US Restores Hungary’s Full Visa Waiver, ESTA Access

The United States has fully reinstated Hungary into its Visa Waiver Program. This decision lifts years of travel restrictions for Hungarian citizens. The change takes effect on September 30, 2025.

Hungarian passport holders can now apply for standard two-year, multiple-entry ESTA travel authorizations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the restoration after Budapest implemented necessary security upgrades.

New Travel Rules for Hungarian Citizens

Starting September 30, new ESTA applications from Hungarians will be valid for two years. They will also allow for multiple entries into the United States. This returns Hungary to equal standing with other VWP member nations.

Travelers must still adhere to all standard Visa Waiver Program rules. These include possessing a valid e-passport and obtaining ESTA approval before boarding any U.S.-bound carrier. According to Reuters, admission is ultimately determined by a Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival.

Resolving Previous Security Shortfalls

The U.S. initially imposed restrictions on Hungarian travelers in 2021. Officials cited specific vulnerabilities in Hungary’s passport issuance and identity verification processes. These concerns led to the revocation of ESTAs for some applicants.

In August 2023, the U.S. further tightened the rules. It reduced ESTA validity for all Hungarian citizens to just one single-entry authorization. The recent diplomatic and technical cooperation between the two governments has now resolved these security issues.

This policy reversal is a significant win for tourism and business travel. It simplifies logistics and reduces costs for frequent visitors and families planning trips to America.

The full restoration of Hungary’s Visa Waiver Program status marks a major normalization of travel relations. This move benefits thousands of travelers and strengthens bilateral ties between the two nations.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Travelers must obtain an ESTA authorization before their trip.

Who is eligible for an ESTA now?

All Hungarian citizens with a valid biometric e-passport are eligible to apply for an ESTA. The authorization is granted for tourism, transit, or business purposes.

What changed for Hungarian travelers?

Previous restrictions limited ESTAs to one year and a single entry. The new rules restore the standard two-year, multiple-entry validity for all new applications submitted from September 30, 2025.

Do current ESTA holders need to reapply?

No. Existing ESTA approvals will remain valid until their original expiration date. They will keep their original terms of validity, whether for one or two entries.

What are the requirements for the VWP?

Travelers must have an e-passport, an approved ESTA, and plan a stay of less than 90 days. They must also be traveling for business, tourism, or transit purposes only.

Trusted Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Reuters, Associated Press, U.S. Embassy in Budapest.

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