Dear Members,
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that Hungarian Citizens, in case of a travel to the US for tourism or business for 90 days or less, have to apply for admission to the United States using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), granting visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This way Hungarian can obtain travel authorization as result of an online process and the request is processed within 72 hours of submitting an ESTA application. Regarding the requirements, please find more information here.
Please note that Hungarian Citizens traveling on a Hungarian Passport, but BORN OUTSIDE Hungary are NOT eligible for ESTA travel, however must apply for a visa. Visa application process including a personal interview in general takes 10-12 weeks (processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements)
Important: Visitors who enter on the VWP cannot change status or extend their duration of stay. Travelers coming to the United States under the VWP cannot work or study. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, or if you intend to study or to work, you MUST obtain a visa before traveling. Overstay consequences are severe; make sure you know the rules before you travel.
Please find more information below and on website of the US Embassy in Hungary.
Information on how to obtain a visa to travel to the U.S.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest is responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States.
Please visit the Global Support Services (GSS) website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories.
Step 1
For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants:
Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.
Be sure to also review the Visa Waiver Program. If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are traveling for business or pleasure and will only be staying in the Unites States for 90 days or less.
Step 2
The next step is to complete the DS-160 Form. Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.
Step 3
Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee. The visa fee page lists the visa types and correlating visa fee in U.S. dollars and local currency.
To pay your visa fee, read the Bank and Payment Options page. This page explains how to make your visa fee payment. You will create a profile and must keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment.
Step 4
Now you will need to login to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.
Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu.
This will start the process for scheduling your appointment. You will need:
- Your passport number.
- The receipt number from your CGI Reference number on your visa fee receipt. Click here if you need help finding this number.
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.
As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
Step 5
Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. Be sure to check the Schedule My Appointment page for the necessary documentation needed for your appointment.
Step 6
If your visa is approved, the visa will be sent to your designated location selected when you scheduled your appointment.
Due to demand and limited staffing at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, a standard visa appointment may be schedule 10-12 weeks after the online application has been submitted.
Expedited Visas
A limited number of expedited visa requests may be granted if applicants have an unforeseen travel need, such as: Medical Needs, Funeral/Death, Urgent Business Travel, Students or Exchanges.
It is important to ensure applicants meet all the criteria for an expedited visa request, because applicants are only allowed to create one expedited appointment request.
All applicants requesting an expedited visa must already have a confirmed appointment Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. This is the first step in requesting an expedited visa appointment and there are no exceptions.
The applicant simply needs to return to the visa appointment web page and apply for an expedited visa https://www.ustraveldocs.com/hu/hu-niv-expeditedappointment.asp
Step 1
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Step 2
Pay the visa application fee.
Step 3
Schedule an appointment online for the earliest available date. Please note that you must schedule an appointment before you can request an expedited date. At the time you schedule your appointment, you will see an onscreen message showing the earliest available appointment date, which includes expedited appointments. Accordingly, you may find that it is not necessary to request an expedited appointment, because there are earlier dates available.
If you wish to proceed with requesting an expedited appointment, then complete the Expedited Request Form in English or contact the call center to request assistance. Please be sure to note the type of urgency you believe qualifies you for an expedited appointment. Once you have submitted your request, please wait for a response from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate which will arrive via email.
Step 4
If the U.S. Embassy or Consulate approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online. Please understand that the call center cannot schedule your expedited appointment for you, but agents are able to assist you if questions arise. Should the U.S. Embassy or Consulate deny your request for an expedited appointment, you will be notified of the denial by email and you should keep your existing appointment.
Note: The email confirming or denying your request will come from no-reply [at] ustraveldocs.com (no-reply[at]ustraveldocs[dot]com). Some email applications have rules which filter unknown senders into a spam or junk mail folder. If you have not received your email notification, please look for the message in your junk and spam email folders.
Step 5
Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your Form DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months, your current and all old passports and supporting documents. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.
*Please note that the applicant must have a legitimate reason to receive an expedited visa, as this decision is made in the DC and can not be influenced locally.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination:
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers is required for non-U.S. citizen, nonimmigrant passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States by air.
Complete information for this requirement can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
Some categories of noncitizen, nonimmigrants are excepted from this requirement. If you meet the criteria for one of these categories, you will need to fulfill additional requirements to travel by air to the United States.
Travelers should NOT expect to receive an exception to the Presidential Proclamation suspending and limiting entry into the United States for non-U.S. citizens who are nonimmigrants, referred to as “Covered individuals,” seeking to enter the United States by air travel and are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.