The European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS is a new visa waiver program that is to take effect in 2022. This means many of the non-EU citizens that are currently allowed to visit Europe visa-free will need approval before entering any Schengen country, Hungary included.
The purpose of the ETIAS visa waiver for Hungary is to strengthen the borders of the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS should not be confused with a standard travel visa, the ETIAS screens all applicants prior to their visit to the country.
Once visitors are approved, they will be able to move freely throughout Hungary and the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days.
Hungary, the EU, and the Schengen Area
Located in Central Europe, Hungary is a landlocked country with Turkish and Roman cultural influence. The official language is Hungarian and its currency is the Hungarian forint. However, they are currently planning to adopt the euro. Budapest is the capital city and is popular for its mineral spas.
Hungary became a member of the European Union in 2004 and joined the Schengen Area in 2007. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 countries. The purpose of this area is to function as one jurisdiction for international travel.
Once the area is entered, a visitor can travel around without hard borders or additional passport controls. As a part of the Schengen Zone, tourists who have a Hungarian ETIAS can travel around Hungary and to any of the other Schengen countries.
Who needs ETIAS to travel to Hungary?
There are over 60 countries that are required to apply for an ETIAS if they wish to travel throughout the Schengen Area in Europe. Many of these citizens currently do not need any visa or visa waiver to enter the EU. However, beginning in 2022 this will change.
Once the system is in place, these citizens of non-EU countries will have to apply for an ETIAS Hungary before entering the country. Once applicants are screened and approved, they will be able to travel within Hungary and the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days.
The ETIAS allows people to visit the countries found within the Schengen Zone for tourist, business, medical, and transit purposes.
How can I apply for a Hungarian ETIAS?
The ETIAS application is a simple procedure that is accessible from home. Therefore, there is no time wasted making appointments or waiting in queues at an embassy or consulate.
To apply for a Hungarian ETIAS the applicant only needs about 10 minutes and Wi-Fi access. Prepare the following:
-
Biometric information
- First name
- Surname
- Surname at birth
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Citizenship
- Current address
- Email address and phone number
- The name of the first EU country that will be visited
- A credit or debit card for the application fee
Passport and document requirements for Hungarian ETIAS
For a seamless application process check the ETIAS requirements for Hungary below:
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A valid passport, detailing its:
- Number
- Nationality
- Issue and expiry dates
- Brief medical history
- Education and work experience
- Criminal record (if applicable)
- Previous visits to war zones (if any)
- Prior countries one was deported or rejected from (if any)
Those with family members who are EU citizens will have to submit proof of relationship, residence card, and/or other background details. A legal guardian must complete an application for any minors.
Travel information about Hungary
The most popular and capital city of Budapest is full of architectural sights. Divided into two sectors, Buda is a hilly district that includes the Old Town, museums and the 13th century Matthias Church.
On the other side of the Danube River is the flat Pest sector. This includes neo-gothic sights like the Parliament houses and the neo-classical opera house. The Jewish quarter is found here and boasts the Dohány Street Synagogue, among museums, memorials, and cemeteries.
After taking in the history and culture, tourists like to relax one of two ways; Famous ruin bars offer partiers a cool atmosphere to try new beers and the thermal spas are a great way to unwind.
No matter how visitors choose to spend their Hungarian holiday, there are plenty of ways to take in the culture.