U.S. Restores Hungary’s Visa Waiver Status; ESTA Valid Two Years

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has fully restored Hungary’s status in the Visa Waiver Program, effective September 30, 2025, returning Hungarian citizens to the standard Electronic System for Travel Authorization rules that apply to other participating countries. Starting on that date, Hungarians can again apply for ESTA approvals that are valid for two years, allow multiple entries, and permit short stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business without a visa.

DHS also removed earlier limits that had made ESTA approvals for Hungarian nationals valid for only one year and for a single entry, and reversed measures that had affected Hungarian nationals born outside Hungary. Hungary’s return to full Visa Waiver Program benefits follows steps taken by the Hungarian government to address U.S. security concerns that triggered a gradual tightening beginning in 2021. According to DHS, those concerns have now been resolved to the department’s satisfaction, clearing the way for complete restoration.

VisaVerge.com reports that this move places Hungary back on the same footing as the other 41 countries in the program, closing a chapter that had created confusion and uncertainty for many travelers planning trips to the United States.

Policy Changes Overview

The decision takes effect on September 30, 2025, and it resets the conditions for ESTA for Hungarian travelers in three key ways:

• ESTA validity returns to two years, rather than the one-year limit imposed in 2023.
• Multiple entries are again permitted, instead of the earlier single-entry restriction.
• Prior limits affecting Hungarian nationals born outside Hungary are removed.

These changes mean that, once approved, an ESTA will again cover multiple short trips to the United States over a two-year period, as long as each stay is no longer than 90 days and the travel purpose is tourism, business meetings, or transit.

DHS also confirmed a program-wide fee adjustment: beginning the same day, September 30, 2025, the ESTA application fee increases from $21 to $40 for all Visa Waiver Program countries, including Hungary.

Immediate Effects and Practical Benefits

The restoration matters immediately for families and businesses in Hungary that rely on spontaneous or repeated travel to the United States. Before these changes, travelers often had to seek new authorization for each trip and watch strict entry conditions that did not apply to other VWP countries. Starting this fall, the United States will treat applications from Hungary under the same standards as applications from the other 41 participating countries, easing planning for conferences, supplier visits, family events, and tourism.

Key takeaways for travelers and stakeholders

• Restored flexibility: two-year, multiple-entry ESTA permits planning of several short trips without reapplying each time.
• Cost efficiency: despite the higher fee, one approval can cover multiple trips, reducing long-term expense.
• Administrative relief for employers: staff travel for trade shows, contracts, or short training is simplified — but employment in the U.S. still requires an appropriate work visa.
• Equity for Hungarian nationals born outside Hungary: added restrictions from 2021 have been removed; these applicants can again seek ESTA on the same terms.
• Students and artists: ESTA can assist with short pre-admission campus visits, unpaid performances (subject to visitor rules), and short cultural exchanges, but it does not replace student or work visas for extended or paid activity.
• Easier guidance for airlines and travel agents: agents can again advise that Hungary’s VWP participation mirrors other countries, and they should recommend applying for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel.

Important: The final decision on admission rests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry, regardless of ESTA approval.

Application Fees and Timing

• Fee change: All VWP travelers will pay $40 for ESTA applications submitted on or after September 30, 2025 (previously $21).
• Timing strategy: Applications submitted before the effective date follow the $21 fee; those submitted on or after that date are charged $40.
• Practical tip: Some families may choose to apply a few days early to lock in the lower fee if travel plans are firm and passports are valid, but applying closer to travel reduces the risk of changing plans.

Application Process and Checklist

DHS advises applying a few days before travel, though many travelers prefer weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons. Remember: an ESTA is valid only as long as the passport used to apply remains valid. If you renew your passport, you must obtain a new ESTA.

Checklist for Hungarian citizens:

1. Confirm that your travel purpose fits the Visa Waiver Program: tourism, business meetings, or transit, with stays up to 90 days.
2. Ensure your passport is an e-passport with a digital chip and will remain valid throughout your stay.
3. Apply for ESTA through the official portal: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.
4. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; earlier is better during peak travel times.
5. Print or save your approval; airlines check electronically, but having a copy helps during connections.
6. If plans change to longer stays or activities outside visitor status, apply for the appropriate nonimmigrant visa instead of relying on ESTA.

Limits That Remain

The restoration does not change the core limits of the Visa Waiver Program:

• No employment in the United States is allowed under ESTA.
• Stays must be no longer than 90 days.
• Travelers must be ready to show the purpose of their trip and proof of onward travel (e.g., return ticket, hotel bookings, conference registrations, meeting invitations).
• CBP officers at the border retain discretion over final admission.

Background and Bilateral Context

DHS’s 2021–2023 measures were responses to U.S. security concerns about VWP compliance. Those measures included revocations and denials for some applicants and tighter ESTA validity rules for Hungarian nationals. With the restoration, DHS states that Hungary took the steps needed to address the identified vulnerabilities, prompting DHS to lift the limits.

The restoration signals continued cooperation between the United States and Hungary on border security and traveler screening. The Visa Waiver Program relies on close data-sharing and consistent document standards. DHS’s action suggests confidence in Hungary’s systems, which should result in faster decisions and fewer special rules to track.

VisaVerge.com notes the shift brings Hungary back into alignment with the program’s broader framework, supporting travel while maintaining strict screening standards. For many Hungarian citizens who postponed trips due to prior limits, this change should reduce uncertainty and revive plans for family reunions, trade events, and tourism.

Final Reminders

• An ESTA is travel authorization, not a guarantee of admission. Final entry is decided after inspection at the border.
• Be truthful on your application and keep trip documents handy to help ensure a smooth entry.
• With the restored flexibility effective September 30, 2025, many Hungarian travelers will revisit U.S. itineraries for late 2025 and 2026. Apply early, use the official portal (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/), and keep passports and travel details up to date to avoid delays.