Hungary Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Budapest is one of Europe's most architecturally stunning and affordable capitals, straddling the Danube River.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Hungary without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the main entry point, well-served by Ryanair and Wizz Air from across Europe. Days in Hungary count toward the Schengen 90-day limit. Hungary uses the Forint, not the Euro. ETIAS will apply in the future.
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 New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Hungary, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Hungary.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Hungary.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Hungary: What You Need to Know
Hungary is a Schengen member and offers NZ citizens excellent value in Central Europe. Budapest is one of Europe's most beautiful cities: the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, and the magnificent thermal baths (Szechenyi, Gellert, Rudas) are all iconic. Hungarian cuisine (goulash, langos, chimney cakes, Hungarian wines) is hearty and affordable. Budapest's thermal bath and ruin bar scene (Szimpla Kert) are unique cultural experiences.
How to Get There
Day trips from Budapest: Lake Balaton (90 min by train), Eger wine region (2h), Pecs (3h). Vienna is just 2.5h by direct train, making a Budapest-Vienna-Prague triangle itinerary very popular with NZ travellers. Budapest Airport (BUD) is well-served by Ryanair and Wizz Air from across Europe. The Danube Bend scenic area north of Budapest (Visegrad, Esztergom) is excellent for day trips.
Money & Banking
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Currently around 220-250 HUF per NZD. Hungary is excellent value by European standards. A half-liter of local beer costs HUF 600-900. Mid-range accommodation in Budapest costs HUF 12,000-25,000 per night. Card payments accepted in most Budapest establishments; carry some HUF cash for smaller shops and thermal baths.
Practical Tips
Budapest is very affordable: thermal bath entry costs HUF 4000-8000. A hearty goulash soup costs HUF 1500-2500. The Budapest transport card covers the efficient metro, trams, and buses. Book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Hungary?
No. Hungary is part of the Schengen Area and NZ citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Note: Hungary uses the Forint (HUF), not the Euro.
What are Budapest's famous thermal baths and which should NZ visitors choose?
Budapest sits on thermal springs and has numerous public baths. Szechenyi (Neo-Baroque, outdoor and indoor pools, very popular, in City Park) is the most iconic. Gellert (Art Nouveau, beautiful architecture, indoor and outdoor) is elegant. Rudas (Turkish, historic, rooftop pool) has a more local atmosphere. Kiraly (oldest operating Turkish baths) is small and atmospheric. A basic entry costs HUF 4000-8000.
What are ruin bars and why are they popular in Budapest?
Budapest's ruin bars (romkocsma) are bars set up in abandoned buildings, courtyards, and derelict spaces in the historic Jewish Quarter (Erzsebetvaros). Szimpla Kert (the original) is the most famous: a multi-room complex with eclectic decor, second-hand furniture, and live music. Entry is free. They serve cheap beer and cocktails. The ruin bar culture has become one of Budapest's defining tourist draws.
What is Budapest's Jewish heritage?
Budapest has one of the largest preserved Jewish neighborhoods in Europe. The Jewish Quarter (District VII) contains the Great Synagogue on Dohany Street (the largest synagogue in Europe, second largest in the world, seats 3000), the Jewish Museum, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Garden, and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial (honoring Holocaust victims). This is a significant and moving area for any NZ visitor.
Is Budapest good for a city break on a tight budget?
Budapest is one of Europe's best value cities. A thermal bath entry costs the equivalent of NZD 20-40. A Hungarian goulash lunch at a traditional restaurant costs NZD 10-20. A ruin bar beer costs NZD 5-7. Hostel dorms are very affordable. The city is compact and walkable, reducing transport costs. A 3-day Budapest trip can be done comfortably on NZD 100-150 per day including accommodation.
How do NZ visitors get from Budapest to other Central European cities?
Budapest is well-connected: Vienna by direct Railjet train (2.5h), Prague by train (7h, via Bratislava), Bratislava by train (2.5h) or bus. The Danube river cruise from Budapest to Vienna (Scenic Cruises, Viking) is popular for longer itineraries. Budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air) serve Budapest Airport (BUD) from across Europe.
What is Hungarian food and what should NZ visitors try?
Hungarian cuisine is hearty and spice-forward. Must-try: goulash (gulyás, a beef and paprika soup or stew), chicken paprikash (paprikas csirke), Langos (deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese, a street food staple), Dobos torte (layered sponge cake with caramel), Tokaji wine (sweet dessert wine), and Unicum (bitter digestif). Paprika is the defining spice of Hungarian cuisine.