Hungary Visa Requirements for UK Nationals
Since Brexit, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals when travelling to Hungary. You can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, but living or working in Hungary requires a residence permit.
Quick facts for UK nationals
Short stays: up to 90 days
UK nationals can enter Hungary and the wider Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This covers holidays, business meetings, visiting family, and other short-term visits.
The 90-day limit is shared across all 29 Schengen countries. Time spent in France, Germany, Spain, or any other Schengen member counts toward the same 90 days. If you use your full 90 days, you need to leave the Schengen Area and wait another 90 days before returning.
During a short stay, you cannot take up employment or register a business in Hungary. If that is your goal, you will need a residence permit.
What changed after Brexit
Before 31 January 2020, UK nationals had full freedom of movement across the EU, including Hungary. You could live, work, and study without a visa or permit, just like any other EU citizen.
That ended with Brexit. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals arriving in Hungary are classified as third-country nationals. The Schengen 90/180-day rule now applies, and any stay beyond 90 days requires a residence permit.
If you already lived in Hungary before the transition period ended on 31 December 2020, you may be eligible for a national residence card under the Withdrawal Agreement. This card provides indefinite residency rights, is valid for 10 years, and can be renewed. Applications are submitted via the Enter Hungary platform. National settlement permits issued in 2021 are due for renewal in 2026.
Entry requirements
When entering Hungary, UK nationals should be prepared to show the following:
- Valid UK passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. Hungary does not accept expired UK passports, even within the old “9 months remaining” validity window.
- Health insurance: Travel health insurance covering the Schengen Area is strongly recommended. Border officials can ask for proof of coverage, and medical treatment without insurance can be expensive.
- Proof of funds: You may be asked to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. Bank statements or a credit card are usually sufficient.
- Proof of accommodation: A hotel booking, Airbnb reservation, or letter from a host can be requested at the border.
- Return or onward travel: Evidence that you plan to leave the Schengen Area before your 90 days expire, such as a return flight booking.
In practice, UK passport holders are rarely questioned at length at Hungarian border control. But carrying these documents means you are covered if asked.
ETIAS: coming in 2027
From 2027, UK nationals will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not a visa. It is an online pre-screening system similar to the US ESTA or Canadian eTA.
You complete the application online, pay a small fee, and receive approval (usually within minutes). It is valid for three years and covers multiple entries.
Staying longer than 90 days
If you want to live, work, or study in Hungary beyond the 90-day visa-free period, you need a Hungarian residence permit. As a visa-free national, you can enter Hungary first and then apply for your permit while in the country, either online via Enter Hungary or in person at the NDGAP (National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing) regional office.
Residence permits for UK nationals
Not sure which permit fits your situation? Our free permit finder quiz takes under 60 seconds and matches you with the right option.
Hungarian Embassy in the United Kingdom
For visa or consular enquiries before you travel, contact the Hungarian Embassy in London:
Information on this page is based on current Schengen visa policy, the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, and Hungarian immigration law. Requirements can change. Always verify with the Hungarian Embassy in London or the NDGAP before making plans.
Do UK nationals need a visa to visit Hungary?
No. UK nationals can visit Hungary and the wider Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and short visits. You cannot work or study during a visa-free stay.
How has Brexit affected UK nationals travelling to Hungary?
Before Brexit, UK nationals had full EU freedom of movement and could live and work in Hungary without restrictions. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals are classified as third-country nationals. Short visits are still visa-free (90 days in 180), but any stay beyond 90 days requires a residence permit. UK nationals who lived in Hungary before the end of the transition period may retain their residency rights through a national residence card.
Can UK nationals work in Hungary?
Not during a visa-free short stay. To work in Hungary, you need a residence permit that authorises employment. The most common options are the White Card (for remote workers employed by a company outside Hungary), the Guest Self-Employment permit (for entrepreneurs), or an Employment Permit (for those with a Hungarian employer).
What residence permits are available to UK nationals?
UK nationals can apply for any Hungarian residence permit they are eligible for, including the White Card (remote workers), Guest Self-Employment (entrepreneurs), Employment Permit (Hungarian employer), Family Reunification (joining family in Hungary), EU Blue Card (highly qualified workers), and Student Permit. As a visa-free national, you can enter Hungary first and apply for your permit while in the country.
Will UK nationals need ETIAS to visit Hungary?
Yes. From 2027, all visa-exempt nationals including UK citizens will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area. It is an online application with a small fee, typically approved within minutes, and valid for three years. It is not a visa.
How long does a UK passport need to be valid to enter Hungary?
Your UK passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years. If your passport does not meet both conditions, you should renew it before travelling.
Where is the Hungarian Embassy in the UK?
The Embassy of Hungary is at 35 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8BY. The consular section handles visa and immigration enquiries. Appointments are required for most services and can be booked through the embassy website at london.mfa.gov.hu.
Can UK nationals who lived in Hungary before Brexit keep their residency?
Yes. Under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, UK nationals and their family members who established residency in Hungary before 31 December 2020 can retain their rights through a national residence card. This card grants indefinite residency, is valid for 10 years, and can be renewed. Applications are submitted via the Enter Hungary platform.