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Schengen Visas

What is a Schengen visa and do I need one?

I am visiting two or more Schengen countries. Who is responsible for my visa application?

If the visit includes more than one destination, the country whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit in terms of the length or purpose of stay is responsible for the visa application. Examples:

You are sent by your company on a 3-day business trip to Budapest. You decide to take 2 days off and use your weekend to see Prague. Since the main purpose of your travel is doing business, Hungary is responsible.
You are visiting your brother, who lives in Hungary, and your sister, who lives in the Netherlands. You plan to spend 6 days with your brother, and 4 days with your sister. The purpose of stay is the same, visiting family, but you will spend more time in Hungary. Hungary is responsible.

If no main destination can be determined, the country whose external border the applicant intends to cross in order to enter the territory of the Schengen area is responsible. Example:

You fly in to Budapest for a Danube river cruise. You will spend 2 days is Hungary, 2 in Slovakia, 2 in Austria and 2 in Germany. Hungary is responsible as the country which you will enter first.

Where can I apply for a Schengen visa in the US?

At the representation whose consular district you reside in. If you wish to schedule an appointment at our Embassy, please email us at appointment.WAS@mfa.gov.hu

When should I apply?

It is strongly recommended to apply for a visa as early as possible, but not more than 3 months before your departure time. Normal visa processing time average 10-15 days but can take up to 60 days.

Will I have to apply in person?

Yes. We will register your biometric information for the Visa Information System. If the consul deems necessary, you may have to come back again for a visa interview.

If you have previously applied for a Schengen visa at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington DC and your fingerprints were collected in the last 59 months by any Schengen country, you can request permission to lodge your visa application by mail by sending us an email to appointment.WAS@mfa.gov.hu.

How much is the visa fee?

Click HERE for the visa fees.

A reduced fee has to be paid

by children between the ages of 6 and 12, and
by citizens of countries that the European Union has concluded visa facilitation agreements with.

All visa fees are payable by card only. We do not accept cash payments and cheques.

The visa is free of charge for

children under the age of 6 traveling with their own passports,
family members of EU/EEA citizens either traveling together with their EU/EEA national family members or traveling in order to meet their EU/EEA national family members
researchers having a valid contract with a research institution in Hungary,
pupils, students and their teachers traveling for study reasons,
representatives of non-profit organizations under the age of 25 participating and attending seminars, conferences, sport, cultural or educational events organized and held by NGOs,
Belarus citizens between the age of 6 and 12 years,
Turkish citizens between the age of 6 and 12 years,
Belarus participants aged 25 years or less in seminars, conferences, sport, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.

What form do I need to fill out?

This Schengen visa application form. Make sure that it is complete and signed.

What are the requirements for my passport?

Your passport

must have been issued within the past 10 years,
must have 2 blank pages, and
must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your visit.

What are the requirements for travel medical insurance?

You must present travel medical insurance that is

valid for the whole Schengen Area,
has a minimum coverage of 50 thousand USD for medical and repatriation expenses.

Please present a detailed policy for verifying the above requirements. Please note that your application is inadmissible if you do not present a travel medical insurance when submitting it.

What supporting documents are required?

1. Proof of financial means (e.g. the 3 latest bank statements, proof of employment or 3 latest payslips, proof of income. If you are self-employed a business license and tax return forms),

2. Confirmed return flight ticket reservation,

3. Other supporting documents concerning the purpose of travel, for example:

When visiting relatives or friends, please submit an official invitation letter issued by the Hungarian Office of Immigration and Asylum;
For tourism, please submit confirmed hotel reservations, stating name, address and telephone number of the hotel, including confirmation number and/or proof of group travel participation, etc.
If the purpose of your trip is business, please present a letter of support from the company concerned in the Schengen country where you travel to, and a letter from your employer stating your position within the company and the reason for your business travel. Either letter should clarify who is responsible for expenses and where you will be staying (such as a hotel reservation).

The specific requirements depend on the purpose of travel, the length of intended stay and the personal circumstances of the applicant. Please bear in mind that the consul may require additional documents anytime during the visa procedure and applicants may be called for a personal interview, as well.

You shall present the original of each document.

What if I am a family member of an EU/EEA citizen?

The following persons qualify as family members:

the spouse;
the partner with whom the EEA citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the legislation of any EEA country, if the legislation of the host Member State treats registered partnership as equivalent to marriage;
the direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependent as well as those of the spouse or partner as defined above; or
the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined above.

If you are a family member of an EU/EEA citizen, and you are traveling together or you wish to join him or her in Europe

the Schengen Visa is free of charge for you,
you do not need a travel medical insurance, although it is still recommended to have one,
supporting documents are your EU/EEA national family member's passport or ID card, an official certificate of the relationship (for spouses of Hungarian citizens, only a marriage certificate issued by Hungary is acceptable), and a flight ticket is you are traveling together, or an invitation letter from the family member, if not.

Where do I find more information?

General information can be found on the website of the Hungarian Consular Service.
Information on the Schengen Information System can be found here.
Information on the Visa Information System can be found here.
GDPR regarding personal data provided upon visa application can be found here.

How do I get my visa?

You can collect your passport at the Embassy during regular business hours without a prior appointment.

If you are not able to collect your passport in person, please provide a prepaid, trackable self-addressed envelope.

Forms

Schengen visa application form (English)

Short Stay Visas

What is a short stay?

A short stay is one not exceeding 90 days. If you wish to stay in Hungary for longer, you will need a residence permit.

What is the Schengen Area?

It is an area without internal border controls in Europe, comprised by 28 countries, including Hungary.

How long can I stay in the Schengen Area?

You are free to visit all these countries during your stay, which shall not exceed 90 days in any given 180-day period. If you have visited Europe recently, you can consult this calculator to see how long you can stay in the Schengen Area on your next trip.

If you are travelling with a Schengen visa, the visa will include the maximum days of stay allowed and any limitations to the countries you can visit.

I am a US citizen. Do I need a visa?

US citizens can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for the purpose of tourism for a period not exceeding 90 days.

Your US passport’s validity must exceed the date when you intend to leave the Schengen Area by at least three months.

I am a US-Hungarian dual citizen. Can I use my Hungarian passport for traveling?

Of course, as a Hungarian citizen it is your constitutional right to stay in Hungary indefinitely.

I am not a US citizen. Do I need a visa?

Find out here. If your country of citizenship and your passport’s type is not on the list, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Which documents do I need to submit?

I. General requirements:

Fully completed visa application (signed by the applicant, only Hungarian and English version accepted). You can download the visa application form here.
Valid passport (which must be valid for at least 3 months after returning from Hungary, issued within the last 10 years and containing 2 empty pages).
1 passport-size color photo (US standard size, not older than 6 months).
Original of valid US alien registration card (residence permit, aka: green card) or valid US resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, O, R).
Roundtrip airplane ticket reservation.
Hotel reservation or official letter of invitation signed by the Hungarian Immigration and Naturalization Office.
Confirmation letter from your health insurance company stating that you will be covered for at least 50.000 USD for any medical and repatriation expenses, for the whole period of stay and for the territory of every Schengen State.
Confirmation of financial resources (the last 3 months of bank statements).

II. Additional requirements:

Visa(s) - if necessary - obtained for the country/ies where applicant intends to go after leaving Hungary.
In case of an entry with an educational or other scientific or professional training purpose: the certificate of the receiving institution, the certificate of the envisaged place of accommodation in Hungary.
In case of visiting friends, acquaintances: the letter of invitation issued and endorsed by the Office of Immigration and Nationality or the letter of invitation in the form of a public notarial document and a photocopy of the personal identification document/passport of the inviting party in Hungary.
For the purpose of the cultivation of family relations: an invitation letter as described in the previous indent or a letter signed by the applicant in full awareness of his/her criminal liability describing the degree of the family relation, giving the name, address and phone number of the family member and the purpose of the entry and stay.
In case of an entry for business purposes: a letter of invitation from the business partner, proof of the existence of commercial business relations; or the certificate of the local chamber of commerce on the existence of business relations, and the certification of the address of the envisaged place of accommodation in Hungary.
In case of an entry with the purpose of medical treatment: the certificate of the receiving health institution, including reference to the fact that the expected coverage of the medical treatment is available, and other certification of the coverage of the medical treatment, as well as the certification of the address of the expected place of accommodation in Hungary.
In case of carriers: the certification or request of the carrier firm.
For the purpose of visiting the grave of a deceased relative buried in the territory of Hungary: a document certifying the existence of the grave and the degree of relationship.
For the purpose of cultural activities: agency contract with the Hungarian service provider, invitation letter issued by the host organization.
For the purpose of sport: accreditation proving the participation in the sports event or contract with the Hungarian sport club, or the certificate issued by the delegating sport club / Olympic committee / Ministry of Sport, etc.
For the purpose of attending a conference: invitation letter issued by the host organization, confirmation on participation issued by the host organization, and/or a certification issued by the delegating organization; receipt on payment of the registration fee.

If you are planning to visit more Schengen States, the documents submitted must also contain information on your stay in the other Schengen States (e.g. if you plan to visit Hungary and the Czech Republic, you must not only hand in proof of hotel reservations in Hungary, but also in the Czech Republic).

The consul may request the presentation of further documents in addition to the ones outlined above.

Documents shall be submitted in original.

We reserve the right to examine the authenticity of the communicated data and the submitted documents. The communication of false data in itself will lead to the refusal of the visa application.

We recommend to submit the visa application in due time, especially in periods preceding the summer holidays. We accept visa applications no earlier than 3 months before travel.

Residence Permits

Who needs a residence permit?

All non-Hungarian citizens with the exception of EU/EEA citizens have to have a residence permit if they wish to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days.

Where can I apply for a residence permit?

At the representation in whose consular district you reside. You must appear in person, as your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) will be taken on site.

If you are a US or the citizen of another visa-exempt country, you can apply in Hungary directly at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing upon your arrival. We do not recommend doing this, unless your port of entry to the Schengen area is Budapest (e.g. if you are flying directly to Budapest or have a layover in London or Istanbul).

How much is the fee of the residence permit application?

Click HERE for the application fee for a resident permit. All fees are payable by card only when the application is submitted. We do not accept cash payments and checks. In case of a refusal of the visa, the visa processing fee cannot be refunded.

How do I get my residence permit?

If your application is approved, you will have to collect the residence permit itself in Budapest. We will affix a "type D" visa in your passport which you can use to enter Hungary (the Schengen area). If you are not able to collect your passport at the Embassy, please provide a prepaid, trackable self-addressed envelope.

Which documents do I need to submit?

I. General requirements:

Fully completed residence permit application form (signed by the applicant, only Hungarian and English version accepted).
Valid passport (which must be valid for at least 3 months after returning from Hungary, issued within the last 10 years and containing 2 empty pages).
2 passport-size color photos (US standard size, not older than 6 months).
Original of valid US alien registration card (residence permit, aka green card) or valid US resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, O, R).
Airplane ticket reservation.
Supporting documents of health insurance (coverage of 50.000 USD for any medical and repatriation expenses, valid for the territory of Hungary/Schengen States, covering the whole period of stay).
Supporting documents for accommodation.
Confirmation of financial resources (the last 3 months of bank statements).

Please note that the consul may request the presentation of further documents.

All documents to be presented in connection with the visa application shall be original.

The consulate reserves the right to examine the authenticity of the communicated data and the submitted documents. The communication of false data will in itself lead to the refusal of the visa application.

II. Additional requirements:

1) In the case of a residence permit for the purpose of employment, the following documents are needed:

A work permit, that can be obtained in Hungary from the Labor Authority of the county (or Budapest) where the future employment will take place. The application shall be filed by the future Hungarian employer. Once issued, the work permit shall be sent to the foreigner to submit it with the visa application.
A contract of employment.
A document certifying occupancy in Hungary.
A certificate on how the person will make a living until he receives his first salary (bank account statement, employer’s certificate that he will pay an advance to the person, etc.).
Residence permit application form for the purpose of employment is available here.

2) In the case of residence permit for the pursuit of gainful activity you can find more information HERE.

3) In case of a residence permit for the purpose of study, the following documents are needed:

A certificate of school attendance.
A document certifying occupancy in Hungary (the document certifying accommodation in a student hostel or the tenancy contract with a duplicate of the title deed).
The documents certifying subsistence in Hungary (bank account statement; or the declaration of the parents that they assume coverage of all costs of the stay in Hungary; or the document certifying the scholarship).
Attestation of the school that the applicant is exempt from the payment of school fees or that he/she has already paid the tuition fees.
Residence permit application form for the purpose of studies is available here.

4) In case of a residence permit for family reunification you can find more information HERE.

A document certifying occupancy in Hungary.
A document certifying subsistence in Hungary.
Marriage certificate/birth certificate.
Copy of the passport of the Hungarian relative.
Residence permit application form for the purpose of visiting is available here.
Residence permit application form for the purpose of family reunification is available here.

5) Other purposes:

Residence permit application form for the purpose of medical treatment is available here.
Residence permit application form for official purposes is available here.
Residence permit application form for seasonal workers is available here.
Residence permit application form for other purposes is available here.

How much time does it take to get my visa?

As a general rule, the regional directorate processes the application within 30 days.

If the purpose of entry is study or research the directorates shall make a decision within 15 days.

In case of refusal, the applicant may lodge an appeal within 5 days from the notification. The appeal shall be submitted directly to that regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Asylum that processed the application.

Traveling with pets, plants, and plant products

Traveling with Pets

Please find detailed information on traveling with pets to Hungary on the websites below:

Traveling with Plants and Plant Products

As of 14th of December 2019 strict regulations apply to plants and plant products imported in travel packages!
For more information, click HERE.

Economic Overview

Hungary’s Economy at a Glance

Main Indicators (2018)

GDP growth: 5%
Unemployment: 3.7%
Inflation: 2.8%
Budget balance: -2.2% of GDP

For more information, please visit the websites of the Hungarian National Bank and the Hungarian Central Statistical Office.

Taxation in Hungary

Hungary currently has the lowest corporate income tax rate in Europe at 9%.
Hungary’s Personal Income Tax Rate is one of the lowest in Europe, at a flat 15%.
The Hungarian government has also implemented a family-friendly policy, where couples who commit to having children can receive a 10 Million HUF loan for the purposes of starting a family. In the case that the couple has a fourth child, the mother will also be exempt from income taxes for life.
Additionally, couples who commit to having children are eligible for a loan of up to 10 Million HUF for the purposes of purchasing a home. Once the couple’s third baby is born, this loan will be forgiven.

These new policies have made Hungary into one of the most attractive European countries for businesses to invest in, and have contributed greatly to the country’s recent economic successes.

Hungary’s Investment Climate

The United States was Hungary’s 2nd largest non-European member trade partner in 2018, making up 2.4% of Hungary’s total trade. Trade between the two countries grew by 5.4%, to a total of $5.7 billion.
The United States is the 2nd largest investor in Hungary (only surpassed by Germany). According to the Hungarian Central Bank, FDI from the United States was $12.4 billion, making up 15.3% of total FDI in 2016.
According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, there are currently 1,700 American companies employing over 105,000 individuals in Hungary, making the USA the 2nd largest foreign employer in Hungary.

Infrastructure

Hungary’s strategic position in the heart of Europe makes it increasingly important as a regional distribution center. Hungary is located at the crossroads of four Trans-European and two ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) corridors, enabling easy access to all parts of the continent.

Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport was named the best airport in Eastern Europe by Skytrax in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Hungary has the third highest road density in Europe.
Hungary has the third fastest 4G mobile internet in the world (2017, OpenSignal).

Investing in Innovation

Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport was named the best airport in Eastern Europe by Skytrax between 2014-2019.
Hungary has the third-highest road density in Europe.
Hungary has the 5th fastest 4G mobile internet, and 7th largest 4G coverage in the world (2018, OpenSignal).

Tourism

About Hungary

VISIT HUNGARY!

Hungary may be a small country, but it packs an awful lot within its borders. Easily accessible, in the heart of Europe, there is diversity in its landscape and its culture and a living folk heritage that is worth exploring. Come for a city break, or for a longer vacation, Hungary is an ideal choice. Travel alone, or with friends or bring the whole family along, we can assure you that everybody will be satisfied. Discover Budapest, also called the Pearl of the Danube and enjoy its architecture, galleries, festivals, spas, food and wine and many things the city can offer. Take a day trip and see the countryside with its living folk heritage and Enjoy the famous Hungarian hospitality. Let’s start the journey together.

Please click here for a welcoming brochure.

Country information, capital, language, electricity, climate, time zone, religion, European Union.

Landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia.
Anthem: "God, bless the Hungarians" - "Isten áldd meg a magyart"
Capital: Budapest
Official Language: Hungarian (Magyar)
Form of Government: Parliamentary Republic
Accession to the European Union: May 1, 2004
Area: Total - 93,030 km2 (35,919 sq mi)
Population: 9,942,000
Religion: 54.5% Roman Catholic, 21% Reformed (Calvinist) Protestant, 6% Evangelical (Lutheran), 18.5% other
Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Daylight savings: between end of March and end of October CET+1 (GMT+2)
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Electric Plug Details: European plug with two circular metal pins
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Drive on the right.
Internet TLD: .hu; .eu
Date code: yyyy.mm.dd.
Telephone country code: +36

History of Hungary

HUNGARY'S HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL

This nation has more than a thousand years of history, full of great events, kings, battles, allies, enemies, intrigue and sometimes, peaceful years. Here you can get a quick overview of the main events that have shaped the country and its people over time.

Hungarians were nomadic people and are believed to have moved to the Carpathian basin from the East, somewhere around the Ural Mountains. Under the leadership of Árpád, the Hungarians took over the basin around 895.

In 1000, King Stephen I (St. Stephen) founded the state of Hungary, and accepted the Catholic religion as its standard. Stephen was crowned with the Holy Crown of Hungary and blessed by the Pope. The crown is now displayed in the Parliament building.

In 1241-1242, the invasion of the Mongols caused serious destruction in the country, and half of the population was killed or deported into slavery (1 million people). After the invasion, King Béla ordered the construction of a system of strong stone castles to defend the country from further attacks. The second Mongolian strike was stopped at Pest by the royal army thanks to these castles.

Árpád Feszty: Arrival of the Hungarians (oil painting)

After a Turkish conquering army defeated the Hungarian royal army at Mohács in 1526, the country split into three parts around 1541; the Hungarian Kingdom, the Habsburg dominion and the Turkish dominion. It took 150 years before the Hungarians could take control of the situation, reunite and drive out the Turks. After the Turkish domination, the country became part of the Habsburg dominion, but under the leadership of Ferenc Rákóczi II. Hungarians partially regained their independence, and signed the treaty of peace at Szatmár in 1711.

Over the course of the 19th century, very important reforms were made. Hungarian became the official language of the country, and the language was renewed and elevated to a literary level.

In 1848, revolutions of independence spread across Europe, including Hungary. The Magyars tried to remove the boundaries of Habsburg dominion. After the suppression of the revolution, the silent resistance made the nation stronger than ever before. In 1867, a Hungarian delegation led by Ferenc Deák finally came to an agreement with the Habsburgs and the dualistic system of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy was born.

Statue of King St. Stephen in Kalocsa

During World War I, Hungary was allied with Germany and Austria and sent hundreds of thousands of troops to die in the name of foreign interests. In 1918, the Monarchy broke up, and the first government was established in the framework of the Republic of Hungary. After losing the war, the Allies overran Hungary and in accordance with the Treaty of Trianon, split up the country. The Hungary of more than 20 million became a small country of less than 8 million. This is the Hungary we know today.

World War II brought more tribulations to the people of Hungary. Fighting alongside the Germans against the Soviets, the Hungarian government eventually tried to change sides and join the Allied countries. Possibly fearing sudden exposure from the vulnerable flank of the Hungarian plains - perfect tank country- the Germans then overran Hungary near the end of the war and deposed the government to the benefit of their nationalist allies. Hundreds of thousands died during the war or were deported to German concentration camps.

After the Germans were beaten by the Allies, Soviets took over the country, drove out the Germans, and stayed for 44 years. In 1956, the people tried to force the leadership to stop this domination and end dictatorship by the Soviets, but the attempt was unsuccessful and punished unmercifully. However, it did have some effect on the government and some concessions were made. The Soviet domination lasted until 1989, when Hungary finally became an independent democracy.

In 1999, Hungary joined NATO, and in 2004, it became a member of the European Union.

Wine and Gastronomy

TRADITIONAL HUNGARIAN CUISINE

To understand Hungarian cuisine, we have to take a peek into the past. Today's Hungarian cuisine is a synthesis of ancient Asiatic components mixed with Germanic, Italian, and Slavic elements. The food of Hungary can be considered a melting pot of the continent, with its own original cuisine from the Magyar people.

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WINDS OF CHANGE - HUNGARIAN GASTRONOMY TODAY

The winds of change have swept through Hungarian kitchens over the past years, and even though we still love traditional flavours, we're increasingly open to fresh creations.

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More information on culinary events in Hungary.

Hungaricums are special items from Hungary, that characterise the Hungarians by their uniqueness and high quality.

THE WINES OF HUNGARY

Wine was introduced to Hungary by the Romans, and the country was known for its excellent wines until the devastation of World War II and the Communist era. Recently Hungarian wines have had a renaissance and garnering prizes in international competitions.

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TOKAJI

When it comes to Hungarian wines, it's Tokaji that pops up in most heads first. However there is so much more to be discovered. Here's our crash course in the delicious Hungarian nectars.

Music Festivals

BUDAPEST SPRING FESTIVAL

The annual Budapest Spring Festival awaits visitors with a programme that involves many of the arts, with events in classical music, opera, jazz, world music, dance, contemporary circus, theatre and the visual arts. With the best Hungarian performers and real world stars, the Budapest Spring Festival is a truly special occasion, presenting premieres and co-productions with partner instututions.

Please visit this link for more information.

SZIGET FESTIVAL

The Sziget Festival is one of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe. It is held every August in northern Budapest, Hungary, on Óbudai-sziget, a leafy 108-hectare island on the Danube. More than 1,000 performances take place each year. (source)

More information here.

VOLT FESTIVAL

VOLT Festival is an annual four day music festival held in Sopron, Hungary in early July. Esatblished in 1993, VOLT attracts over 100,000 music fans every year. (source)

More information here.

BALATON SOUND

Balaton Sound is one of Europe's largest open air electronic music festivals. Held annually since 2007 on the southern bank of Lake Balaton, Hungary, it features live acts and DJ's from all around the world, from established artists to new names. (source)

Click here for more information.

Budapest

INVITATION TO BUDAPEST

Budapest has long been an attractive tourist destination with its UNESCO world heritage sites such as the majestic Heroes' Square, magnificent Buda Castle, and the impressive Danube banks. Walking down leafy Andrássy Avenue is a pleasure in itself for locals and visitors alike, but the glittering flagship stores of international brands also make it a favourite destination for the discerning shopper. The museums and national galleries of the city are home to contemporary and classical art collections and the world's most prestigious travelling shows. Together with countless contemporary art galleries, Budapest will inspire and engage lovers of the old masters and seekers of new talent.

For more information visit here.

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Population: 1,7 million
Currency: Forint (HUF)
Airport: Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD)
Country code: 36
Budapest area code: 1
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1, EST+6), Daylight Saving Time observed
Nicknames: Pearl of the Danube, Queen of the Danube, Paris of Eastern Europe, and Heart of Europe

GETTING AROUND BUDAPEST

Budapest has an excellent public transport system. You can buy a 24-hour ticket ($7.5 for one person, $15 for a group up to 5 people), a 72-hour ticket ($19), individual tickets for $1.5 or a block of 10 tickets for $13.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF BUDAPEST

Explore by day, discover by night. But let us warn you, Budapest has lot more for you, than you might expect. So prepare to open a treasure trove!

See our list of must-sees here.

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SPAS OF BUDAPEST

Budapest is a spa capital, and loyal to it's name there are many type of spas from historic turkish and roman to medical and party spas. More than 12 baths and strands to choose from.

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BUDAPEST FOR THE HUNGRY

Enter the kitchen of Hungary. Whether you're looking for traditional Hungarian flavours, exclusive international dining or cosy home cooking, this selection will surely help you find the right place.

BEST WINEBARS IN BUDAPEST

There are some lovely bars in Budapest, especially for winelovers. If you looking for a place where you can taste a wide range of Hungarian wines, here we give you some tips!

BOOZING AND DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY

Budapest has so much to offer for all you night owls out there. Mingling with the locals in one of the run-down ruin pubs in the city centre, getting down and dirty at the night clubs, clinking glasses at one of the numerous booze fests – it's up to you how you spend the late hours.

For more information click here.

Lake Balaton

Introduction

Whether it's peace and quiet you're after or a calendar full of things to see and do, Lake Balaton is here to satisfy your every need. Smooth waters and fresh wines, sand and surf, fishing and frolicking, splashing and sailing, concerts and clubs, partying and paddle boating, beach volleyball and biking, elegant castles and sleepy villages, beautiful landscapes and crystal clear air, Lake Balaton has it all. (source)

Please see a comprehensive brochure here.

Family time at the lake!

Lake Balaton is the place that brings the whole family together and is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea. Build sand castles on the shore, brave giant slides, match your strength at a round of beach volleyball or pack the whole bunch into a paddleboat and head out onto the sparkling sea.

For more information visit here.

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Northern Hungary

Introduction

The north of Hungary is home to the country's highest peak, miles and miles of hiking trails, vast cave complexes, lakes, waterfalls, sweet golden and robust red wines, UNESCO world heritage sights and old industrial towns where time has stopped.

Hike the Mátra mountain range, where you can summit Hungary's highest peak, Kékestető, which is really a walk in the park at just 1,014m high. Further east you'll find the beautiful Bükk Mountains, with woody trails and waterfalls, country palaces and gardens. If going underground is more your style, go to Aggtelek. There's a spectacular 26-km-long cave system with an underground theatre and stalactites and stalagmites so impressive they've got names.

Tokaj-Hegyalja, a World Heritage site since 2002, is the most famous among Hungary's wine regions, and not without a reason. It has a very special climate around the perfectly shaped, volcanic Tokaj Mountain, which helps noble rot to evolve thus giving an extraordinary aroma and texture to certain wines. The liquid gold produced here is called Tokaji Aszú, and carries the highandmighty title of ‘king of wines, wine of kings'. If you feel like being a king for a day, or just drinking like one, all you need is a bottle of Tokaji and some fancy glassware.

If fullbodied reds are more like your type, taste the Bull's Blood in Eger. This charming little town is not only renowned for its wonderful wines,, but also its thermal baths and historical buildings (even a Turkish minaret and a castle up on the hill) galore. Eger was besieged in the mid-16th century and the heroic story of the Stars of Eger is a source of Hungarian national pride.

When staying in Eger, it is a must to walk over to the Szépasszonyvölgy, or the valley of the beautiful woman, to visit the wine cellars. Here you will find a green valley covered in grapevines with wine cellars built into the hillside one after the other.

For a general idea about how village people might have lived in the area, visit World Heritage Listed Hollókő, named the most beautiful village in Hungary in several surveys. Time has really stopped here some hundreds of years ago, girls and women still wear voluminous, multicolored skirts and billowing blouses as they stroll the streets with men in black boots, felt waistcoats and round hats. Visit this whitewashed and wooden-roofed northern village any day of the year, but for a truly old school folk festivity go at Easter. You might get sprinkled with a bucketload of cold spring water, but only in the name of fertility and eternal youth.

Northern Hungary is also home to some pretty extraordinary baths too. A mofetta may sound like the name of a mythical monster but it is in fact a dry bath employing volcanic gas discharge. Find out what the carbon-dioxide that rises from 1,000 metres underground can do for you in Mátraderecske. Or for a truly unique experience chill out in a cave. The 30 ºC water in the cave bath of Miskolctapolca will treat your joints to some love and care while you enjoy floating in the dim light. In Egerszalók the hot waters from two ancient thermal springs have been flowing out of the side of a hill for ages, leaving behind beautiful mineral formations.

Transdanubia

Introduction

West of the Danube and east of Austria is the most versatile part of Hungary, the land of some of the biggest attractions the country has to offer. From fine wine through to pretty lakes to timetravel, nothing's impossible here.

Western Hungary is rich in medieval churches and monasteries, castles and fortresses, hosting historical and music festivals throughout the year. For a millennium of Hungarian religious and architectural history and a taste of Benedictine wine traditions, head to Pannonhalma Benedictine Arch Abbey. The Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in Pécs invites you to architectural time travel, and in the museum of the Benedictine Abbey in Tihany, you'll have a peek into the lives of Hungary's last monarch. To see where our first king (and quite a few after him) was crowned, visit the ancient Crowning Basilica in Székesfehérvár. For baroque elegance, explore the Eszterházy Castle in Fertőd, the gems of western Hungary Sopron and Kőszeg, or Győr, the city in the intersection of three rivers.

Őrség, this land of magic is home to natural beauties. Time has stopped here andpeople live in the scattered villages in perfect harmony with nature. Írottkő Nature Park should be at the top of your agenda as it offers various hiking trails and cultural trips, culinary adventures and sightseeing galore. Kőszeg is the perfect spot to start your exploration in the area. Western Hungary has an abundance of arboretums and botanic gardens too. The 200-year-old Sárvár Botanical Garden is home to 300 tree and shrub species. The centuries old trees of the grove forest around the fishing pond give you a peek into what the area looked like before urbanisation. The other part of the arboretum has trees and shrubs of exotic names and vibrant colours. And if you visit the prehistoric park in Vértesszőlős, you won't only meet half-a-million-year-old Samu, one of the first men in Europe, but will see the footsteps of long extinct ancient animals too.

Going south, you'll find the vibrant city of Pécs that boasted the title European Capital of Culture in 2010. As you feast your eyes on the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, get enchanted by beautiful and exciting buildings of old and new, and get goosebumps in the Early Christian Necropolis, you'll see how Pécs served as the meeting place for many different cultures through the ages.

Further south you get to the Villány area, where the beautiful vistas will go down perfectly with the fiery red wines of local winemakers. A glass or two will surely get you in the mood for a truly unique sight (also a World Heritage Site), the Busójárás in Mohács. Both a farewell to winter and a daylong carnival, the parade of the masked and scary Busós is a must-attend folk party. For more sophisticated entertainment, Kaposvár is an ideal option. The annual Chamber Music Festival is where the crème of international classical music flocks to in August, so why would you miss it?

Spa culture is blooming in western Hungary. For proof, visit the largest medical spa resorts of the region in Bükfürdő, Sárvár, or Zalakaros, and have a first-hand experience of how the perfect combination of word-class treatments carried out by well-qualified professionals and the profusion of culture within easy reach will leave you healthier, more relaxed and refreshed.

Galéria

Consulates and Representations

Consulates and Representations in the United States

Information on all Hungarian consulates and honorary consular representations present in the United States. Contact details, how to make an appointment and information about scheduled extramural consular days can also found here.

Consulates

Consulates and Representations in the United States

EMBASSY OF HUNGARY IN WASHINGTON, DC

Mr. Szabolcs Takács, Ambassador

3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Phone: +1 (202) 362-6730

Email (consular and visa matters): appointment.was@mfa.gov.hu

Email (all other matters): info .was@mfa.gov.hu

Web: https://washington.mfa.gov.hu

States covered: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia

CONSULATE GENERAL OF HUNGARY IN NEW YORK

Mr. István Pásztor, Consul General

223 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

Phone: +1 (212) 660-7918

Fax: +1 (212) 755-5986

Email: nyf.missions@mfa.gov.hu

Web: https://newyork.mfa.gov.hu/

States covered: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

HUNGARY’S PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK

dr. Zsuzsanna Horváth, Permanent Representative to the United Nations

227 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022

Tel: (212) 752-0209

Fax: (212) 755-5395

Website: https://ensz-newyork.mfa.gov.hu/

CONSULATE GENERAL OF HUNGARY IN CHICAGO

Dr. Balázs Mártonffy, Consul General

303 East Wacker Drive, Unit 2050, Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: +1 (312) 344-1290

Email: mission.chi@mfa.gov.hu

Web: https://chicago.mfa.gov.hu/

States covered: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin

CONSULATE GENERAL OF HUNGARY IN LOS ANGELES

dr. István Gróf, Consul General

11766 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 410, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Phone: +1 (310) 473-9344

Fax: +1 (310) 479-6443

Email: mission.los@mfa.gov.hu

Web: https://losangeles.mfa.gov.hu/

States covered: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

VICE CONSULATE OF HUNGARY IN HOUSTON

Mr. Gábor Markocsány, Consul

Address: 5847 San Felipe St, Suite 1700, Houston, TX 77057

Phone: +1 (713) 914 1675

Email: houston@mfa.gov.hu

Consular cases accepted: consular protection, authentication of signature/translation/copy, certification of being alive.

We DO NOT ACCEPT Visa Applications!

VICE CONSULATE OF HUNGARY IN MIAMI

Dr. Kitti Udvaros, Consul

Address: 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 732, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Email: consulate.mia@mfa.gov.hu

Consular cases: passport, registration of birth, death, marriage, etc., authentication, citizenship cases, electronic ID, address registration, change of name, certificate of good conduct

We DO NOT ACCEPT Visa Applications! Visa applications must be submitted to the Consulate General of Hungary in New York.

States covered: Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Honorary Consuls in the United States

How can honorary consuls assist you?

Honorary consuls protect the interest of Hungarian citizens in trouble or distress (e.g., they can offer assistance in case of a emergency or a lost, stolen or damaged passport). They are also authorized to authenticate signatures and copies of documents.

Honorary Consuls

Atlanta, GA (and TN)

Mr. John E. Parkerson, Jr
Honorary Consul
11770 Haynes Bridge Road #205-219, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Office: (00-1) (404) 213-5366
Mobile: (00-1) (404) 213-5366
Email: john.parkerson@outlook.com

Buffalo, NY

Dr. Péter Forgách
Honorary Consul
660 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, NY 14207
Office: (00-1)(716) 465-8782
Email: frogdish@aol.com

Charlotte, NC (and SC)

Mr. Chris Domeny
Honorary Consul
7327 Westcott Terrace, Charlotte, NC 28270
Office: (00-1)(646) 801-7023
E-mail: charlotte.hungary@foreignservice.network
Website: hungary.honoraryconsulate.network/charlotte

Cleveland, OH

Dr. Csaba G. Krasznai
Honorary Consul
Mailing address: 14530 Alexander Road, Walton Hills, OH 44146
E-mail: hccleveland93@gmail.com

Office phone: +1-440-786-7272 ext. 13

Daytona Beach, FL

Ms. Piroska Pazaurek
Honorary Consul
Mailing Address: UCF Busines Incubator, 601 Innovation Way, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
E-mail address: me@pirospazaurek.com
Office phone: (00-1)(386) 222-2761
Facebook (APPOINTMENTS): https://www.facebook.com/HonoraryConsulateOfHungaryInCentralFlorida/

Hamden, CT

Prof. Christopher Ball
Honorary Consul
Central European Institute, Quinnipiac University
Mailing Address: 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, RT-STC, Hamden, CT 06518
Office Location: Rocky Top Student Center, 422 305 Sherman Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518
E-mail: Christopher.Ball@quinnipiac.edu Office: (00-1)(203) 582-8745
Mobile: (00-1)(203) 887 4643
Website: www.quinnipiac.edu/cei/

Denver, CO (and WY)

Ms. Krisztina Busch
Honorary Consul
1515 Wynkoop Street, Suite 710, Denver, CO 80202
Office: (00-1)(303) 482-2318
Email: cmegyesy@gmail.com

Minneapolis, MN

Ms. Csilla Grauzer
Honorary Consul
5009 Excelsior Boulevard, Suite 154, Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
Office: (00-1)(612) 554-6227
Email: csgrauzer@hungaryconsulateminnesota.com
Website: www.hungaryconsulateminnesota.com

Philadelphia, PA

Ms. Edith Schwartz
Honorary Consul
Land Title Building, 100 South Broad Street, Suite 1300, Philadephia, PA 19110
Phone: +1 215 563 5616
Fax: +1 215 568 1987
E-mail: EdithSchwartz@gmail.com

Puerto Rico

Mr. Dennis Bechara
Honorary Consul
Empresas Bechara Building
637 South Post Street, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00681
Office: (00-1)(787) 831-2010
Mobile: (00-1) (787) 834-8380
Email: dennisbechara@hotmail.com

Sacramento, CA

Mr. Nicholas Otto (Miklós) Bartsch
Honorary Consul
2890 Azalea Road, Sacramento, CA 95864
Office: (00-1)(916) 487-1332
Email: nbartsch@sbcglobal.net

Salt Lake City, UT

Mr. György Simon
Honorary Consul
7641 Mary Esther Circle, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84093
Office: (00-1)(801) 733-0282
Mobile: (00-1)(801) 944-3569
Email: hungaryconsul.utah@comcast.net

San Francisco, CA

Ms. Éva Voisin
Honorary Consul
Office Address: 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 250 San Mateo, CA 94403-1269
Mailing address: P.M.B.157, 205 De Anza Blvd.,San Mateo, CA 94402-3989
Office: (00-1)(650) 573-7351
Mobile: (00-1)(650) 573-7355
Email: evoisin@ix.netcom.com

Sarasota, FL

Mr. Les Gardi
Honorary Consul
Office Address: 7061 South Tamiami Trail #C, Sarasota, FL 34231
Office: (00-1)(941) 925-2099
Fax: (00-1)(941) 927-2099
Email: les@gardicpa.com

Seattle, WA (and ID)

Ms. Katalin Pearman
Honorary Consul
8240 SE 67th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Office: (00-1) (206)554-9199
Email: hungarianconsulseattle@gmail.com

Indianapolis, IN

Ms. Sidonia Nicolae
Honorary Consul
5725 Roxbury ct. Indianapolis, IN 46226
Office: (00-1) (317)4486851
Email: hconsulofhungaryin@gmail.com

Citizenship

Detailed information about Hungarian citizenship and the citizen application process can be found below and on the following pages.

About Hungarian Citizenship

What is proof of Hungarian citizenship?

The following are the proofs of Hungarian citizenship:

A valid Hungarian ID card.
A valid Hungarian passport. If your passport has expired, you may still use it as proof of Hungarian citizenship for one year following the date of its expiry.
A valid Hungarian citizenship certificate.
A certificate of naturalization, until proven otherwise.
The registry of personal data and addresses.

Your data is included in the registry if you have a so-called address card or if you previously had a Hungarian personal number.

Please note that Hungarian birth and marriage certificates are not proof of Hungarian citizenship.

How do I become a Hungarian citizen if...

a) I emigrated to the US as a Hungarian citizen?

If you are sure that you are not able to prove that you are a Hungarian citizen by the means listed above, you can apply for the verification of your Hungarian citizenship. Many Hungarians came to the US after the 1956 revolution. Their Hungarian citizenships are still intact with some rare exceptions.

b) My parents or grandparents emigrated to the US as Hungarian citizens, but I myself was born in the US?

The main principle of Hungarian citizenship law is the jus sanguinis (latin for right of blood), meaning that descendants of Hungarian citizens are Hungarian citizens themselves by birth (regardless of the country of birth or the number of generations living abroad). Consequently, if any of your parents or grandparents are Hungarian citizens or were one when you were born, it is very likely that you are one yourself. You can apply for the verification of your Hungarian citizenship. It is irrelevant whether you speak Hungarian or not.

Some notable exceptions from this general rule:

Before October 1, 1957 a Hungarian woman lost her Hungarian citizenship if she married a non-Hungarian citizen.
Before October 1, 1957 a child born from a non-Hungarian father and a Hungarian mother did not become a Hungarian citizen by birth. He or she may become a Hungarian citizen by a statement, but his or her descendants have to be naturalized.
If your Hungarian ancestor emigrated from Hungary before September 1, 1929, it is likely that his or her descendants were not born Hungarian citizens. You may be naturalized if you speak Hungarian.

c) I lost my Hungarian citizenship, or my parents/grandparents lost theirs?

You can become a Hungarian citizen by simplified naturalization, if you speak Hungarian. This situation usually arises as a ramification of the peace treaties that followed the First and Second World Wars. If you or your ancestors originate from the present-day territory of Hungary, it is more likely that either point a) or b) applies to you.

If you have lost your Hungarian citizenship for any of the reasons listed below, you might reacquire it by means of a statement, and your children and grandchildren may apply for naturalization if they speak Hungarian:

you were deprived of your Hungarian citizenship by virtue of Act X of 1947 and Act XXVI of 1948, of Act LX of 1948 on Hungarian Citizenship or of Act V of 1957 on Citizenship;
your Hungarian citizenship ceased by expatriation between September 15, 1947 and May 2, 1990;
you were a person obliged to resettle in Germany.

d) My spouse is a Hungarian citizen and I speak Hungarian?

You can become a Hungarian citizen by simplified naturalization on condition that at the time of your submitting the application

you have been married for at least 10 years or
you have been married for at least 5 years and you had a child together.

e) None of the above seems to apply to my case?

The examples above are typical cases we encounter in our work. The provided information is incomplete. If you are interested in Hungarian citizenship, please send us an e-mail to appointment.was@mfa.gov.hu to obtain more information specific to your case.

How does Hungarian citizenship affect my US citizenship?

It does not, given that both Hungary and the US accept dual (multiple) citizenship.

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