United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Hungary passport holders
Following Brexit, the UK introduced a visa-free policy for EU citizens including Hungarians, allowing stays of up to 180 days for tourism and business.
Great news! Hungary passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for stays up to 180 days, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required before travel. Apply via the UK ETA app or UKVI website. The ETA costs GBP 10 and is linked to your passport. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Hungary to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
Brexit fundamentally changed the UK-Hungary travel relationship. While Hungarians no longer have unlimited right of residence in the UK, the UK implemented a generous visa-free access policy for EU citizens allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit for tourism and business. For longer stays, work, or study, a UK visa must be obtained. The UK also introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for which EU citizens including Hungarians must apply before travel. The ETA is separate from a visa and has a fee.
How to Get There
The UK ETA does not permit work or extended stays. For UK work visas, skilled worker visas, or study visas, apply through the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) website before departure.
Money & Banking
GBP is the currency. Cards nearly universally accepted in England, Scotland, and Wales. ATMs widely available. London is one of Europe's most expensive cities; accommodation prices are particularly high.
Practical Tips
The ETA must be obtained before departure; apply online with your Hungarian passport details. London has excellent public transport (Oyster card/contactless payment). Drive on the left. The pound sterling (GBP) is the currency. UK visa rules post-Brexit are subject to change; always check the UKVI website before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hungarian citizens need a visa for the UK?
No, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required before travel. The UK left the EU in 2020 and now requires EU citizens to obtain an ETA for tourism and business visits up to 180 days.
Do Hungarian citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No visa for stays up to 6 months. However, since Brexit, a full Hungarian passport is required; ID cards are no longer accepted. A UK ETA is required from 2025.
What is the UK ETA and how much does it cost?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an electronic permission to travel linked to your passport. It costs GBP 10 (approximately EUR 12) and is valid for multiple journeys over 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply via the UK ETA app or the UKVI website.
How long can Hungarian citizens stay in the UK?
Up to 180 days per visit with an ETA. This is significantly more generous than the Schengen 90-in-180 rule.
Can Hungarian citizens still live in the UK after Brexit?
Not automatically for new arrivals. EU free movement ended on 31 January 2020. Hungarians already in the UK needed Settled or Pre-Settled Status. New arrivals need a work, student, or other immigration visa for stays beyond 6 months.
Can Hungarian citizens still live and work in the UK after Brexit?
Not automatically. Freedom of movement ended when Brexit took effect. Hungarians who were already resident in the UK by December 31, 2020 could apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. New arrivals must apply for work visas through the UK points-based immigration system.
How long is the flight from Budapest to London?
About 2 hours 30 minutes. Wizz Air, Ryanair, British Airways, and easyJet all serve the Budapest-London route to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton.
Can I use my Hungarian driving license in the UK?
Yes, for short visits. EU driving licenses are recognized in the UK. For longer stays or if you take up UK residence, you may need to exchange your Hungarian license for a UK one.
Is there a large Hungarian community in the UK?
Yes. Over 50,000 Hungarians live in the UK, primarily in London, with concentrations in Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, and Ealing. Hungarian community centres, churches, and restaurants are established in London.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the pound sterling (GBP). Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland use their own banknotes alongside English notes, all are legal tender. Cards accepted almost everywhere.
Do I need to apply for the ETA before every trip to the UK?
No. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and covers multiple visits. You apply once and it covers repeated trips within the validity period.