DHS Restores Hungary’s Full Visa Waiver Status

In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that Hungary will have its Visa Waiver Program (VWP) status fully restored.

Under this decision, Hungarian nationals will again be able to obtain two-year, multiple-entry travel authorizations (ESTAs) for short-term tourism or business trips to the United States.

This reverses earlier travel restrictions: DHS will again allow qualified Hungarians to use the ESTA system without the one-year, single-entry limits that had been imposed since 2021.

What Is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program is a U.S. arrangement that permits citizens of designated countries to enter the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

Instead of a visa, travelers from these countries must obtain travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel. For example, an eligible visitor from a VWP country can board a plane to the U.S. with only a valid ESTA and passport, without a separate visa stamp.

Benefits of the Visa Waiver Program

The VWP brings significant benefits to both the United States and travelers. For the U.S., a visa waiver system promotes tourism and business travel, giving a boost to the economy.

Millions of international visitors enter under ESTA each year, spending money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment, which helps local businesses and tax revenues.

For travelers from VWP countries, the program is much simpler and quicker than getting a traditional visa. Under the VWP, applicants submit a short online ESTA form (often approved within minutes) instead of completing a lengthy visa application.

Hungary’s Visa Waiver History and Reinstatement

Hungary has been a participant in the VWP for many years, but over the past few years certain vulnerabilities prompted the U.S. to tighten Hungary’s privileges.

• In April 2021, DHS announced that it had revoked all existing ESTA approvals for Hungarian nationals born outside Hungary.
• In August 2023, DHS reduced ESTA validity for Hungarians from two years to one year (single-entry).

These steps stemmed from concerns about Hungary’s passport issuance and security screening processes.

The restoration is taking place because Hungary has now addressed the issues identified by the U.S. DHS. According to the official announcement, the Hungarian government “took steps to address security vulnerabilities” and met U.S. standards.

When the Restoration Takes Effect

The DHS announcement makes clear that Hungary’s full VWP status is being reinstated by September 30, 2025. Starting on that date, Hungarian citizens can apply for two-year, multi-entry ESTA authorizations under the standard rules.

Other Countries in the Visa Waiver Program

As of 2025, 42 countries are participants in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

Here are 10 example member countries:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Chile
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia

For a complete list, visit the official U.S. State Department page.

What Are the Requirements for Visa Waiver Travel?

To enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, travelers must be citizens of a participating country and hold a valid e-passport with an embedded biometric chip.

Before boarding, they must obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which screens applicants for security and immigration risks.

ESTA is usually valid for two years and allows multiple short visits, but each stay must be 90 days or less and strictly for tourism, business meetings, or transit—not work, study, or residency.

Travelers must also arrive on a VWP-approved airline or cruise line and carry proof of a return or onward ticket.

Anyone with a history of visa overstays, certain criminal convictions, or prior travel to restricted countries like Iran, Syria, or Cuba may be found ineligible and required to apply for a traditional visa instead.

In short, if a traveler holds the right passport, receives ESTA clearance, follows the 90-day limit, and has no disqualifying history, they can skip the embassy line and enter the U.S. visa-free.

The requirements are summarized as follows:

• • Holding a valid e-passport with embedded chip
  • Having an approved ESTA before boarding
  • Staying no more than 90 days per visit
  • Traveling only for tourism or business purposes

• Entering on an approved carrier with a return ticket

• No criminal or immigration violations that trigger inadmissibility

Conclusion

The restoration of Hungary’s Visa Waiver Program status is welcome news for travelers and businesses. Hungarian citizens will soon enjoy the same streamlined U.S. entry privileges as other VWP nationals, making travel simpler and more predictable.

The Law Offices of Anne Z. Sedki

If you have questions about the Visa Waiver Program or need guidance on U.S. travel authorization issues, The Law Offices of Anne Z. Sedki is here to help. We advise on all immigration matters, including B-1/B-2 visas, green cards, waivers, and more.

Call us at +15162769057 or fill our online form to schedule a consultation.