Hungary Visa RequirementsFor Costa Rica passport holders
Costa Ricans can visit Hungary visa-free under the Schengen Agreement. Budapest, straddling the Danube River, is celebrated for its thermal baths, ruin bars, and stunning parliament building.
Great news! Costa Rica passport holders can enter Hungary without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required. Present your valid Costa Rican passport at the Hungarian border or Budapest airport. Border officials may verify return flights, accommodation, and financial means.
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 Passport
Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Hungary/Schengen within 90 days.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel bookings or host invitation.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statements or cash for your stay.
Current Travel Situation
Costa Rica to Hungary: What You Need to Know
Hungary is a Schengen member and EU country. Costa Rican passport holders benefit from the EU-Costa Rica visa exemption for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How to Get There
Hungary has excellent train connections to Vienna (2.5 hours), Prague, Bratislava, and Bucharest. Vienna and Prague are both Schengen members. Budget airlines also operate from Budapest to many European cities.
Money & Banking
Costa Rica uses the Colon (CRC). Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro, despite being an EU member. ATMs are widely available. Currency exchange at official banks recommended. Credit cards accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
Practical Tips
Budapest is one of Europe's most affordable capital cities. The thermal spa culture (Szechenyi, Gellert, Rudas baths) is a uniquely Hungarian experience. The ruin bar scene in the Jewish Quarter is vibrant. Hungarian cuisine (goulash, langos, chimney cake) is hearty and affordable. The city is divided into Buda (hilly, historic) and Pest (flat, commercial).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Costa Ricans visit Hungary without a visa?
Yes. Costa Rican passport holders can visit Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period.
Does Hungary use the Euro?
No. Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF) despite being an EU member. Exchange money at official banks or exchange offices for fair rates.
What are the main attractions in Budapest?
The Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, the Great Market Hall, Heroes' Square, and the vibrant ruin bar district in the Jewish Quarter.
How does Budapest compare in cost to Vienna or Prague?
Budapest is generally more affordable than Vienna or Prague, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers. Food, accommodation, and activities cost less.
Can I travel from Hungary to neighboring countries?
Yes. Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia are Schengen members accessible by train or car without border controls. Croatia and Romania are accessible by train.
What documents do I need to enter Hungary?
Valid Costa Rican passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation proof, and evidence of sufficient funds. Travel insurance is recommended.
What is the Hungarian thermal bath culture?
Hungary is famous for its natural hot springs and historic thermal baths. Budapest alone has dozens of public baths, with Szechenyi and Gellert being the most famous and tourist-friendly.