The Hungary Schengen Visa allows Pakistani travelers to explore this expansive country for leisure, business, study, and more. With abundant opportunities awaiting visa applicants, Hungary is a destination brimming with potential.
Suppose you’re planning a visit to Hungary in 2024, whether for leisure or business, and seeking information on visa requirements, application process, fees, documents needed, and processing times. In that case, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides all the details you need to navigate the Hungary visa application process smoothly.
Types of Hungary Visas Available in Pakistan
Hungary’s embassy in Pakistan processes various types of visa applications, catering to both short-term and long-term stays in Hungary, as well as facilitating visa applications for Lithuania and Estonia (for short-term visas only). Here are the main visa types available through the embassy in Islamabad:
- Airport Transit Visa:
- Short-Term Schengen Visa:
- Student Visa:
- Long-Term Resident Visa:
- Schengen Visa for Lithuania:
- Schengen Visa for Estonia:
In Pakistan, Hungary mostly issues Schengen visas, also known as short-term visas.
What is a Hungary Schengen Visa?
Understanding a Hungary Schengen Visa is key for exploring multiple European destinations. As Hungary is part of the Schengen area, comprising 27 European Union countries, a single combined visa allows travelers to visit all 27 nations, including Finland, Greece, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and Spain.
However, if Hungary is your primary destination, you can apply for a Schengen visa through the Hungarian embassy in Pakistan.
How to Apply for a Hungary Visa in Pakistan?
Applying for a Hungary visa in Pakistan follows a unique process compared to other Schengen countries. To initiate the application process, you must schedule an appointment through the embassy’s website, as they have a distinct system for booking appointments.
The Hungary embassy’s website provides comprehensive guidance on the entire visa application procedure. From booking appointments online to submitting the necessary documents, all the steps are clearly outlined. Additionally, detailed requirements for various visa types, including visas for Estonia and Lithuania, are specified on the embassy’s website for easy reference.
Booking an Appointment for a Hungary Visa in Pakistan
In Pakistan, obtaining an appointment for a Hungary visa doesn’t involve VFS Global. Hungary manages the appointment process directly. Simply visit the official website to book your Hungary visa appointment in Pakistan, along with appointments for Estonia and Lithuania visas.
Required Documents for Hungary Visa in Pakistan
When applying for a Hungary Schengen visa in Pakistan, it’s essential to collect the following documents:
- Duly Filled Application: Complete the visa application form accurately.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months from your departure date from the Schengen area, with two empty pages, and issued within the last 10 years.
- Passport Copies: Provide copies of all pages of your passport.
- CNIC Copy (for Pakistani Citizens): Include a copy of your Computerized National Identity Card.
- Visa or Residence Card (for Foreigners): If you’re not a Pakistani citizen, include a copy of your Pakistani visa or residence card.
- Passport-Sized Photo: Submit a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Flight Reservations: Present flight reservations for all destinations.
- Hotel Booking: Provide proof of hotel booking for your entire stay.
- Sponsorship Letter (if applicable): If you’re staying with friends or relatives, include a sponsorship letter.
- Bank Statement: Include your bank statement for the last six months.
- National Tax Number (NTN): Provide your National Tax Number.
- Employment Documents: Include an employment letter, salary slips for the last three months, and your employer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- Pension Documents (for Retired Individuals): If retired, provide pension documents.
- Student Card (for Students): Include your student card if you’re a student.
- Consent Letter (for Minors): If a minor is traveling with one parent, include a consent letter from the parent.
- Business Documents (for Business Travelers): Include business registration documents, a Chamber of Commerce certificate, and NOC from the department for civil servants.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance for the entire stay with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
List of Approved Insurance Companies in Pakistan
When planning your trip to Schengen countries from Pakistan, it’s essential to have valid travel insurance. Here’s a list of approved insurance companies accepted by Schengen countries, available for purchase through smartchoice.pk:
- Asia Insurance Co Ltd
- Askari General Insurance Company Ltd
- CICL (Century Insurance Company Ltd)
- East West Insurance Company Ltd
- EFU General
- NJI (New Jubilee Insurance)
- PICIC (Pakistan Industrial Credit Investment Corporation)
- Premier Insurance Limited
- Shaheen Insurance
- SPI Insurance Company Ltd (formerly Saudi Pak)
- TPL Direct Insurance Ltd
- UBL Insurers Ltd
- United Insurance Company (UIC)
- Universal Insurance Co. Ltd
Choose any of these reputable insurance providers to ensure your travel insurance meets the requirements for your Schengen visa application.
Hungary Visa Fees in Pakistan
The cost of a Schengen visa from Pakistan depends on your age:
- Adult visa fee (12 years and above): €60
- Child visa fee (6 to 11 years): €35
- Infant/child visa fee (0 to 5 years):€0
You can pay the visa fee in Pakistani Rupees at the prevailing foreign exchange rate set by the Hungary embassy in Islamabad.
Payment can be made by credit/debit card or cash in Pakistani Rupees. No extra service fees are charged.
It’s important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. So make sure to submit a complete application.
Hungary Visa Application Centers in Pakistan
There is only one authorized Hungary visa application center in Pakistan which is located in Islamabad:
Hungary Embassy Islamabad
- Address: House No. 12, Margalla Road, F-10/4, Islamabad
- Phone: +92 51 207 7800
- Email: [mission.isl@mfa.gov.hu]
- Timings: Monday-Thursday, 11:00-12:00 & 3:00-4:00 pm
You must book an appointment online before visiting. Walk-ins are not accepted. The center processes visa applications and collects documents/biometrics.
There are no other Hungary visa centers or outsourced visa application centers in Pakistan. So plan your trip well in advance to book an appointment slot.
Hungary Visa Processing Time in Pakistan
The standard processing time for a Hungary visa application from Pakistan is 2-3 weeks. However, it can take less or more time depending on various factors:
- During peak seasons like summer – it may take up to 4 weeks.
- If additional documents are requested – add 1 week for resubmission.
- Express/urgent visa processing – can be done in 3-5 working days with extra fees.
- Incomplete applications – may be delayed until all required documents are submitted.
You can check the [visa processing times](https://visa.mfa.gov.hu/en/missions/pakistan-islamabad) on the Hungary embassy website for the latest updates.
It’s always best to apply for your visa with sufficient time before your planned travel dates.
Hungary Visa Application Tips
Here are some useful tips for a hassle-free Hungary visa application process:
- Submit a complete application with all required documents to avoid delays.
- Provide documents in the language of the embassy country or with certified translations.
- Use the latest application forms from the official Hungary embassy website.
- Book your appointment as early as possible to avoid last-minute rush.
- Dress formally and arrive 15 minutes before your appointment slot.
- Carry your original documents and passport. Keep copies for your records.
- Mention realistic travel plans and provide solid proof of ties to return home.
- Pay the exact visa fee amount in Pakistani Rupees to avoid confusion.
- Check application status online if not notified within the standard processing period.
Following these best practices will help ensure a smooth and successful Hungary visa application.
Hungary Visa Rejection and Appeal Process
There is always a possibility of visa rejection if your application doesn’t meet the requirements. In case of rejection, here’s what you can do:
- Collect your passport after 2-3 working days along with the rejection letter.
- Carefully read the refusal grounds mentioned to understand shortcomings.
- You can submit an appeal within 1 month to the Hungary embassy in Islamabad.
- Include a written appeal letter addressing the refusal reasons and additional supporting documents.
- Pay the visa appeal fee of €80.
- Appeals are usually processed within 15 working days.
It’s best to avoid resubmitting the same weak application and instead improve it based on refusal feedback before appealing. Reconsider travel if the appeal is also denied.