US reinstates full Visa Waiver Program access for Hungarian passport holders
From September 30, 2025, Hungarian citizens regain unrestricted access to the US Visa Waiver Program, with ESTA validity extended to two years for multiple entries.
Starting 30 September 2025, Hungarian passport holders will regain full access to the United States’ Visa Waiver Program (VWP), ending restrictions introduced in 2023 that limited ESTA validity to single one-year entries for those born abroad. The authorization will now be valid for two years, allowing multiple visits during that period.
This reversal was announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem via an official statement.
This decision removes restrictions previously imposed on Hungarian citizens’ travel eligibility under the VWP, as well as their ability to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Excerpt from DHS official statement
Diplomatic backdrop: Washington and Budapest move toward normalization
In 2021 the U.S. imposed strict curbs on Hungarians over concerns about Budapest’s simplified issuance of nearly one million new passports between 2011–2020 without adequate identity checks, citing potential security risks. Travelers previously had to reapply for ESTA on every entry, complicating U.S.–Hungary travel.
The DHS cites subsequent “corrective measures” taken by Hungary to tighten identity verification and document security as the basis for lifting the restrictions, calling the normalization a reflection of strengthened security cooperation.
U.S. officials underscored the decision’s symbolic importance. “The United States and Hungary share a joint commitment to security,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Budapest Robert Palladino added that the move reaffirms “friendship rooted in sovereignty, freedom and mutual respect,” signaling deeper bilateral ties.
https://twitter.com/usembbudapest/status/1967937173627535556
What travelers need to know
Hungarian citizens may now apply for a two-year ESTA valid for multiple U.S. trips up to 90 days each without a traditional visa, restoring Hungary to the VWP alongside more than 40 partner countries.
Upcoming ESTA fee increase
As of 30 September 2025, the ESTA fee doubles from US$21 to US$40. See our recent coverage for background on this change.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
