Your Guide to Securing a Hungary Visa Appointment Efficiently
Planning is quite crucial in getting a visa appointment for Hungary in the most efficient way. A comprehensive guide is hereby presented.
Understanding Hungary Visa Requirements
Hungary is part of the Schengen area, therefore, non-EU citizens who do not have a passport with visa-free travel to the European Union need a valid Schengen visa to visit Hungary.
The general Schengen visa procedure applies to Hungary, with some specific requirements, which we will describe below.
For an intended stay of more than 90 days, a national Hungarian visa is required, followed by a temporary residence permit.
Eligibility and Documents
Check whether you need a visa to enter Hungary and decide on which type of visa application you need to apply for, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. A number of countries have a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union which entitles the citizens of such countries with enhanced or simplified access. These countries include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine and Serbia.
Make sure your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages. If your passport does not have two blank pages or is older than 10 years, you should get a new passport.
Collect the necessary supporting documents, including a signed visa application form, UK residence permit, travel medical insurance with the required minimum coverage, proof of sufficient means, invitation letter if necessary and so forth.
Types of valid Schengen visas
Hungary offers a wide range of visa options for different purposes of travel and stay: from short-term Schengen visas for tourism and business to long-term national visas for work, study and family reunification.
Short-Term Visa Purposes
A short stay visa to Hungary allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, or the entire period (up to 90 days) for which the visa will be single-entry, and have different purposes.
These include:
Tourism and leisure
Business travel and conferences
Transit through Hungary
Medical treatment
Cultural or religious events
Educational events organised
Sports competitions
Visits to extended family members or friends
These visas are suitable for temporary visits. Applicants must provide supporting documentation to prove the intended purpose of stay when applying for a short stay visa to Hungary.
Long-Term Visa Options
Long-term national visas are intended for applicants whose intended stay in Hungary is planned for more than 90 days. These visas are required for purposes such as work, education, research and family reunification.
The following specific categories are included: intra-corporate transfers, digital nomad (White Card) visas, guest self-employment and seasonal work permits.
Furthermore, Hungary offers visas for a range of purposes, including long-term medical treatment, volunteer work, and investment opportunities through the Investor Visitor Visa Programme.
Unlike short-term Schengen visas, long-term national visas usually require further processing of a residence permit, which is mandatory for long-term stays.
Choosing the Right Visa Application Centre
The application process in the UK for a Hungarian Schengen visa is primarily pursued through VFS Global, which is the official counterpart of the Hungarian Embassy.
The main embassy of Hungary is based in the UK capital, London.All visa application application submitted through VFS Global centres and the decision on visa issuance is made at the Hungarian Embassy. Choose a visa application centre according to your official place of residence.
It is vital to select the correct visa application centre based on your UK address, as applications submitted to the wrong address are unlikely to be accepted. When making an appointment online, the system will usually direct you to the correct visa application centre based on your postcode.
Please note that all applications, regardless of where they are submitted, are ultimately processed by the Hungary consular office in London. Applications from the London visa application centre arrive at the consulate the next working day, whereas applications from Edinburgh and Manchester take longer to be delivered.
Preparing for Your Visa Application
To prepare to apply for a Hungary visa in the UK, there are a few important steps to follow:
Download and complete the visa application form from the National Directorate General for Overseas Visas website.
Gather all the necessary supporting documents including: UK residence permit, proof of purpose, proof of sufficient means and proof of financial means.
Check current visa fees, payment options. Also check which services are subject to additional fee.
General Schengen Visa Procedures for Hungary in the UK
The procedure for hungary visa appointment the same as for visas of other Schengen countries.
Scheduling a Visa Appointment
To book an appointment at a Hungary visa application centre in the UK, follow the steps below:
Register on the VFS Global website and create an existing account.
Complete the online Schengen visa application form on the official Hungary government website.
Make an appointment to apply through VFS Global's online system by selecting your preferred date and place of application.
Pay the visa fee and additional fees during the booking process.
Prepare all necessary documents, including a signed visa application form, confirmation of appointment, passport and supporting documents.
Attend your appointment on the required day at the VFS Global centre of your choice, bringing all required documents with you.
Please note, applicants are advised to make an appointment well in advance of their intended travel date as processing times may vary.
Submitting Your Application and signed visa application form
On the day of your Hungary Schengen visa application, arrive at the VFS Global centre in the UK at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. Bring all supporting documents, including the completed application form, travel medical insurance with minimum coverage, uk residence permit, invitation letter, passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other supporting materials.
Staff will review your application for the completeness of your application package. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans for your main destination and the purpose of your visit. After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt with your passport tracking number to check the status of your online application. Processing usually takes 15 working days, but please note it may be longer in high season, which should be taken into account when choosing your intended departure date to Hungary.
Remember that the visa application centre does not make decisions on applications; the final approval of a Schengen visa comes from the Hungary consulate.
After Submitting Your Application
Once you have applied for a Hungarian Schengen visa at the VFS Global Centre in the UK, you will receive a tracking number to track the status of your visa application online.
The standard processing time for visa applications is usually 15 calendar days, although in some cases this may be extended to 45 days, subject to the consulate's prior notice.
Please note that you should avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets if your intended departure date to the Schengen area is soon. To check the status of your application:
Visit the VFS Global website
Select Hungary as your destination
Enter your application number and last name in the "Track Your Application" section.
If additional documents are required, you will be notified by the visa application centre or consulate by email. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified to collect your passport. You can collect it yourself at the visa application centre or by courier. Please pay attention to your valid visa information when you receive your passport to ensure that it is complete and accurate according to your intended stay in the Schengen area.
If your visa application is rejected, you can seek assistance from a visa application centre or consular officer to file an appeal procedure.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
Booking an appointment can be difficult due to limited availability. Consider the following strategies:
Use the bot that tracks VFS Global appointment bookings. They will notify you when appointment slots become available.
If there are no seats available on the site, as Reddit users report, you can call the VFS Visa Application Centre call centre to reserve a seat, but you can do so at least 25 days before your travel date.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Hungarian visa requires preparation and following criteria. The process involves identifying the appropriate visa type, gathering the required documents, making an appointment to apply, and submitting the application through VFS Global, Hungary's official UK visa process partner.
Key points to remember:
Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended travel date.
A complete package of supporting documents is crucial to avoid delays or visa rejections.
Collection of biometric data is mandatory unless it has been provided within the last 59 months for a Hungary Schengen visa.
Applicants from non-EU countries must ensure that their passport is valid for at least three months after the date of return and is no older than 10 years.
It is important to have proof of sufficient financial means and valid health insurance for travelling throughout the Schengen area.
Remember that having a valid visa does not guarantee entry; border guards may ask for additional documents upon arrival.
For a smooth application process, use online resources, prepare thoroughly, and plan enough time before your planned travel date. By following the recommendations of VFS Global and the Hungary Consulate, applicants can confidently navigate the visa application process and increase their chances of a successful outcome.
