Diplomatische Tauwetterperiode: Ungarn wieder auf der Liste der visumfreien Länder der USA

18.09.2025

Diplomatic thaw: Hungary back on US visa waiver list

The USA announced the inclusion of Hungary in the Visa Waiver Program after Budapest updated its security policy and addressed identified vulnerabilities. The decision was made by the administration of Donald Trump on September 17, 2025, and was an important step in normalizing relations between the two countries.

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of about 40 countries to visit the USA for tourism and business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Previously, Hungary faced restrictions due to problems with the passport issuance system and citizen identification, which raised concerns among American authorities.

In 2021, the US Department of Homeland Security revoked some travel permits for Hungarians, and in 2023, the Joe Biden administration reduced the validity of electronic permits from two years to one year and limited them to a single entry. Now these measures have been canceled.

According to representatives of the US Department of Homeland Security, Hungary's reinstatement in the program was made possible by meeting US requirements for enhanced control and checks. Washington considers this step as confirmation of Budapest's readiness for closer cooperation in the field of security.