UK eTA for Hungary Citizens

Planning a trip from Hungary to the United Kingdom? Whether it’s for a holiday, a crucial business meeting, or to visit friends and family, the way you prepare for entry has changed. As a Hungarian citizen, you now need to be aware of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

The UK government's introduction of the ETA is part of a broader effort to digitise and strengthen border security. This mandatory requirement is comparable to the US's ESTA or the EU's forthcoming ETIAS. The good news? Applying is quick and simple.

This definitive guide breaks down every detail about the  UK eTA for Hungary travelers : documents and eligibility to costs and processing times, ensuring your journey to the UK is smooth and stress-free.

• Who needs it? All Hungarian citizens who are visa-exempt and travelling to the UK for a short stay.
• What is its purpose? It allows the UK government to screen travellers before they depart for the UK, enhancing border security.

Do Hungarian Citizens Need a UK ETA to Visit?

Yes, Hungarian citizens are required to obtain a UK ETA if they plan to travel to the UK for a short visit and do not already hold a valid UK visa or another form of UK immigration status (such as Settled or Pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme).

This requirement applies to all Hungarian passport holders, regardless of age, including infants and children. Each individual traveller must have their own approved ETA linked to their passport.

What Are the Permitted Reasons for Travel with a UK ETA?

The UK ETA is designed for short-term stays, allowing you to travel to the UK for various non-long-stay purposes. As a Hungarian citizen, you can use a single, approved ETA for multiple journeys for the following reasons:

• Tourism/Holiday: Visiting for leisure, sightseeing, or a short break.
• Visiting Family and Friends: Staying with relatives or acquaintances.
• Business: Attending meetings, conferences, training, or short-term contract negotiations.
• Short-term Study: Enrolling in a course of study that lasts up to six months.
• Transit: Passing through the UK (e.g., changing flights) on your way to another country, regardless of whether you pass through UK border control.

Important Note: The ETA permits a stay of up to six months (180 days) on any single visit. If your travel purpose requires a stay longer than six months, or if you intend to live, work, or study long-term, you must apply for a specific UK visa.

What Documents and Information Do I Need for the UK ETA Application?

The UK eTA Application process is entirely digital and streamlined. Hungarian citizens will generally only need a few key items to successfully complete the form:

1. A Valid Hungarian Passport: This must be the biometric passport you will use to travel to the UK. The ETA will be digitally linked to this specific passport.
2. A Valid Email Address: The application decision will be sent to this email address.
3. A Digital Photo of Your Face: This photo must meet the UK Government’s digital photo standards (similar to a passport photo).
4. A Payment Method: A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to cover the application fee.

During the online application, you will also be required to provide personal and contact details, your passport information, and answer a set of mandatory suitability and security questions, which cover:

• Criminal convictions.
• Previous immigration violations.
• Security and suitability concerns.

How Long is the UK ETA Valid for Hungarian Travellers?

Once approved, your UK ETA is valid for two years, or until the expiry date of the passport you applied with, whichever comes sooner.

During its validity period, you can make multiple journeys to the UK without needing to re-apply, provided each individual stay does not exceed the maximum limit of six months (180 days). If you renew your Hungarian passport while your ETA is still valid, you must apply for a new ETA to link it to your new passport.

Is the agent's service fee justifiable compared to the cost savings of DIY?

Absolutely. While the official site is cheaper upfront, the agent's cost (Government Fee + Service Fee) is an investment in guaranteed application correctness. Avoiding just one rejection saves you the cost and time of restarting, paying the Government Fee a second time, and enduring a significant delay. The fee buys assurance, not just convenience.

If I have a complex UK visa question late at night, where can I get immediate help?

Only from the agent, united-kingdom-visa.com. They provide dedicated 24/7 team support via chat and email, staffed by experts trained in nuanced UK visa requirements. They offer personalized, actionable guidance on technical glitches, complex document requests (e.g., employment history interpretation), and urgent application changes. The official site only offers generalized, slow support.

How Do I Apply for the UK ETA from Hungary?

Applying for your UK ETA is a straightforward digital process designed for speed and convenience.

• Complete the Online Form :The application requires you to enter all necessary personal details, including your full name, date of birth, contact information, and the number of your valid Hungarian passport.
• Upload Biometrics and Photo: You will either use the app to scan your face and the biometric chip in your passport or upload a compliant digital photo.
• Answer Suitability Questions :You must truthfully answer a short series of questions about your past travel, immigration, and criminal history.
• Pay the Fee : Pay the mandatory fee using one of the accepted payment methods.
• Receive Your Confirmation : You will receive an email decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Since the ETA is digitally linked to your passport, you do not need to print anything—simply travel with the passport you used to apply for.

What Happens if My UK ETA Application is Refused?

While most applications from Hungarian citizens are approved, a refusal may occur if the security checks reveal concerns, or if there was an error or discrepancy in your application.

• Reasons for Refusal: Common reasons include prior serious criminal convictions, a history of violating UK immigration laws (like overstaying a visa), or providing false/incomplete information.
• What to Do: If your ETA application is refused, you will be informed of the reason. You cannot appeal the ETA decision. If you still wish to travel to the UK, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead. This is a more complex application requiring an in-person appointment and is assessed under different criteria.

Can I Use My Hungarian Identity Card with the UK ETA?

No, the UK ETA must be linked to a valid passport.

Since October 2021, EU, EEA, and Swiss national ID cards are generally no longer accepted for entry into the UK as a visitor. You must travel using your valid Hungarian passport. Ensure your passport remains valid for your entire stay in the UK.

Why is the UK Introducing the ETA for EU Citizens?

The UK ETA is not a system specifically targeting EU nationals, but rather part of a global initiative to create a fully electronic border. It allows the UK to vet all visa-exempt travellers before they travel, improving border efficiency and national security. This approach mirrors systems implemented by Canada (eTA) and the US (ESTA).

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the UK ETA the same as the EU ETIAS?

No. The UK ETA is for travel to the United Kingdom. The EU's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a separate system for travel to the Schengen Area (most EU countries). Hungarian citizens will need both for travel to their respective destinations.

Do children traveling from Hungary need an ETA?

Yes, every person, regardless of age—including infants and children—must have their own individual, approved UK ETA linked to their passport.

What should I do if my ETA is taking longer than 3 days to approve?

If you haven't received a decision after three working days, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for an update. You should not book or commence travel until you have received your official approval.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The UK ETA is strictly for short-term visits (tourism, certain business activities, or study for up to 6 months). It does not permit you to take up paid or unpaid employment in the UK. You would need a specific work visa for that purpose.