The Hungarian passport (Magyar útlevél) is an official travel document issued by the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior, enabling Hungarian citizens to travel internationally.
The Hungary passport is one of the world’s most sought-after, landing within the top 16% of passports to have globally.
The Hungarian passport offers visa-free access to numerous countries and the benefits of EU citizenship. Whether you’re looking to travel freely, live and work across Europe, or secure a second passport, Hungary is one of the top options.
In this guide you will learn about:
Key Facts About the Hungary Passport
Hungary Passport Ranking
The Hungary passport ranking is one of the top things to know before pursuing the passport. Luckily, the Hungary passport ranks 32nd on the Hungary Global Passport Ranking by GCS. This is out of 199 passports, placing it within the top 16% of passports worldwide.
The Hungarian passport ranking is compiled from three different scores, including:
Index | Hungary's Rank | Score | Key Highlights |
Enhanced mobility score | 96.67 | 17th | Visa-free access to 181 countries |
Investment index | 61.9 | 34th | Highly attractive for foreign investors |
Quality of life index | 66.8 | 57th | Factors include cost of living, sustainability, and migrant acceptance |
Overall, the Hungary passport ranks well compared with many other sought-after passports.
Hungary Passport Types
There are few different types of Hungarian passports, let’s take a closer look:
- Ordinary passport: The standard passport that is given to Hungarian citizens.
- Diplomatic passport: Issued to members of the Hungarian government and diplomats, specifically for travelling for official purposes.
- Service passport: For those part of the Hungarian government or diplomats that aren’t eligible for diplomatic passports.
- Temporary passport: Provided to Hungarian citizens that need to travel urgently if their ordinary passport has been lost or damaged.
Hungary Passport Benefits
Benefits of the Hungary passport include:
EU citizenship: The biggest benefit for Hungarian passport holders is that they enjoy the same rights and privileges of all other members of the European Union. This includes the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
Visa free travel: The Hungarian passport allows for visa free travel to over 180 countries worldwide, including the Schengen Area, EU countries, and non-EU countries. Some top visa free countries include Cyprus, Austria, Argentina, France, Denmark, Italy, the UK, USA, and Mexico.
Dual citizenship: Hungary permits dual citizenship. This can open travel options astronomically for those that hold non-EU passports, making travelling even easier.
Healthcare access: Hungarian passport holders have access to the fantastic Hungarian healthcare system as well as healthcare systems in other EU countries under certain conditions. Additionally, Hungarian citizens can access the European Health Insurance Card.
Access to education: As a member of the EU, Hungarian citizens can access a range of educational opportunities across the EU.
Investment opportunities: Those with a Hungarian passport have access to a world of investment options in the European Union. The Hungary Golden Visa offers the ideal opportunity to obtain the Hungary passport through naturalization, while opening the door for potential investment opportunities in Hungary.
Read our Hungary Golden Visa Guide
Hungary Passport Visa Free Countries
Here are the accessible countries to those with a Hungarian passport:
Albania | Angola | Antigua and Barbuda |
Argentina | Armenia | Austria |
Barbados | Belarus | Belgium |
Belize | Bolivia | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Botswana | Brazil | Brunei |
Bulgaria | Cape Verde | Chile |
China | Colombia | Costa Rica |
Croatia | Cyprus | Denmark |
Dominica | Ecuador | El Salvador |
Estonia | Eswatini | Fiji |
Finland | France | Georgia |
Germany | Greece | Grenada |
Guatemala | Haiti | Honduras |
Iceland | Ireland | Israel |
Italy | Jamaica | Japan |
Kazakhstan | Kiribati | Kyrgyzstan |
Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania |
Luxembourg | Malaysia | Malta |
Mauritius | Mexico | Micronesia |
Moldova | Mongolia | Montenegro |
Morocco | Nicaragua | North Macedonia |
Norway | Palau | Panama |
Paraguay | Peru | Poland |
Portugal | Qatar | Romania |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Samoa | Senegal | Serbia |
Seychelles | Singapore | Slovakia |
Slovenia | South Africa | Spain |
Suriname | Sweden | Switzerland |
São Tomé and Príncipe | Tajikistan | Thailand |
The Bahamas | The Czech Republic | The Dominican Republic |
The Gambia | The Marshall Islands | The Netherlands |
The Philippines | The Solomon Islands | The United Arab Emirates |
The United Kingdom | The United States | Timor-Leste |
Tonga | Trinidad and Tobago | Tunisia |
Turkey | Tuvalu | Ukraine |
Uruguay | Uzbekistan | Vanuatu |
Venezuela | Zambia |
Step-by-Step Process for Applying for a Hungarian Passport
To obtain a Hungary passport you need to go through the passport application process. This is generally done at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Step one: Gather the required documents
The documents required for a Hungarian passport application are quite straightforward, you will need the following to apply for the Hungary passport:
- A valid Hungarian ID card/driver’s license
- A birth certificate (If this is the first Hungarian passport application)
- Proof of address: This can be in the form of a residence card or utility bill
- Passport photos
- Proof of citizenship: Applicable to those who obtained Hungarian citizenship by descent, naturalization, or marriage.
- Completed application form
- Marriage certificate: If you want your passport in your married name
2. Step two: Submit the application
If you are in Hungary, book an appointment online, and take your completed application and all documents to the district offices of Hungary. If you are outside Hungary at the time of the application, take all forms and documents to your nearest Hungarian embassy.
You will need to submit your biometric information (fingerprints). Most passports for the European Union are now biometric as it allows for swifter processing and makes things safer for everyone.
3. Step three: Pay the consular fees
At this stage you will also be required to pay the Hungarian passport application fees. After this, you will need to wait for your passport application to be processed.
4. Step four: Collect your passport
Once passport applications have been processed you will be notified to collect your passport.
Hungary Passport Renewal
The Hungarian passport renewal process is generally the same as the above, with a few exceptions:
To renew your Hungarian passport
- Make an appointment at a Hungarian consulate
- Provide proof of citizenship (Hungarian passport, citizenship certificate, document of naturalization)
- Provide the required documents (old passport, proof of address, passport photos etc.)
- Pay the passport renewal fees
There are certain cases that may require specific documents:
- If your Hungary passport is lost, stolen, or damaged: You will need to provide a police report for a replacement passport.
- Applying for a Hungarian passport for a minor: Both parents must be present, or one parent must provide written consent.
Hungarian passport validity period
The validity period of the Hungarian passport is as follows:
- Adults (18-65): 5 or 10 years
- Children (6-12): 5 years
- Children (under 6): 3 years
Hungary Passport Processing Time
Generally, the Hungary passport application processing time is about 4-6 weeks. However, there are options to expedite the process if necessary for urgent or emergency travel. You may also receive a temporary passport under certain circumstances.
Hungary Passport Costs
The Hungarian passport cost varies based on the type of passport you receive:
Item | Cost |
Normal passport (five years) | 7,500 HUF (€18.51) |
Normal passport (ten years) | 14,000 HUF (€34.55) |
Normal passport under 6 years old: | 2,500 HUF (€6.17) |
Normal passport between 6-18 years old | 2,500 HUF (€6.17) |
In extraordinary circumstances (seven days) | 19,000 HUF (€46,88) |
In urgent cases (three days) | 29,000 HUF (€71.56) |
In prompt cases (24 hours) | 39,000 HUF (€96.24) |
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Hungary Passport
How strong is a Hungarian passport?
The Hungarian passport ranks 32nd on the Global Passport Index, putting it within the top 16% of passports globally.
Who qualifies for a Hungarian passport?
To qualify for the Hungarian passport, you must be a Hungarian citizen. For those not born in Hungary, this means applying for citizenship by descent, by marriage, or by naturalization.
Can I go to USA with Hungarian passport?
Yes, Hungarian travelers do not need a visa for short-term visits to the United States. However, they must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for tourism, business, or transit.
Can an American get a Hungarian passport?
Yes, American citizens can get a Hungarian passport if they fulfil the eligibility criteria of the type of citizenship they want to pursue, including by marriage, descent, or naturalization.
What are the benefits of having a Hungary passport in 2024?
Benefits of having a Hungary passport include, having visa-free access to over 180 countries and having access to the EU with the relevant benefits like healthcare and education.
Does Hungary permit dual citizenship?
Yes, Hungary permits dual citizenship. This means if your home country permits dual citizenship, you can have multiple passports.
How long does it take to get a Hungarian passport?
A normal Hungary passport generally takes about 4-6 weeks. There are options to expedite the process in seven days, three days, and 24 hours, depending on the circumstances.
How much does a Hungary passport cost?
A normal Hungary passport costs between 7,500 HUF (€18.51) and 39,000 HUF (€96.24), depending on if your passport is being processed normally or in an emergency case.
Can foreigners apply for a Hungary passport?
Yes! Foreign nationals can apply for a Hungary passport if they fulfil all the eligibility criteria of the chosen citizenship route.
How can I get a Hungarian passport?
To obtain a Hungarian passport, you must first acquire Hungarian citizenship, which can be obtained through birth, marriage, naturalization, or other eligible routes.
What documents are needed for a Hungarian passport application?
To apply for a Hungarian passport, you will typically need: a recent passport photo, a completed application form, and a Hungarian birth certificate. If your name has changed, you will also need a Hungarian marriage certificate. You must provide a valid Hungarian ID card or an expired passport (within the last year). If you don’t have a Hungarian ID card, a certificate of Hungarian citizenship may be required to prove your citizenship.
Can I apply for a Hungarian passport online?
No, it is not possible to apply for a Hungarian passport online. You must submit your application in person at a Hungarian consulate or embassy.
