For Nigerians living in the United States, visiting Hungary offers a chance to experience its rich culture and beautiful landscapes. To travel to Hungary and other Schengen countries, securing a Hungary Schengen Visa is essential. The application process can be straightforward, especially given Hungary’s high visa approval rate. This guide will outline the necessary steps and documents needed for a successful application, helping you navigate the process with ease as you prepare for your journey to Hungary.
Exemption for US Citizens
U.S. citizens can enjoy the benefit of not needing a visa for stays in Hungary of up to 90 days, whether for tourism, business, short-term studies, cultural events, or sports. However, those planning to work or study in Hungary for longer than 90 days must apply for a National (D) Visa.
Looking ahead, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to launch in 2024. This electronic travel authorization will allow visa-free travelers, like Americans, to move within the Schengen Area without the need for a traditional visa application. To take advantage of this, travelers will need a valid passport, which should have at least three years of validity or remain valid until it expires, whichever comes first.
Green Card Holder Considerations
For US Green Card holders contemplating a journey to Hungary, the need for a visa depends on their passport’s origin:
- A visa is not required if the passport of the country was issued in a visa-liberalized zone as part of the EU-EUA countries agreement.
- On the other hand, a visa is not needed if your passport comes from a country that has visa liberalization; it is compulsory, however, to apply for a visa if your passport is from a nation that does not have visa liberalization.
Eligibility Criteria for Hungary Schengen Visa US
Applicants seeking a Hungary visa from the US must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- A passport of a country, that is a Schengen-territory member, is a must.
- Legal residency in. The USA is also a great choice for international students. g. Discriminating among individuals with citizenship (Green Card holder, F1, H1B, G1, J1 visa holders) will not bring any progress to the integration efforts.
- Submitting a valid long-term US resident Visa that will be reverting not more than three months into the Schengen area visit.
Categories of Schengen Visas
US residents and Green Card holders can select from various Schengen visa categories based on their purpose of entry to Hungary:
- Hungary Airport Transit Visa: For a person, who is to stay in Hungary to transit through the Hungarian airport to a destination outside the Schengen Area.
- Hungary Tourist/Visitor Visa: For festivals, sightseeing trips, visiting friends or relatives in Hungary.
- Hungary Business Visa: Junior enterprises will be eligible to operate business activities inside Hungary.
- Hungary for Official Visit: In line with this, the trip plan for the delegation of leaders will comprise site visits to Hungary.
- Hungary Medical Visa: Those who seek first medical treatment in Hungary or other European Union countries now can benefit from a more efficient diagnostic process and a more easily accessible, comprehensive, and cost-effective drug therapy.
- Hungary Short-term Study Visa: Language competence will improve through communication with local people
- Hungary Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: Performances in cultural, sports, or film-related activities for diligently hanging out in Hungary for the whole academic year.
Documentation Checklist Hungary Schengen Visa US
Applying for a Hungary visa demands a meticulous collection of documents:
- Fill in the application form with all the required details.
- In-date passport which is less than ten years old.
- Two photos, not larger than 2 x 2 inches, on a white background.
- Documents that show you have a Green Card (or other valid US residence visa).
- Travel confirmation (air reservation).
- Have travel medical insurance of at least €30,000 to cover any emergencies.
- Sitting in the hotel room on this side of the pond, I reflect on the passage from Hungary, which was far from pleasant.
- A written tour request covering the service request and purpose of the visit.
- Visa fee payment confirmation.
- Financial support proof to back the visit.
- Examples of papers that would need to be applicable are job-related, visitor or immigration visa, civil status, or other matters.
Financial Requirements
To acquire a visa, US residents have to show financial stability of at least 10,000 HUF (about USD 29. 61) for one day of their stay. While this might serve as a baseline figure, your financial situation could be checked using strict criteria. This can lead to an enhancement of your chance of securing visa approval.
Application Process
Applying for a Hungary visa involves setting up an appointment and submitting an application in person at the relevant consulate:
- Embassy of Hungary Washington: provision of. WAS@mfa. gov. hu.
- Hungarian Consulate in New York: https://konzininfo. mfa. gov. hu.
- Hungarian Consulate in Los Angeles: Phone: (310) 473-9344
Application Process for Hungary Schengen Visa US
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Schengen visa application form online and print it.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Hungarian consulate or embassy in the US. You can find information about consulates via the Hungarian Embassy website.
- Submit Documents: Attend your appointment with all required documents. Be prepared to provide biometric data (fingerprints).
- Pay Fees: Pay the applicable visa fee, which varies based on the type of visa and processing time.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times can take from 14 to 21 business days, so apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Processing Time for Hungary Schengen Visa US
The processing time for taking a Hungarian Schengen Visa must reflect the amount of the applications. For the counterpart, which is situated at a distance of 15 days, it can be 2–3 months long. To set it in the application correctly please start the process well before the due date allowing enough time for submissions.
Visa Fees for Hungary Schengen Visa US
The Hungary Schengen visa fees, subject to currency fluctuations, are as follows:
- Hungary Schengen visa application fee: €80. ($95.450).
- Hungary Schengen visa fee for children aged 6-11: $47. 72 (as of writing this, the current dollar to euro exchange rate is €1 = $1. 01).
- Admission is free for children under 6 age.
- US residents with Armenian, Azerbaijani, or Kosovar passports: 35€ which is USD 38.52.
The Gambian government may consider different fee structures for others like researchers, and those holding the Gambian passports.
Quite a challenging task to manage the application procedure for the Schengen visa of Hungary for US Green Card holders surely requires precise knowledge of all requirements, paperwork, and documents. This thorough guide has provided all the information that a prospective traveler needs to know before proceeding with the Hungarian visa application, hence, the visitor will go to Hungary with self-confidence backed with facts to guide their maneuvering in the landscape of the Hungarian visa applications.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your application for a Hungary Schengen Visa for US citizens straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Family Reunification Visa or a Student Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas they need for a Hungary Schengen Visa from the US. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
