Hungary visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Hungary

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Hungarian Visa.

  • Completed visa application form. The form should be signed where necessary.
  • International passport which has a validity of 6 months from the time of exit from the country. The passport should have two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs which should be taken with a background. The passport should be at least 6 months old and should follow the photo specification for visa application.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in the country. This should be in form of your bank statement from 3 months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Return ticket to South Africa.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation. Either confirmation of paid hotel accommodation or home address of your host in the country.

Hungary Visa for South Africans

Facts about Hungary

Home to the largest thermal water cave system in the world, second largest thermal lake in the world, as well as the largest lake in Central Europe and the largest natural grasslands in Europe, all this make Hungary one of the most popular tourists’ destinations in the world. The country has been a major contributor to arts, music, literature, sports, science, and technology.

In 2015, the country hosted up to 14.3 million foreign tourists, making it the 11th most visited country in Europe.


Travelers are advised to carry a means of identification at all times as random checks may be conducted by the local authorities. Hungarians are strict with the possession and use of drugs.

Types of Hungary Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Business visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Student visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Medical visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Official visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Transit visa 15 - 30 days 24 hours

General Requirements for Hungary Visa

  • Completed visa application form. The form should be signed where necessary.
  • International passport which has a validity of 6 months from the time of exit from the country. The passport should have two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs which should be taken with a background. The passport should be at least 6 months old and should follow the photo specification for visa application.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in the country. This should be in form of your bank statement from 3 months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Return ticket to South Africa.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation. Either confirmation of paid hotel accommodation or home address of your host in the country.
Hungary Tourist visa Hungary Business visa Hungary Student visa Hungary Medical visa Hungary Official visa Hungary Transit visa

Hungary Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Foreigners who apply for this visa do so with the intention of sightseeing, recreation and relaxation in Hungary.
  • You can visit relatives and friends with this visa.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative, you need to have an invitation letter from your host in Hungary. The address and a valid means of identification of your host in the country should be included in the letter.
  • Children under the age of 18 should have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Receipt of your paid visa application fees should be presented during the visa application process.
  • You cannot take up part-time or full-time courses while in the country with this type of visa.
  • You are required to exit the country once your visa expires.
  • The visa takes 15 – 30 days to be processed.
  • The visa fee is $160.

Hungary Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The business visa allows business-oriented foreigners visit Hungary to maintain and develop business relationships with companies in the country.
  • With this visa, you can sign contracts, attend meetings, conferences and trade fairs.
  • Holders of this visa cannot get paid for any of the services they render while in the country.
  • You cannot take up any course of learning or be enrolled in any of the schools in the country with this visa.
  • A letter of invitation from the Hungarian company you will be visiting with the detailed address and the purpose of the visit is required.
  • Your current employer should give you a certificate confirming that he/she is aware of your business travel. This letter should be presented at the embassy or consulate while applying for your visa.
  • If you have had previous business trades with the company you are visiting, proof of such trades should be provided.
  • You should have a letter from either your employer or the partner company in Hungary stating the financial coverage of your business visit.
  • You are not allowed to obtain public funds.
  • Receipt of your paid visa application fees should be provided.

Hungary Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Student visas are issued to foreigners who have been offered a course in a school in Hungary.
  • Before applying for this visa, you must have been accepted to study in a school in the country.
  • You should provide an enrollment certificate which allows you to attend courses in the school you have been accepted to.
  • If you are a minor, the unabridged original copy of your birth certificate is required.
  • You are required to present a proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa should be willing to obey all the rules and regulations while in the country.
  • The visa cots $160 to be processed.
  • You are allowed to work part-time as long as it does not affect your education in the country.
  • At the conclusion of your program, you are expected to leave the country.

Hungary Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows South Africans who have one ailment or the other to visit the country to seek medical attention.
  • A medical report from your local doctor in South Africa stating the type of ailment you have and the reason the treatment cannot be gotten in your country.
  • Letter from the hospital in Hungary confirming your appointment and the duration of the medical treatment.
  • The receipt of paid medical fees should be provided.
  • If you are a minor, you should make sure you provide the original copy of your birth certificate.
  • You should be able to present the receipt of paid visa application fees.
  • Means of subsistence during your time in the country should be provided.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to work while in the country.
  • You are required to leave the country at the expiration of your visa.

Hungary Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The official visa allows South African diplomats to meet up with government officials in Hungary.
  • Diplomats meeting with officials in Hungary do so to foster the relationship between the Hungarian and South African governments.
  • If your purpose of visiting Hungary is not official, you will not be issued this visa. You should apply for the appropriate visa type that best suits the purpose of your visit.
  • An official invitation letter from the Hungarian government should be presented while you are applying for this visa.
  • A diplomatic note from the South African government stating your status in the government, purpose and duration of your visit in the country.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid or unpaid employment while you are in the country.
  • Minors are required to have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • It takes about 15-30 days to be processed.  

Hungary Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Foreigners who have this visa may transit through the country to their final destination.
  • This visa allows you to join a connecting flight from Hungary to your destination country.
  • You are not allowed to be in the country for more than 24 hours with this visa.
  • You should be in possession of the visa and the confirmed flight ticket of your destination country.
  • You cannot visit friends and relatives with this visa or tour the country.
  • If you are travelling with a minor, a letter of consent from the minor’s parents should be provided.
  • You can be accompanied by your spouse or minors.
  • For non-South Africans, a South African stay permit will be requested.

Hungary Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

160.00 (USD)

Business visa

160.00 (USD)

Student visa

160.00 (USD)

Medical visa

160.00 (USD)

Official visa

160.00 (USD)

Transit visa

160.00 (USD)

Hungary Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

959 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, 0083 Pretoria.

https://pretoria.mfa.gov.hu/eng

mission.prt@mfa.gov.hu

+27 12 430 3030

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get tourist visa for Hungary??

You can get tourist visa for Hungary by taking all the required documents to the visa application center closest to you.

Can I travel to Hungary with a Schengen visa??

Yes, you can travel to Hungary with a Schengen visa.

Do I need a travel visa to Hungary??

Yes, to visit Hungary, you need a visa.

What can you drink in Hungary??

There are a variety of beers to drink while in Hungary.

Can you drink in public in Hungary??
Yes, you can. It is generally not illegal to drink in public places in Hungary.