Hungary Visa Guide for Indian Citizens in UK Complete Application Guide 2025
Yes, Indian citizens residing in London need a Schengen visa to visit Hungary. Your nationality is what matters for visa requirements, not your UK residence even if you’ve got a valid UK visa or permit. You have to apply at the Hungary Visa Application Center (run by VFS Global) in London at 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT.
Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest, Hungary
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Lake Balaton, Hungary
Scenic waterfront
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Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a Hungary Visa from London with an Indian Passport
If you're applying for a Hungary visa from London holding an Indian passport, you need to be legally residing in the UK.
UK Residency Requirements
- ✓ Must have a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a valid residence visa; you can't apply if you're only on a visitor visa.
- ✓ Your UK residence status should be valid throughout the visa application process, with enough time left to cover the visa duration.
- ✓ From my experience, it is better to have 6 months valid afterwards to reduce the risk of rejection.
Basic Eligibility Criterias
- ✓ Generally, applicants should be at least 18 years old, though minors can apply with additional documentation.
- ✓ Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Hungary.
- ✓ The purpose of your visit should align with allowed categories like tourism, business, or family visits; other purposes may require different visa types.
Who Cannot Apply
Applicants who are in the UK on a short-term visitor visa or without valid residency status can't apply from London. Also, those with unresolved immigration issues or previous visa refusals may face restrictions.
Documents Required for Hungary Tourist, Business, and Long-Stay Visas for Indian Citizens in London
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Passport: Must be valid for at least three months after your planned date of leaving Hungary, and should have at least two blank pages left. Double-check the expiration date. Make clear, full photocopies of your passport's data page and any previous visas.
Visa Application Form: Fill out the Schengen application form honestly and completely missing signatures or blank fields can get your application delayed or rejected.
Photographs: Two recent passport-sized color photos, taken within the last six months. Stick to Schengen photo guidelines white background, neutral expression, no headgear unless it's for religious reasons.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
- Travel Itinerary: Confirmed round-trip flight bookings showing your entry and exit from Hungary (or the Schengen zone).
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or a signed invitation letter from a host in Hungary. Each night of your stay needs to be accounted for.
- Travel Insurance: Schengen-compliant travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergencies and repatriation. Ensure it lists Hungary (or covers all Schengen countries).
STATUS DOCUMENTATION
- UK Residence Permit: Valid UK visa or BRP that outlasts your planned Hungary trip. Provide original and clear copy.
- Employment/Student Status: If employed, submit recent employment letter and last three payslips. Students need a letter from their institution. Self-employed? Provide company registration documents and recent tax returns.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Family Documents: Marriage and/or birth certificates if traveling with family, with certified translations in English or Hungarian.
- Translations: Any document not in English or Hungarian must be translated by an official/certified translator.
- Supporting Documents: Invitation letters, conference registrations, or extra financial proof depending on trip purpose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Sending expired passports, incomplete applications, unverified hotel reservations, untranslated documents, or insufficient financial proof.
Step-by-Step Hungary Visa Application Process for Indian Passport Holders in London
Follow these steps carefully to ensure smooth processing of your Hungary visa application
Online Application
Start your Hungary visa application on the official Hungarian consulate website or through the designated visa application center portal. Complete the application form carefully double-check all details since errors can delay processing.
Appointment Booking
Book your appointment through the Hungarian visa application center in London. TLS Contact or VFS Global typically handle Hungary visa processing in the UK. Schedule well in advance as slots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Document Preparation
Organize all required documents as per the checklist. Get translations done for any non-English documents and make photocopies of everything. Proper organization saves time and reduces stress on appointment day.
Appointment Day
Head to the visa application center (usually in central London). Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks. The process includes document verification, biometric data collection, and payment of fees. Expect to spend about 30-45 minutes there.
Tracking & Collection
Track your application status online using the reference number provided. Your passport will be returned via courier or can be collected from the center.
Travel
Once you receive your visa, check the validity dates carefully. Travel within the specified period and carry all supporting documents when you fly, as border officials might request them.
Hungary Visa Fees, Processing Time, and Appointment Availability for Indians Applying from London
PROCESSING TIMELINES
If you're applying for a Hungary visa from London as an Indian citizen, expect the standard processing time to hover around 15 calendar days. But heads up during peak travel seasons like summer or around holidays, it can take longer, sometimes stretching up to 30 days or more. So, don't wait till the last minute to apply; give yourself some breathing room.
VISA FEES
The visa fee for Hungary typically sits at about €80, which converts roughly to £70. This standard fee applies to most adult applicants. For children between 6 and 12 years old, the fee usually drops to half, and kids under 6 often are exempt. Remember, these fees are payable in euros, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
SERVICE FEES
When you book your appointment through TLScontact, expect additional service charges. TLScontact usually adds around €25-30 (about £22-26) for handling your application, biometric collection, and appointment booking. They also offer optional extras like SMS updates or prime time appointments for an extra fee if you want to speed things up or get a more convenient slot.
TIMELINE PLANNING: You need to start your application process at least six to eight weeks before your intended travel day. The cushion serves as protection against stress when delays occur or when you require additional time to collect documents. The booking system at TLScontact allows travelers to reserve their appointments in advance because appointment slots disappear quickly during peak travel seasons. The application status becomes available for online tracking after submission so you can avoid uncertainty about your application's progress.
Financial Proof and Income Requirements for Hungary Visa Applicants from India and UK
Daily Financial Requirements
You'll need to show you have between €40 and €120 per day for your stay in Hungary. The exact amount depends on your accommodation, so if you're staying in a hotel or Airbnb, aim for the upper end of the range. To figure out the minimum total, multiply your daily requirement by the number of days you'll be in Hungary don't forget to add a little extra as a buffer, just in case.
Bank Statement Requirements
Hungarian authorities want to see bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months. Make sure your statements cover the entire period without missing months. Your account needs to show enough funds to cover your whole trip, plus a cushion for unexpected costs. It's not just about one big deposit either they'll look for regular activity and consistent balances.
Additional Financial Proof
Besides bank statements, you should provide recent salary slips, income tax returns, or an official employment letter if you're employed. If you're self-employed, business registration docs and recent tax filings are a good idea. Basically, anything that backs up your regular income helps.
- We strongly recommend having atleast £1,000 in your bank account for significantly better chances of visa approval
Sponsorship Options
If you can't meet these financial requirements, you can use a sponsor usually a close family member. Sponsors have to submit their own bank statements, proof of income, a sponsorship letter, and sometimes proof of relationship. You'll still need to include your own financial documents, but with a sponsor, the focus shifts to their ability to support your stay.
Proven Tips to Increase Hungary Visa Approval Chances for Indian Citizens in London
COMMON REJECTION REASONS
Insufficient financial proof tops the list - consular officers need clear evidence you can support yourself throughout your stay. Missing or incomplete documentation comes second, followed by weak ties to the UK (they worry you won't return) and unrealistic travel itineraries that don't match your stated purpose.
PREPARATION STRATEGIES
Start your application at least 6-8 weeks before travel - rushing never helps. Organize documents in the exact order listed on the checklist, and honestly, make copies of everything. Bank statements should show consistent income over 3-6 months, not sudden large deposits that raise red flags. Double-check every form field twice because simple errors can derail applications.
SUCCESS TIPS
Strong UK ties make all the difference - employment letters, property documents, or family commitments prove you'll return. Your travel itinerary should be realistic and match your visa purpose perfectly. Present everything professionally in a clear folder with a cover letter summarizing your application. Most importantly, be completely honest - inconsistencies between documents and interviews are red flags that consular officers spot immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hungary Visa Applications for Indian Nationals in London
Q: Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Hungary?
Yes, Indian citizens do need a visa to travel to Hungary, even for short visits. There's no visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, so you'll have to apply before you go. Short stays (up to 90 days) require a Schengen visa, while longer stays need a D-type national visa. Make sure to check your travel dates and apply for the right type. - Always start your application early processing times can really vary.
Q: Where do I apply for a Hungary visa if I live in London?
If you're in London, you'll need to submit your application at the VFS Global Hungary Visa Application Centre. This center handles applications for Hungarian visas if you legally live in the UK. You'll have to book an appointment online and show up in person (they'll collect biometrics like fingerprints). Don't forget to bring your UK residence permit or valid visa. - Double-check your appointment details and bring every required document missing papers can mean delays.
Q: What documents are needed for the Hungary visa application?
You'll need a valid passport, completed visa form, recent photos, proof of UK residence, travel details, financial proof, and travel insurance. Starting in 2025, you also have to show a valid Hungarian residential address with your application this is a new rule. For long stays (over 90 days), you'll also need purpose-specific documents (like a job offer or admission letter), proof of accommodation, and sometimes proof of income or tuition payment. - Organize your documents ahead of time and keep digital copies just in case.
Q: How long does it take to get a Hungarian visa in London?
Short-stay visas usually take about 15 days to process, but busy times can mean longer waits. Long-stay (D-type) visas often take 4 to 8 weeks, especially for work or student categories. Try not to book flights or make big plans until you have your visa in hand. - Apply as early as possible, and watch for email updates from VFS about your application.
Expert Review & Official Sources
Expert Verification
This comprehensive guide has been reviewed and verified by Visa Expert Kritika, specializing in European visa requirements and UK-based applications, on September 09, 2025.
Source Verification
All information is cross-referenced with official embassy sources and current immigration policies as of September 10, 2025.
Official Source
We strongly recommend that you always check the official source: https://london.mfa.gov.hu/eng