Hungary Visa RequirementsFor Kenya passport holders
Kenyan citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Hungary, costing €90 ($98 USD). Hungary is a Schengen member with a VFS Global application centre in Nairobi. Budapest is one of Europe's most stunning capitals and a popular destination for first-time European visitors.
Kenya passport holders require a visa to enter Hungary.
Apply through VFS Global Nairobi (the authorised centre for Hungary). Required documents: completed Schengen form, valid passport (at least 3 months beyond return), two biometric passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 Schengen-wide), confirmed return flight bookings, hotel bookings, 3 months of bank statements, and employment or income evidence. The €90 fee is paid at VFS. Processing takes 15 business days on average.
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
Current Travel Situation
Kenya to Hungary: What You Need to Know
Hungary is a Schengen member: a Hungarian Schengen visa grants access to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The Schengen fee is €90 since June 2024. VFS Global in Nairobi processes Schengen applications for Hungary. Hungary is not a eurozone member and uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), making it more affordable than many western European destinations. Budapest is particularly popular for its thermal bath culture, architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
How to Get There
No direct flights connect Nairobi (NBO) to Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport (BUD). Common routings go via London (LHR) with Kenya Airways then Wizz Air or British Airways, or via Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), or Vienna (VIE) with connections. Wizz Air operates extensively to Budapest from many European hubs. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (ADD) to European hubs is another option. Total journey time is typically 14 to 18 hours.
Money & Banking
Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro. ATMs dispense HUF and international cards are widely accepted. Hungary is one of the more affordable Schengen destinations: restaurant meals from HUF 3,000 to 6,000 ($8 to $17), budget accommodation from HUF 8,000 to 15,000 ($22 to $42) per night. Budapest has excellent public transport. Currency exchange at the airport is unfavorable; use ATMs in the city centre instead.
Practical Tips
Budapest is divided by the Danube into historic Buda (castle district) and vibrant Pest. Chain Bridge connecting the two is one of the most photographed sights in Europe. Budapest has more thermal baths than any other capital city: Szechenyi, Gellert, and Rudas are the most famous. The Great Market Hall has Hungarian paprika, salami, and embroidery souvenirs. Eger and Pecs are charming provincial cities with Ottoman heritage. Lake Balaton is Central Europe's largest lake, popular for summer swimming.