DHS Removes Visa Waiver Program Restrictions for Hungarian Nationals
By September 30, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will restore Hungary to full status in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), again permitting two-year, multiple use authorizations for business visitor or tourist travel in the VWP Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). In 2023, ESTA authorizations were limited to one year and single use for Hungarian nationals, based on a U.S. government review of Hungary’s ability to comply with VWP-related security and program integrity requirements. As a basis for the upcoming change, DHS says that Hungary has addressed the vulnerabilities that led to the earlier ESTA restrictions.
DHS is also removing certain VWP restrictions imposed in 2021 on Hungarian nationals born outside of Hungary.
DHS has issued a Federal Register notice implementing the VWP changes for Hungary by September 30.
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without first obtaining a B visa. For B-1 business visitors, activities in the United States must conform to certain allowable B-1 business activities.
To travel under the VWP, applicants must apply through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) online application, Electronic System for Travel Authorization, up to 72 hours in advance of travel.
ESTA authorizations are generally valid for two years, but foreign nationals must re-apply in certain circumstances such as obtaining a new passport, a name change, or a change in circumstances that affects eligibility. In certain circumstances, DHS limits the ESTA authorization validity afforded to certain countries, as it did with Hungary in 2023. ESTA authorizations are not a guarantee of admission to the United States; CBP makes an admissibility determination at the port of entry.
As a result of Hungary’s full restoration in the VWP, eligible Hungarian nationals and their employers will benefit from longer ESTA validity, as well as authorization for more frequent travel to the United States to conduct business visits. For frequent VWP travelers, this means a reduction in the number of ESTA applications they are required to submit to DHS.
Foreign nationals deemed ineligible for participation in the Visa Waiver Program by ESTA, perhaps due to prior law enforcement or immigration compliance issues, will generally need to apply for a B visa at a U.S. consulate. Hungarian travelers with existing B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use those visas for visitor travel to the United States.