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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia to Hungary visa requirements

Yes. A Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder needs a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Hungary for tourism. Saudi Arabia is on Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806 (visa-required nationalities), so the visa must be obtained in advance before travel. It is not visa-free, and ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals. Hungary is a full member of the Schengen Area. Under EU Regulation 2018/1806, Saudi Arabia is listed in Annex I, meaning Saudi ordinary passport holders must hold a valid Schengen visa to cross the external Schengen border, even for a single day. There is currently no unilateral visa waiver, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa channel for Saudi citizens entering Hungary or the wider Schengen Area. Applications are filed through the Embassy of Hungary in Riyadh, which is served by VFS Global - Etimad Joint Visa Centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar. A Schengen visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen states combined. While the EU has been discussing a future short-stay visa exemption for Gulf states and in April 2024 adopted a cascade scheme allowing Saudi citizens longer multi-entry visa validity (up to 5 years), the visa requirement itself remains fully in force as of mid-2026. ETIAS (the EU travel authorisation launching late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationalities and therefore does NOT cover Saudi nationals, who continue to need a full Schengen visa. Travelers should be conservative and plan for the standard Schengen visa application well in advance.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, Uniform Schengen Visa) - applied for in advance
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (whole Schengen Area combined)
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry depending on the visa granted (multi-entry up to 5-year validity possible under the 2024 cascade scheme)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 standard adult Schengen visa fee (collected as approx. SAR 398) plus VFS service charge approx. SAR 123.20
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically up to 15 calendar days; may extend to 20-45 calendar days in individual cases
standard track
Validity
Visa validity varies by issuance; the 90/180 stay rule applies within the validity period
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm the visa requirement and visa type
As a Saudi ordinary passport holder you need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa for tourism in Hungary. Hungary handles applications for Saudi residents through its Embassy in Riyadh and the VFS Global - Etimad Joint Visa Centers.
· Schengen Type C· Visa required in advance
/02
Determine the correct destination country to apply to
Apply at Hungary's mission only if Hungary is your sole or main destination, or your first point of entry if no single main destination exists. Otherwise apply to the country where you spend the most days.
· Main destination rule
/03
Book an appointment at a VFS Global - Etimad center
Schedule an appointment online at the VFS Global Hungary visa center in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al-Khobar. Appointments should be booked well ahead of travel.
· Riyadh / Jeddah / Al-Khobar· Online booking
/04
Prepare the required documents
Compile passport, completed and signed Schengen application form, biometric photo, confirmed flight reservation, accommodation proof, travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000 cover), proof of funds, and employment/financial evidence.
· Travel insurance EUR 30,000· Proof of funds
/05
Attend the appointment and submit biometrics
Attend in person to submit documents, pay the visa fee and service charge, and provide fingerprints and photo (biometrics) unless validly enrolled within the last 59 months.
· In-person biometrics
/06
Wait for processing and collect the passport
Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days but can take 20-45 days. Track your application online and collect your passport or arrange courier return. Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is issued.
· Up to 15-45 days· Track online
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Hungary · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, Uniform Schengen Visa) - applied for in advance
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSaudi ordinary passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, with 2+ blank pages, issued within last 10 years
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (ICAO standard, less than 3 months old)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering minimum EUR 30,000 valid across the Schengen Area
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight reservation / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation/host details) for the whole stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient financial means (recent bank statements, typically 3-6 months)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedProof of employment / business registration / civil status as applicable
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of the trip
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedIqama / proof of legal residence in Saudi Arabia if not a citizen residing there
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: VFS Global - Hungary Visa Information for Saudi Arabia (official partner)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen short-stay visa fee (adult)EUR 90 (approx. SAR 398)Standard adult Schengen visa fee; children 6-12 pay a reduced fee, under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service chargeapprox. SAR 123.20Mandatory center service fee, VAT included
Optional courier / passport returnapprox. SAR 50-90Optional return delivery of passport to applicant
Travel medical insuranceapprox. SAR 80-250Required EUR 30,000 minimum Schengen coverage; cost varies by trip length and insurer
Total estimateapprox. SAR 520 (EUR 90 visa + service charge)approx. SAR 760+ (visa + service + insurance + courier)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended review
20-45 calendar days
Applied in individual cases requiring additional document scrutiny or consultation
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Saudi Arabia is an Annex I (visa-required) nationality
Under EU Regulation 2018/1806, Saudi nationals must hold a Schengen visa to enter any Schengen state, including Hungary, even for short tourism.
High
/02
Hungary is a full Schengen member
Hungary applies the common Schengen visa policy and the 90/180-day short-stay rule, so no separate national tourist entry channel exists.
High
/03
No visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa option exists
There is currently no unilateral waiver, VoA, or electronic visa for Saudi ordinary passport holders entering Hungary.
High
/04
ETIAS does not cover Saudi nationals
ETIAS (launching late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt travelers; Saudi citizens still need a full Schengen visa, not an ETIAS authorisation.
Medium
/05
Future EU-Gulf visa exemption not yet in force
Discussions on a Schengen short-stay visa waiver for Gulf states are ongoing but not implemented as of mid-2026.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Hungary route verified
Confirmed via VFS Global official Hungary/Saudi Arabia visa page, EU Regulation 2018/1806 Annex I, and the official EU ETIAS timeline that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C short-stay visa for Hungary; ETIAS does not apply.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can a Saudi passport holder visit Hungary without a visa?
No. Saudi Arabia is a visa-required nationality for the Schengen Area (Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806). A Schengen short-stay visa must be obtained before travel.
Do Saudi nationals need ETIAS for Hungary?+
How long can I stay in Hungary on a Schengen tourist visa?+
Where do Saudi residents apply for a Hungary Schengen visa?+
How much does the Hungary Schengen visa cost?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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