Hungary Visa RequirementsFor Bulgaria passport holders
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Hungary freely under EU free movement rules. Only a Bulgarian passport or national ID card is needed.
Great news! Bulgaria passport holders can enter Hungary without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. Carry a valid Bulgarian passport or national ID card. Hungary uses HUF, so exchange currency on arrival. Budapest is a very popular city break destination, well known for its thermal baths, ruin bars, and vibrant nightlife.
Hungary is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Bulgarian Passport or National ID Card
Either is accepted for entry to Hungary as an EU citizen.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Recommended
Covers emergency state healthcare in Hungary as an EU country.
Current Travel Situation
Bulgaria to Hungary: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria and Hungary are both EU member states. Bulgarian citizens enjoy full EU free movement rights in Hungary. Hungary is a Schengen country but uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders joining in January 2025. Budapest is a major transit hub and a popular destination for Bulgarian tourists.
How to Get There
Wizz Air offers direct flights from Sofia to Budapest; the flight is one of the shortest European routes at about 1.5 hours. Overnight trains and buses via Belgrade are affordable alternatives.
Money & Banking
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN). Exchange BGN to HUF at banks or exchange offices upon arrival in Budapest. Avoid airport exchange counters for better rates. Cards are widely accepted in Budapest.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Sofia to Budapest (BUD) operate with Wizz Air and other carriers. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. Budapest is also easily reachable by overnight train or bus from Sofia via Belgrade and Novi Sad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Hungary?
No. As EU nationals, Bulgarians can travel to Hungary visa-free with a passport or national ID card.
What currency does Hungary use?
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Exchange BGN to HUF before or upon arrival. Budapest city center exchange offices offer competitive rates.
Are there direct flights from Bulgaria to Hungary?
Yes. Wizz Air and other airlines operate direct flights from Sofia to Budapest. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Is Hungary in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Hungary is a Schengen member. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders joining in January 2025.
Is Budapest a good city break from Bulgaria?
Yes. Budapest is very popular with Bulgarian tourists for its thermal baths, ruin bars, architecture, and relatively affordable prices compared to Western Europe.
Can I travel from Bulgaria to Hungary by train?
Yes. Overnight train connections from Sofia via Belgrade and Novi Sad to Budapest are available. Travel time is approximately 14-16 hours.
Can Bulgarians work in Hungary?
Yes. EU free movement rights allow Bulgarian citizens to live and work in Hungary. For stays beyond 3 months, registration with Hungarian authorities is required.