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U.S. Restores Hungary’s Full Access to Visa Waiver Program

DHS says Budapest addressed security vulnerabilities that had prompted prior limits on Hungarian travelers.

MIAMI - JULY 2: People wait in line to have their passports checked by Immigration inspectors July 2, 2002 at Miami International Airport in Miami, Forida. Inspectors are using the new multi-agency DataShare database which gives not only biographic information but also pictures of visa holders. At more than 300 ports of entry across the U.S. the new system is being used for visa holders who receive their documents at consular posts around the world. While information on immigrant visas has been available through DataShare since 1995, information on temporary visitors, or non-immigrants, has been widely available on DataShare only since January of this year. The addition of non-immigrant information to the DataShare system was put on a fast-track immediately following the September terrorist attacks. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban as he arrives at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 13, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sign is seen on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Building in Washington D.C., United States on January 5, 2023. | DHS
A map shows European countries which are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program as of September 16, 2025.

Overview

  • Starting Sept. 30, 2025, Hungarian citizens can apply for two-year, multiple-entry ESTA authorizations for visits of up to 90 days.
  • The decision lifts restrictions imposed in 2021 and tightened in 2023 over concerns tied to Hungary’s citizenship and vetting practices.
  • DHS officials said Hungary implemented U.S.-requested measures to meet the program’s security standards.
  • U.S. diplomats in Budapest framed the step as evidence of improving relations under President Trump and credited Hungary’s recent actions.
  • Hungary remains among the roughly 40 nations whose citizens can travel to the United States without a visa under the program.