Visa Services

The Statue of Liberty

What is a Visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa gives you permission to apply for admission to the United States; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the U.S. port of entry will determine your eligibility for entry into the United States.

Who Needs a Visa?

Citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program are exempt from the visa requirement when traveling to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Please note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

What types of visas are available?

• Non-immigrant visas
• Immigrant visas

Beginning November 17, 2008, Hungarian citizens intending to visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if all the following requirements apply: 

• The traveler is in possession of a valid Hungarian e-passport with an electronic chip.  The Hungarian e-passport has a reddish cover, while the older non-electronic passport covers are blue. Travelers with the blue passports and valid visa may continue to travel.
  
  
   
• The traveler is holding a return or onward ticket to his or her country of residence. If traveling on an electronic ticket, a copy of the itinerary must be carried for presentation to U.S. immigration at the port of entry. 
  
   
• The traveler has a valid authorization from the Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website.  Please print your authorization and carry it with you when you travel.  Note:  A Hungarian translation of the ESTA website is expected to be available before the end of the year.  In the interim, an informal translation is available here. 
  
   
• Please check whether you are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program: VWP checklist (pdf)

Additonal Information about the Visa Waiver Program

• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Advisory Statement (pdf, 70KB)

Important reminder:

Visa-free travel does not include those who plan to study, work or remain more than 90 days in the United States. Such travelers need visas.  If an immigration official has reason to believe that a VWP traveler is going to study, work or stay longer than 90 days, the officer will refuse to admit the traveler.

If you have question about the Visa Waiver Program or about ESTA, please contact the Non-Immigrant Visa Unit at usconsular.budapest@state.gov.