Hungary Visa RequirementsFor Ukraine passport holders
Ukrainian citizens can enter Hungary without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the EU-Ukraine visa liberalization agreement in force since 2017.
Great news! Ukraine 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 Ukrainian biometric passport at the border, along with proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and a return or onward ticket. The 90-day limit is Schengen-wide. The land border crossing at Zahony-Chop is one of the busiest Ukraine-EU crossing points and can experience significant queues.
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
Ukrainian Biometric Passport
Valid Ukrainian biometric passport for Schengen entry to Hungary. Hungary is a key overland entry point from Ukraine.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking or address of host in Hungary.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed onward travel within 90 days.
Vehicle Documents Recommended
If entering by car: vehicle registration, insurance (green card), and driving license.
Current Travel Situation
Ukraine to Hungary: What You Need to Know
Hungary shares a direct land border with Ukraine and has been a major entry point for Ukrainians displaced by the 2022 Russian invasion. Over 2 million Ukrainian border crossings were recorded at the Hungarian-Ukrainian border in the months following the invasion. While Hungary's government has at times taken a more ambiguous stance on EU-wide Ukraine policy, it continues to honor the Schengen visa-free agreement for Ukrainian passport holders. Budapest has a growing Ukrainian community and is a common transit point into Western Europe.
How to Get There
Budapest is a major rail hub, with direct trains to Vienna, Prague, Krakow, and Belgrade. Budget airlines from Budapest (BUD) offer onward travel across Europe. FlixBus and Eurolines also operate from Budapest.
Money & Banking
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. Currency exchange offices are common in Budapest. Cards are widely accepted in the capital; smaller towns may prefer cash.
Practical Tips
The Ukrainian-Hungarian land border is one of the most accessible and frequently used for Ukrainians entering the EU. Several buses and trains run daily between Uzhhorod (western Ukraine) and Zahony or Nyiregyhaza. From Budapest, connections to Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, and other Schengen cities are excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ukrainian citizens need a visa to visit Hungary?
No. Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport can enter Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the EU-Ukraine visa liberalization in force since 2017.
Can Ukrainians cross the Hungarian-Ukrainian border by land?
Yes. Hungary shares a direct land border with Ukraine, with the Zahony-Chop crossing being the most frequently used. There are also crossings at Beregsurany, Tiszabecs, and Nyirabator-Maty. These crossings can experience significant queues, especially during peak conflict displacement periods.
What is the currency in Hungary?
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. Currency exchange offices are common in Budapest. ATMs are widely available. Cards are accepted in most establishments, though smaller towns may prefer cash.
Is Budapest a good transit point for Ukrainians traveling to Western Europe?
Yes. Budapest has rail connections to Vienna (2.5 hours), Bratislava (2.5 hours), Prague (7 hours), and Krakow (6 hours). Budapest Keleti Station is a major rail hub. Budget airlines from Budapest Airport (BUD) also offer affordable connections across Europe.
Has Hungary been supportive of Ukrainian refugees?
Hungary has processed significant numbers of Ukrainian border crossings and implemented the EU Temporary Protection Directive, though Hungary's government has at times taken positions diverging from EU consensus on broader Ukraine policy. Standard Schengen visa-free access for Ukrainian passport holders is fully in place.
What documents are needed at the Hungarian-Ukrainian land border?
A valid Ukrainian biometric passport, vehicle documents if crossing by car, and standard travel documents. Border guards may ask about your accommodation and plans in Hungary or the EU. Having an address or hotel booking in Hungary is useful.
Is Hungary in the Schengen Area?
Yes. Hungary is a full Schengen member. Days spent in Hungary count toward the 90-day Schengen allowance. The Hungarian-Ukrainian border is an external Schengen frontier with full border controls.
Can a Ukrainian enter Hungary without a biometric passport?
No. Visa-free Schengen access requires a Ukrainian biometric (e-passport). If your passport does not have the biometric chip, you would need to apply for a Schengen visa at the Hungarian embassy.