor visa, which also can be obtained online.

The Canadian eTA costs CAD $7, which is approximately $5, and is valid for up to five years. Application processing may take between several minutes to several days.

UK. Hungarian citizens can enter the UK for tourism or business purposes after obtaining a UK Electronic Travel Authorization, ETA. The UK ETA application is completed online and takes less than 20 minutes. 

The UK ETA application fee is £10. Once approved, the UK ETA is valid for multiple short visits over a two-year period. 

Japan. Hungarian citizens can enter Japan visa-free for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days. Travellers must have a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stay. 

Australia. Hungarian citizens need an eVisitor visa to enter Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. Travellers must apply for the eVisitor visa online before the trip and pay an application fee of $20. 

Visa-free countries for Hungarian passport holders on the world map

Сan a foreigner get a Hungarian passport?

Hungary allows foreigners to obtain citizenship under several most common conditions: by descent, marriage, and naturalisation. 

Hungarian descent. Individuals with Hungarian ancestry can apply for citizenship. The main requirement is to provide documentation proving Hungarian descent. Applicants don’t need to prove proficiency in Hungarian or reside permanently in the country.

Marriage. Foreigners married to Hungarian citizens receive passports under certain conditions. The couple must be married and have lived together in Hungary for at least three years. Additionally, the foreign spouse must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Hungarian language.

Naturalisation. To be eligible for Hungarian citizenship by naturalisation, foreigners must reside in the country with a residence permit that qualifies them for citizenship. According to the current Immigration Law of Hungary, qualifying residence permits include those for high-skilled jobs, family reunification, and the Guest Investor residence permit, known as the Hungary Golden Visa.

After residing in Hungary for three consecutive years and maintaining their investment, the investor can apply for permanent residency. This status allows them to stay in Hungary indefinitely and enjoy many of the same rights as Hungarian citizens.

Once the foreigner has held permanent residency for eight years and has lived in Hungary for a total of eleven years, they can apply for citizenship by naturalisation. In addition, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language and pass a basic knowledge test on Hungarian history, culture, and the constitution.

To acquire the Hungary Golden Visa, investors make a significant contribution to Hungary’s economy, with a minimum required investment of €250,000. The obtaining process takes six months.

A Hungary residence permit grants investors the right to travel visa-free within 29 Schengen countries. This allows permit holders to move freely across these countries without the need for additional visas. With a Hungarian residence permit, you can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Required documents to obtain a Hungarian passport

To apply for a Hungarian passport, applicants provide the following general pack of documents:

1. An application form.
2. Documents showing legal residency in Hungary, if required.
3. A valid national ID card or current passport.
4. A birth certificate.
5. A language proficiency certificate, if required.
6. A criminal record certificate.
7. An employment or income proof.
8. Health insurance.
9. Passport photos.

To apply for a Hungarian passport by marriage to a Hungarian citizen, one will also need a marriage certificate and documents proving at least three years of cohabitation in Hungary.

To apply for a Hungarian passport by Hungarian descent, candidates provide documents proving Hungarian ancestry, such as birth certificates of parents or grandparents.

7 advantages of Hungarian citizenship

1. Global mobility. Hungarian citizens enjoy unrestricted access to live, work, and travel within the EU and the Schengen Area. This freedom allows for seamless travel and the opportunity to settle in any EU country without the need for additional visas or permits.

2. Access to quality healthcare. Hungarian citizens are entitled to comprehensive healthcare services within Hungary and have access to medical care throughout the EU. The Hungarian healthcare system is well-developed, providing quality medical services to its citizens.

Notable institutions, such as the Pécs Clinical Center and the National Institute of Oncology in Budapest, are highly regarded for their medical expertise and advanced treatment facilities. These hospitals are well-equipped to handle a range of medical needs, welcoming local and international patients. 

3. Educational opportunities. Hungarian citizenship provides access to a range of educational opportunities, including tuition-free or low-cost education at Hungarian universities and schools. Citizens can also benefit from various EU educational programs and scholarships.

Institutions like Eötvös Loránd University and the University of Szeged are well-regarded for their academic excellence, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, and the sciences. 

4. Social security and benefits. Hungarian citizens are eligible for a range of social security benefits, including unemployment support, family allowances, and pensions. These benefits ensure a safety net for citizens in times of need.

5. Right to vote and participate in politics. As a Hungarian citizen, you have the right to vote in national and EU elections. You can also run for public office and participate in the political process, influencing the future of your country and the EU.

6. Business and investment opportunities. Hungarian citizenship provides easier access to business and investment opportunities within Hungary and the EU. You can start and operate businesses with fewer restrictions and benefit from various EU economic programs and incentives.

7. Cultural and historical heritage. Hungarian citizens explore the Buda Castle and the ancient thermal baths of Budapest. They participate in traditional events such as the Budapest Wine Festival or the Busójárás carnival. 

Also, Hungarians can connect with Hungary’s rich musical and culinary traditions, from classical compositions by Franz Liszt to the famous goulash and paprika dishes.

Benefits of Hungarian citizenship

Key takeaways about visa-free countries for Hungarian passport holders

1. Hungarian passport holders can visit 171 countries without a visa. This includes most of Europe, a significant portion of Asia, many countries in the Americas, and several destinations in Africa and Oceania.
2. Within the European Union and the Schengen Area, Hungarian citizens can travel freely using only their national ID card, eliminating the need for a passport and facilitating easier, more spontaneous trips. 
3. Several countries, such as Australia and Canada, offer the option of obtaining an E-visa or a visa on arrival. These processes are generally straightforward, involving online applications and minimal paperwork.
4. The duration of visa-free stays varies by country. Hungarian citizens can typically enjoy stays ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on the destination. For instance, Schengen Area countries allow unlimited stays, while the United Kingdom permits visits for up to six months.
5. Foreigners seeking Hungarian citizenship can use one of the following pathways: naturalisation, marriage, or descent. Additionally, the Hungarian Golden Visa allows foreign investors to obtain residency and eventually citizenship.