USA restores visa waiver programme for Hungary

This decision reverses restrictions previously placed on Hungarian citizens’ ability to travel under the VWP, as well as their ability to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

In early 2021, DHS revoked already-issued ESTAs of all Hungarian passport holders born outside of Hungary and continued to deny new ESTA applications to Hungarian applicants born outside of Hungary. In August of 2023, the Biden Administration reduced the ESTA validity period for Hungarian travelers from two years to just one year, while also limiting ESTAs to a single use. 

Now that the government of Hungary has taken action requested by the U.S. government to address security vulnerabilities, the restrictions imposed by the previous administration have been lifted, and Hungarian citizens now have expanded access to travel between Hungary and the United States,

the Embassy said in a statement.

Hungarians will be able to apply for an ESTA with a two-year validity period which can be used for multiple entries by September 30, 2025.

The abolition of restrictions on the Visa Waiver Programme could also mean that restrictions on Hungarian citizens living across the border are lifted.

"This decision reaffirms the integrity of the VWP and facilitates secure travel between the United States and Hungary. Only nations with the highest standards of security are granted visa-free access to the United States," the Embassy added.

Commenting on the news, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó emphasised that this is another significant achievement since Donald Trump's inauguration in January. This achievement comes on top of the surge in US investment in Hungary and the lifting of political sanctions.

Cover image (for illustration purposes only): Getty Images