Budapest’s thermal baths, the Danube and Central Europe’s best value make Hungary a smart, friendly Schengen pick for Indians — it has one of the higher approval rates and a notably low daily-funds requirement. A Hungary tourist visa is a short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa for up to 90 days, applied through VFS Global. This is your complete India-specific guide: jurisdiction, fees, funds, the official invitation, and 27 answered questions. At FastVisa123 (fastvisa123.com) we file Hungarian Schengen applications for Indians for a flat fee.
Hungary tourist visa at a glance
Type: Schengen short-stay (Type C), up to 90 days. Apply via: VFS Global (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata). Fee: €90 adult + VFS (~₹2,010). Funds: a low official bar of about €24/day (show comfortably more). Processing: ~15 working days, ~87% approval. FastVisa123 builds the whole file.
Where to apply & jurisdiction
Hungary uses VFS Global as the service provider for the Embassy of Hungary in New Delhi, with centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. An appointment is mandatory for biometrics and submission. Visiting several countries? Apply to Hungary only if it is your main destination.
Hungary visa fees (2026)
| Applicant | Visa fee |
|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | €90 (about ₹9,000) |
| Child 6–12 | €45 |
| Child under 6 | Free |
| VFS service fee | ~₹2,010 (+ optional courier) — non-refundable |
Funds & why Hungary is accessible
Hungary’s official daily requirement is modest — about €24 per day — one of the lowest in the Schengen Area, which (with an ~87% approval rate) makes it one of the more accessible destinations for Indians. Still, show a steady balance comfortably above that, backed by ITR/Form 16, since funds and ties always matter. See proof of funds.
Documents Hungary expects
- Passport (within 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages);
- Application form + two 35×45 mm photos;
- €30,000 travel insurance (insurance guide);
- Bank statements (3–6 months) + ITR;
- Cover letter, itinerary, round-trip flight reservation and accommodation;
- Employment proof — NOC/leave letter;
- Official invitation if hosted (below).
Official invitation (family/friend stays)
If a host in Hungary invites you, the invitation letter should be issued and endorsed by the Hungarian immigration authority (Office of Immigration) or certified by a public notary, along with the inviter’s ID and residence permit. For visits to relatives, tick ‘visiting family/friends’, not Tourism. More in our sponsorship guide.
💬 What applicants are actually saying
The loudest 2026 complaint in traveller communities is appointment slots vanishing within minutes, plus refusals for weak funds or unclear plans. Read real outcomes in our approved-or-rejected stories, the rejection-reasons guide, and how to grab a slot in our appointment-slots guide.
Processing & after the decision
Hungary usually decides within about 15 working days and is comparatively welcoming to well-documented Indian tourists. Apply early and book ahead in summer when slots fill fast. A formal interview is uncommon (interview reality). If refused, reapply or appeal; biometrics may be reused within ~5 years.
Hungary visa: do vs don’t
✅ Do
Show steady funds comfortably above €24/day. Use an endorsed official invitation for hosted stays. Keep dates consistent. Apply early in summer.
❌ Don’t
Don’t assume the low day-rate means no funds proof. Don’t show a sudden lump-sum deposit. Don’t tick Tourism for a family visit. Don’t buy non-refundable tickets before approval.
Get your Hungary tourist visa filed right
FastVisa123 builds your funds and document set and files the whole Hungarian application — flat ₹10,000. Indian travellers, start at fastvisa123.com.
Approval green flags vs refusal red flags
🟢 Green flags (officers love these)
A steady 3–6 month bank balance backed by ITR; a clear, dated day-by-day itinerary; a confirmed return ticket and matching hotels; strong ties to India (job, family, property); an approved leave letter or NOC; and one consistent story across every document.
🔴 Red flags (officers refuse for these)
A sudden lump-sum deposit days before applying; a vague “Europe tour” with no real plan; dates that disagree across form, tickets and hotels; weak or no ties to India; ticking Tourism for a family visit; and applying at the wrong consulate.
Hungary tourist visa: 27 common questions answered
1. Where do I apply for a Hungary tourist visa in India?
FastVisa123: Through VFS Global, the service provider for the Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi, with centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
2. Is Hungary easy to get a visa from for Indians?
FastVisa123: Comparatively, yes — Hungary has one of the higher approval rates (around 87%) and a low daily-funds bar, making it one of the more accessible Schengen destinations for well-documented applicants.
3. How much money do I need for a Hungary visa?
FastVisa123: Hungary’s official requirement is about €24 per day — one of the lowest — but show a steady balance comfortably above that with ITR, since funds and ties still matter.
4. What is the Hungary tourist visa fee?
FastVisa123: €90 for adults (about ₹9,000), €45 for children 6–12, free under 6, plus a VFS service fee of around ₹2,010 and an optional courier charge.
5. How long does a Hungary tourist visa take?
FastVisa123: Usually around 15 working days from your VFS appointment, longer in the summer peak. Apply several weeks ahead to be safe.
6. What is the official invitation for Hungary?
FastVisa123: If a host invites you, the invitation should be issued and endorsed by the Hungarian immigration authority (or certified by a notary), with the inviter’s ID and residence permit, for family/friend visits.
7. Can a relative or friend in Hungary invite me?
FastVisa123: Yes. They provide an endorsed official invitation plus ID and residence proof, and you apply as visiting family/friends rather than as a tourist.
8. Is Hungary a budget-friendly Schengen trip?
FastVisa123: Yes — Budapest and Hungary are among the more affordable European destinations, and the low daily-funds bar reflects that, helping your money stretch further.
9. Do I need ITR or Form 16 for a Hungary visa?
FastVisa123: Yes, it is recommended — the last 2 to 3 years of ITR or Form 16 to show your income genuinely supports your balance.
10. How many months of bank statements does Hungary want?
FastVisa123: Typically 3 to 6 months, bank-issued, showing a steady balance and consistent activity rather than a sudden last-minute deposit.
11. Should I tick Tourism or visiting family on the form?
FastVisa123: Tick the true purpose — visiting family/friends if you are staying with relatives, not Tourism. Mismatching is a common refusal reason.
12. What accommodation proof does Hungary accept?
FastVisa123: Hotel or Airbnb bookings covering your whole stay, or a host’s official invitation, matching your itinerary dates.
13. Do I need a confirmed flight ticket or a reservation?
FastVisa123: A confirmed round-trip reservation is enough for the application. Buy the paid ticket only after approval to avoid losing money if refused.
14. What travel insurance does Hungary require?
FastVisa123: Travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover, valid across the Schengen Area for your whole trip, including emergency medical and repatriation.
15. What are the photo requirements?
FastVisa123: Two recent 35×45 mm photos on a white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within 6 months. See our photo guide on fastvisa123.com.
16. Are Hungary appointment slots hard to get?
FastVisa123: In summer, yes — demand is high and slots fill fast. Book early, try alternate VFS cities, and watch for cancellations. See our appointment-slots guide on fastvisa123.com.
17. Do I apply to Hungary if visiting other Schengen countries?
FastVisa123: Only if Hungary is your main destination — the country of most nights or main purpose. Otherwise apply to that country.
18. What cover letter does Hungary expect?
FastVisa123: A clear day-by-day plan, your purpose, funding and reasons to return to India, consistent with your documents. Use our template on fastvisa123.com.
19. What are common reasons Hungary refuses a visa?
FastVisa123: Weak or inconsistent funds, an unclear purpose, poor ties to India, or missing documents. The bar is reasonable for genuine, well-documented tourists.
20. Does Hungary interview applicants or verify by phone?
FastVisa123: A formal interview is uncommon for tourists. The consulate may ask questions or verify details, so keep your documents consistent and contacts reachable.
21. How early can I apply for a Hungary visa?
FastVisa123: Up to 6 months before travel and no later than about 2 weeks before. Apply early in the busy summer season.
22. How many entries and how long is the Hungary visa valid?
FastVisa123: It varies by case; first-timers often get a single or short multiple-entry visa, while travel history can earn longer validity. Days are capped at 90 in any 180.
23. What if my Hungary visa is refused?
FastVisa123: If the reason is fixable, reapply with a stronger file; if it was a clear error, appeal within the deadline. See our reapply and appeal guides on fastvisa123.com.
24. Are my biometrics reused for a Hungary visa?
FastVisa123: If you gave Schengen fingerprints within the last 59 months they can often be reused, letting you skip the biometric visit, though a fresh photo and documents are still required.
25. Can a first-timer or unemployed applicant get a Hungary visa?
FastVisa123: Yes. A blank passport is not a barrier, and unemployed applicants can apply with strong savings, a sponsor and clear ties to India. Details on fastvisa123.com.
26. Is Hungary a good first Schengen trip?
FastVisa123: Yes — its high approval rate, low costs and friendly process make Budapest a great first European trip for Indians, provided your documents are consistent.
27. Can FastVisa123 handle my Hungary tourist visa application?
FastVisa123: Yes. FastVisa123 builds your funds and document set and files the whole Hungarian application — for a flat ₹10,000. Start at fastvisa123.com.
28. Do Indians need ETIAS for Hungary?
FastVisa123: No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation only for visa-exempt nationalities, and Indian passport holders are not eligible — you must apply for a Schengen visa for Hungary. Ignore any ‘ETIAS for India’ website; it does not apply to you, and FastVisa123 files the actual visa you need.
29. Can I work or study in Hungary on this tourist visa?
FastVisa123: No. A Type C tourist visa is strictly for tourism or visiting, and cannot be used to work or study, nor converted from inside the Schengen Area. Long-term work or study needs a different national visa applied for from India.
30. Can I extend my Hungary tourist visa once I am there?
FastVisa123: Only in rare, unforeseeable cases such as serious illness or force majeure, applied for locally before it expires. Wanting more holiday time is not a valid reason, so plan your dates correctly before you fly.
31. Can I visit other Schengen countries on a Hungary visa?
FastVisa123: Yes. A uniform Schengen visa issued by Hungary lets you travel across all Schengen countries, as long as Hungary remains your main destination and you stay within 90 days in any 180-day period.
32. Do my children need their own Hungary visa?
FastVisa123: Yes. Each child needs a separate application and visa with their own photo, birth certificate, both parents’ consent and supporting documents. Children under 6 are usually free and ages 6–12 pay a reduced fee.
33. How do I track my Hungary visa application?
FastVisa123: After you submit at VFS, you get a reference number to track the application online and by email, and a couriered passport is tracked via the courier (such as Blue Dart) using that number. FastVisa123 keeps you updated at every stage.
34. Is a VFS appointment mandatory for Hungary, or can I walk in?
FastVisa123: An appointment is mandatory for almost all applicants, including minors, to give biometrics and submit documents, and each person needs their own. A few consulates run limited walk-in windows, but assume an appointment is required.
35. Can I apply for my whole family in one go?
FastVisa123: Each traveller needs a separate application, appointment and visa sticker for Hungary, including every child; a parent signs for minors. You can attend together, but the files are assessed individually.
36. What if I apply too close to my travel date?
FastVisa123: Apply at least about 15 days before travel. Applications lodged with departure under 15 days away are usually returned unprocessed (fees may be refunded), so apply early — ideally 4–8 weeks ahead in peak season.
37. Can I enter Hungary before my visa’s start date?
FastVisa123: No. You may enter only from the ‘valid from’ date on your sticker and must use the visa within its validity. Arriving early risks denied boarding or entry, so match your flights to the visa dates.
Heading to Croatia? See Croatia tourist visa (Type C) from India guide.
Heading to Poland? See Poland tourist visa (Type C) from India guide.
Heading to Slovakia? See Slovakia tourist visa (Type C) from India guide.
Heading to Romania? See Romania tourist visa (Type C) from India guide.
Refused by Hungary? See what to do if your Hungary visa is refused (reasons & appeal).
Official source: Official Hungary government visa information