The US has restored full access to the Visa Waiver Program for Hungary: from September 30, 2025, Hungarians will be able to obtain two-year ESTA permits for multiple trips, although the processing fee will increase to $40. Learn about the changes in travel rules for Hungarians in 2025

From September 30, 2025, Hungarian citizens will once again be able to enjoy all the benefits of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means that they will receive standard two-year ESTA permits valid for multiple entries for trips to America. The decision was an important diplomatic signal and ended a period of restrictions that had lasted several years.

Read about the main features, requirements and benefits of the Visa Waiver Program in this article.

ESTA is an electronic authorization to enter the USA for citizens of countries participating in the visa-free program. Read here how to apply, what documents are required, who is eligible for ESTA and what you need to know before traveling.

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Why did Hungary lose its visa-free travel?

The restrictions on Hungarian travelers began in 2021, when the US Department of Homeland Security began revoking valid ESTA permits from Hungarian passport holders born abroad. New applications from this category of citizens were also rejected. The American side explained such steps by security shortcomings and fraud risks associated with the simplified naturalization procedure for ethnic Hungarians outside the country.

The situation became even more complicated in August 2023. Then the validity of ESTA permits for Hungarians was reduced from two to one year, and the document itself allowed only one entry. This effectively made Hungary's participation in the program partially limited, unlike the other 41 US partner countries.

Hungary to Regain Visa-Free Travel to the US in 2025

On September 16, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security announced Hungary’s full return to the VWP. According to an official statement, this became possible after the Hungarian authorities implemented the steps proposed by the US to address vulnerabilities in document verification and security.

Interior Minister Kristi Noem noted that “Hungarian citizens now have expanded access to travel between Hungary and the United States.” In turn, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called the decision “the return of visa-free travel to the US” and emphasized that it demonstrates friendly relations between Washington and Budapest.

What will change for travelers with the introduction of visa-free travel to the US Hungary?

On the practical side, Hungarian citizens will receive the same travel conditions as participants from other countries: a two-year ESTA validity period and the possibility of multiple use. This will greatly facilitate travel planning and remove restrictions that have been in place for the past four years.

However, from September 30, 2025, another innovation will come into effect for all participants in the visa-free travel program - an increase in the cost of ESTA. The administrative fee will increase from US $ 21 to US $ 40. According to the US authorities, these funds will be used to finance related federal programs and cover the costs of administering the system.

The restoration of full status in the visa-free travel program puts Hungary on a par with other US partner countries. This is not only a practical relief for travelers, but also an important political signal about improving cooperation in the field of security and diplomacy.

Thus, travel to the United States for Hungarian citizens will once again become easier and more convenient, albeit more expensive due to the increase in ESTA fees.

Want to prepare for your trip without unnecessary worries? The Travel Guide from Visit World will help you go through all the stages of travel preparation step by step. It is your reliable tool for confident preparation for your trip.

Photo – Freepik

Reminder! Argentina has applied to join the US Visa Waiver Program. Read here about the conditions, deadlines, prospects and benefits for citizens and foreign investors.

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