Do you need ETIAS for Hungary?
Hungary draws visitors to Budapest’s grand riverfront, its thermal baths and the vineyards beyond the capital. Once ETIAS is live, eligible visa-exempt visitors will need an approved ETIAS before they arrive.
In brief
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Hungary at a glance for ETIAS
- Budapest city breaks and thermal baths
- the Danube and river cruises through Central Europe
- Lake Balaton summer holidays
- Christmas markets and spring festivals
- Eger, Pécs and the wine regions
Personalised check
What does ETIAS mean for your Hungary trip?
ETIAS will likely apply to your trip
With ETIAS expected to be mandatory for visa-exempt travellers from 2027 onwards, plan to apply through the official EU system before you travel.
- €20
- Fee
- 3 yrs
- Valid
- 90/180
- Stay limit
Guidance only, not an application. Always confirm on the official EU ETIAS website.
Is Hungary part of ETIAS?
Yes. Hungary is an EU country and a full member of the Schengen area, so it sits inside the ETIAS scheme. The same rules apply to Budapest, Lake Balaton and the wine regions around Eger and Tokaj.
Budapest, the thermal baths and Danube river cruises
Budapest is a fixture on Danube river cruises, often as the start or end point, and the city’s thermal baths pull in weekenders year-round. If your cruise docks in Hungary and you step ashore, that counts as entering, so ETIAS is expected to apply, and a single authorisation also covers the other Schengen countries the cruise visits. The total time ashore still counts toward your 90 days in 180.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS for Hungary?
Yes, UK passport holders are expected to need ETIAS for Hungary once the system becomes mandatory. That covers Budapest city breaks, Danube cruises, spa weekends and Lake Balaton summers, provided each stay sits within 90 days in any 180-day period.
Do US citizens need ETIAS for Hungary?
Yes. Americans are visa-exempt for short stays in Hungary and will need ETIAS once it becomes mandatory. Longer stays for work or study still require the appropriate Hungarian visa or residence permit.
Do Canadian and Australian citizens need ETIAS for Hungary?
Yes, Canadian and Australian passport holders are also expected to need ETIAS for Hungary once the system goes live, on the same basis as UK and US travellers.
How long can you stay in Hungary on ETIAS?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, with ETIAS itself valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires. Days in Hungary count toward the same Schengen total as days in Austria, Slovakia or the rest of the area.
When should you apply for ETIAS for Hungary?
Once ETIAS launches, apply a few days before you travel to allow for any checks. The official fee is expected to be €20.
EES and the border
Separately from ETIAS, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is already live at external Schengen borders. It records non-EU travellers’ entries and exits with a facial image and fingerprints instead of a passport stamp, and there is nothing to apply for. See EES explained and what to expect from EES delays.
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Common questions
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule?
ETIAS-eligible travellers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. ETIAS does not extend that limit; it only authorises short stays within the existing rules.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.