Americans can visit Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days. Here's what you need to know about entry requirements, the Schengen rule, and upcoming ETIAS changes.
Planning a trip to Budapest or exploring Hungary's wine country? Here's what Americans need to know about entry requirements before booking that flight.
The Short Answer: No Visa Needed
US citizens do not need a visa to visit Hungary. According to the US State Department, Americans can enter Hungary for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa.
Hungary joined the Schengen Area in 2007, which means the same visa-free rules that apply to visiting France, Germany, or Italy also apply here. Your US passport grants you access to all 29 Schengen countries under the same conditions.
The 90/180-Day Rule
While no visa is required, you're still subject to the Schengen 90/180-day rule. This means you can stay up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
Important: Days spent in Hungary count toward your 90-day total along with any other Schengen countries you visit. A week in Budapest plus two weeks in Vienna plus a month in Barcelona all draw from the same 90-day allowance.
Entry Requirements
According to the Hungarian Embassy, you'll need:
- Valid US passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. The State Department recommends 6 months validity.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Evidence you can support yourself during your stay.
- Return or onward ticket: Proof of your plans to leave.
If you're carrying more than €10,000 (or equivalent) in cash, you must declare it at customs.
What's Changing: EES and ETIAS
Two new systems are affecting how Americans enter Hungary:
Entry/Exit System (EES): Already active as of October 2025, this system collects biometrics (fingerprints and facial image) when you enter the Schengen Area. Expect slightly longer processing times at immigration, especially during the initial rollout period.
ETIAS: Starting in late 2026, Americans will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Hungary or any Schengen country. It costs €20, takes minutes to complete online, and is valid for 3 years.
Staying Longer Than 90 Days
If you want to stay in Hungary beyond the 90-day Schengen limit, you'll need a residence permit from Hungary's Office of Immigration and Nationality. This requires applying from within Hungary or at a Hungarian consulate before your trip.
Common long-stay options include student visas, work permits, and family reunification visas. The process is more involved than a standard tourist visit and requires documentation of your purpose and means of support.
Safety Tips for Budapest
Hungary is generally safe, but the State Department advises caution in crowded tourist areas. Pickpockets target busy spots like:
- Train stations (especially Keleti)
- Trams and the metro
- Popular tourist sites like the Fisherman's Bastion and Ruin Bars district
Keep your passport secure and carry a copy separately from the original.
Track Your Days
If you're combining Hungary with other European destinations, keep track of your Schengen days. Use our free Schengen calculator or download the Days Monitor app on iOS for automatic tracking.
Disclaimer: Entry requirements can change. Always verify current information with the US State Department or the Hungarian Embassy before traveling.
Track Your Schengen Days
Don't let visa calculations stress you out. Our free Schengen calculator tracks your 90/180 days automatically.
Try Our Free Calculator