How to apply for a Hungary Visa from India

Written by Axel Strauss
DATE: 20/06/2024 

Hungary is home to the first subway line built in continental Europe. As well as the second-highest number of thermal springs in the world. And the third-largest parliament building in the world. Oh, and nearly 400 different species of birds. Its beautiful capital of Budapest, meanwhile, is made up of two parts — Buda and Pest (separated by the Danube river), and nearly 70 million liters of thermal water rise to its surface each day! 

These, of course — along with its rich history, unparalleled culture, and mouth-watering cuisine like goulash and csiga — are just a few of the reasons why more and more Indian nationals are choosing Hungary as a top European travel destination each year. If you plan to be one of them, however, you’ll likely need a Schengen visa. And AXA can help.

How can I get a Hungary visa from India?

First off, let’s start with why Indian nationals need one. Along with ranking 8th in the world for medallists at the Summer Olympic Games, Hungary is also one of the ​​countries in the Schengen Zone. This means that most non-Schengen-country nationals need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter its borders. 

And while many countries — Brazil, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., the UAE, and so on — have visa-free travel agreements with the Schengen zone, India, unfortunately, does not. So if you’re an Indian citizen, you will need a visa for the Schengen zone, Hungary included. 

The process for applying for a Hungarian Schengen visa from India, meanwhile, requires some time, paperwork, and patience. But it’s also fairly universal — i.e., similar to the general processes of applying for a Schengen Visa from India / applying for a Schengen visa to Hungary. 

But don’t worry! To save you some time, AXA also went ahead and compiled a comprehensive step-by-step breakdown of what exactly you’ll need to do to apply specifically for Hungary from India!

What type of Hungary visa from India can I apply for?

First, figure out which Schengen visa works best for you. This will depend mainly on the purpose and length of your trip. 

There are four basic types of Schengen Visa. And the most common one to Hungary from India — and anywhere else — is the short-stay (aka the Type C or the “tourist”) visa. It allows you to travel to Hungary (and its 26 Schengen neighbors) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 

Planning on working and/or studying in the "Land of Thermal Baths"? Then you’ll need to opt for either a ​​Schengen business visa, Schengen work visa, or Schengen student visa. 

Planning to travel to Hungary frequently? Then a multiple-entry visa is your best bet.

When should I apply?

Next, make sure you properly time things. That is, you must apply for your visa no more than six months and no fewer than 15 days before your trip. But be sure to give yourself plenty of time to prep all the paperwork too..

What documents do I need for a Hungary visa from India?

What documents for your Schengen visa* you’ll need exactly will also depend on your particular situation. But, generally speaking, you should have: 

  • a Schengen Visa application form two passport photos (taken within the last three months) 
  • your passport (issued less than 10 years ago, valid for at least three months after your planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and with at least two blank pages) 
  • a photocopy of the passport page (or pages) with biometric data (if applicable) 
  • travel insurance for Hungary (covering you up to costs of €30,000) 
  • your full travel itinerary proof of paid visa fee (IMPORTANT: your application will not be processed if you don’t include the receipt from the required visa fee) 
  • proof of sufficient financial means (for your entire stay in the Schengen area) 
  • proof of accommodation (if applicable) 
  • a letter of invitation (if applicable) 

Make some extra A4-size copies of everything just in case too. And DO NOT staple any documents.

What if I want a Hungary visa to work or study?

If you are planning to work and/or study in Hungary (for fewer than 90 days), you’ll likely also need:

  • An employment contract;
  • A recent bank statement;
  • A no-objection letter from your Indian employer;
  • An income tax return;
  • Proof of enrolment at an educational institution in Hungary;
  • A no-objection letter from your current Indian educational institution (if applicable). 

If you plan to study in Hungary for more than 90 days, however, you will need to apply for a national study visa and/or residency permit (as well as provide proof of enrollment). 

And for work visas longer than 90 days, you’ll need to obtain a residency permit (and provide evidence of a salaried employment contract). 

*IMPORTANT TIP: AXA continuously strives to provide you with the most reliable and updated information available regarding travel to the Schengen zone. But keep in mind that individual countries (and their embassies and consulates) may modify their visa rules and regulations at any time. So make sure you double-check exactly what documents you’ll need for your Hungary visa from India with the official website of Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How much does a Hungary Schengen visa from India cost?

The costs of the Schengen Visa are universal, and the standard fee* for one adult from India is therefore €90 (or roughly ₹8,063.25).

For children between the ages of six and twelve, it’s €45 (or roughly ₹4, 033.46). 

And kids under the age of six can get a Schengen visa for free. 

In certain cases, the visa fee may also be waived for:

  • participants in certain seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, and/or educational events (25yo or under);
  • students/teachers on study and/or training trips;
  • certain professionals traveling for scientific research. 

PRO-TIP: Keep in mind that you’ll also likely have to pay some extra administrative and/or service fees associated with your visa center and/or the corresponding officials. And that these fees are not reimbursed if your visa is refused.

When and where should I apply for a Hungary visa in India?

You should submit your application for your Hungary Schengen visa no earlier than 6 months and no later than 2-3 weeks before your trip. And that goes for India or anywhere else. And note that — while you can begin the process online, you will eventually need to visit a Hungarian embassy or consulate in person* — for biometrics collection and document submission. 

In terms of place — the official route for Hungarian visa applications from India is the Embassy of Hungary in New Delhi. And their website has a ton of useful info about how to apply, schedule an appointment, and so on. 

But the Hungarian government also partners with the company VFS Global for its Schengen visa applications in India. And VFS Global, meanwhile, has centers in the following ten cities:

  • Ahmedabad
  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Delhi
  • Hyderabad
  • Jalandhar
  • Kochi
  • Kolkata
  • Mumbai
  • Pune 

Let us tell you ​how to book a VFS Global appointment 

In other words, you have a few options for where to apply. 

PRO-TIP 2: But no matter where you’re applying, be sure to schedule an appointment for your visa application well in advance — especially during peak travel seasons. And give yourself plenty of travel time (to the visa center or embassy, that is), if need be. 

*HOPEFUL NOTE: While, again, to apply for your visa you will need to be physically present at some point, the EU does plan to bring the whole Schengen Visa application online eventually. However, the exact date the change takes place has yet to be announced. And our fingers, meanwhile, remain crossed.

What about ETIAS and EES?

And then there’s also the “European Information and Authorization System” — aka ETIAS — is the EU’s new (but long-awaited), mostly digital system of requirements for entering Europe. According to the EU’s official website, ETIAS is set to go into effect in “mid-2025.” 
However, the EU first needs to implement its “Entry/Exit System” — aka EES. And EES is intended to replace traditional passport stamping. As of early 2024, the EU’s website states that EES will be implemented “starting in the second half of 2024.” 

For now, neither ETIAS nor EES have yet to affect travel to the Schengen. And neither ETIAS nor EES will necessarily replace the Schengen visa either. 

However, both systems are intended to make travel for everyone easier — to Hungary or anywhere else. And from India or anywhere else too. So AXA recommends you check back with the official source above (i.e., the EU) for the latest developments. And, like us, hope for the best. 

PRO-TIP 3: AXA can tell you more about a few other key changes Europe has planned for 2024 too.

How can AXA help?

And along with all of the above, there’s actually one more crucial way AXA can help make your trip to Hungary from India a reality. And that’s by providing you with affordable, top-quality travel insurance. In fact, not only is travel insurance a requirement for being granted your Schengen visa to Hungary — but it also happens to be what we do best! 

For example, all three AXA plans — Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the requirements for being granted a Schengen visa. Just in case, said requirements stipulate that your plan:

  • Guarantees minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
  • Covers any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons 
  • Covers you in all member states of the Schengen Area (not just Hungary)
  • Covers you during the entire duration of your trip and stay in the Schengen Zone. 

Moreover, in most circumstances, AXA will refund your insurance fees if your visa application is rejected. We’ll only ask that you provide official documentation explaining why your visa was refused (from the relevant Hungarian embassy, consulate, or visa application center). 

Furthermore:

  • Our plans can be purchased online in a matter of minutes
  • They have no age restrictions.
  • AXA travel insurance certificates — accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and VFS Global centers worldwide — can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too.
  • All three plans include remote medical consultation — 24 hours a day, wherever you are (known as ​“Doctor, Please!”);
  • And our plans cover you in all Schengen territories (and beyond) — not just in Hungary.  

So compare and learn more about our 3 comprehensive plans today. With AXA’s 24/7 coverage and ongoing support, your Hungarian adventure — from thermal baths to historical wonders to delicious cuisine — is sure to be that much more enjoyable and worry-free.

How to apply for other Schengen countries from India

And, finally — thinking about visiting a few other Schengen countries from India? Well, AXA can help you apply for a visa to nearly half of them — in alphabetical order — below. 

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FAQ

The currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian forint, abbreviated as Ft. As of mid-2024 the approximate exchange rates are: 
1 Euro (EUR) = 380 Hungarian Forint (Ft) 
1 Indian Rupee (INR) = 5.4 Hungarian Forint (Ft) 

Can Indians stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days?

Yes. However, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay Schengen visa to do so. 

What happens if I overstay my visa?

The consequences of overstaying your visa range from paying a fine, deportation, jail time, or even being banned from ever visiting France again. Fortunately, AXA is happy to help you avoid all of them. 

Are there any COVID restrictions for entering Hungary from India?

No. As of late 2022, all COVID restrictions for visiting the EU and the Schengen zone have been lifted. 

What European countries are visa-free for Indians?

Out of Europe’s nearly 50 sovereign nations (Schengen and other), the only two that currently don’t require Indian nationals to have a visa to enter their borders are Albania and Serbia.

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