Travelling to America just got easier as Hungary regains full status in the Visa Waiver Program

Restoring full Visa Waiver Program status appropriate after Hungary took steps to improve its security measures.

Hungary regains full status in the Visa Waiver Program

Today, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that Hungary will have its status in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) fully restored, following the completion of steps taken to address security vulnerabilities.

This decision reverses restrictions previously placed on Hungarian citizens’ ability to travel under the VWP, as well as their ability to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

• Cost of ESTA to nearly double for travellers to the US, including Hungarians

The Biden administration threw out Hungary

In early 2021, DHS revoked already-issued ESTAs of all Hungarian passport holders born outside of Hungary and continued to deny new ESTA applications to Hungarian applicants born outside of Hungary. In August of 2023, the Biden Administration reduced the ESTA validity period for Hungarian travelers from two years to just one year, while also limiting ESTAs to a single use.

• American Airlines explains direct flights to Budapest, Prague – VIDEO

Now that the government of Hungary has taken action requested by the U.S. government to address security vulnerabilities, the restrictions imposed by the previous administration have been lifted, and Hungarian citizens now have expanded access to travel between Hungary and the United States. Hungarians will be able to apply for an ESTA with a two-year validity period which can be used for multiple entries by September 30, 2025.