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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

At which Embassy/Consulate/ Visa Issuing Authority should you apply? Read More

– If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of that country.

– If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority that is your main destination (i.e. your longest stay).

– If you intend to visit several countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of the country of your first point of entry. 

VISA INFORMATION

Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority

Visa can be applied for in the following cities: Pretoria.   Application will be processed by the Hungarian Embassy,   The Embassy requires applicants to present themselves for biometrics

  • Applications shall be lodged no more than three months before the start of the intended visit
  • Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.
  • Children under 12 don’t require biometrics

 

Embassy of Hungary Pretoria

Address: 959 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083

Postal address: P.O.Box 13843, Hatfield,

Pretoria, 0028

 

Tel: +27 (0)12 430 3030  between 14:00 – 16:00 only

Embassy email: consulate.prt@mfa.gov.hu

  • Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (after the return date of planned trip).
  • Passport must have a minimum of 3 blank pages
  • If not a SA citizen, a residence permit valid for a period of at least 3 months after the applicants last day of stay in the Schengen states.
  • Photocopy of BIOMETRIC PAGE of passport – preferably in colour
  • Photocopy of any previous SCHENGEN VISAS.
  • Photocopy of applicants ID Document
  • Duly completed (in capitals with black ink ) and signed “Harmonised Application For Schengen” form (the application form may be acquired free of charge at the consular departments of the foreign representatives or downloaded from the country’s website).
  • 2 x Identical Colour passport photographs  – must not be older than 30 days.
    • Size:  45mm x 35mm
    • No smiling, no head gear, no sunglasses etc etc
  • Photocopy of return flights clearly showing ​all ​flight sectors (​including to/from RSA).  Ensure trip(s) are no longer than 90 days in a 6 month period.  Passenger full name must be clear.
  • Proof of confirmed hotel accommodation for ​each night​ out of RSA.  ​Accommodation must state the passengers name, arrival date, departure date and the address of hotel.
  • If the applicant is staying with friends and family, the host must send a sworn affidavit invitation (that has been certified by the Hungarian National Police) confirming names, date and accommodation address.  Copy of hosts passport or ID.   Non-resident hosts must provide proof of ownership of property & a residence permit
  • Proof of residence is required by means of a Utility Bill showing residential address.
  • Travel/Health/Accident insurance: a one page document stating that the applicant is covered by a Schengen Travel Medical Insurance for the entire period of stay with a minimum medical coverage of the Rand equivalent of Euro 30 000 per person for all medical expenses including evacuation, repatriation dead or alive and emergency transportation as well as emergency on/out of hospital medical treatment occurring in any Schengen country. No quotations will be accepted
  • Letter of Invitation from the agent in Hungary
  • An original bank stamped, latest 3 months bank statements.
    • The statements cannot be older than 14 days from date of Visa Appointment.
    • Bank statements must reflect a monthly salary.
    • Bank Statements must be in English.
    • Approximate amount needs to be equivalent to a minimum of approximately ZAR 1100 per person per day.
    • All sponsorship letters must be certified.
    • Should your spouse/parent/partner be responsible for financial means, please supply a letter from spouse/parent/partner confirming responsibility and provide proof in the form of original bank stamped latest 3 months Bank Statements and a copy of their ID Document
    • Credit card statements or cash will not be accepted
    • Purchase of foreign currency will not be accepted
    • In case of an overdraft, an overdraft summary report from the bank must be submitted.
    • Please note that all foreign passport holders MUST supply 6 months recent bank statements
  • Letter of Employment
  • If employed:  the applicant needs to provide a signed original letter of employment stating salary/annual cost to company and date of employment inception and a certified copy of last three month payslips.
  • If self-employment (Directors, CEO, Board Members), the applicant needs to provide proof of company registration /commercial license and latest VAT certificate.
  • If pensioned or retired the applicant is required to provide proof of pensionership
  • If a student or scholar the applicant is required to provide a letter from the school/university confirming attendance (enrolment letter not accepted).

  • An official invitation letter by event organizer, reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
  • Enrolment/Entry tickets/Event program and an official letter of institution sending the applicant

  • An official letter from school confirming attendance.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport

  • An official letter from college/university confirming attendance or copy of student card.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport

New South African passports for minors under the age of 18 are being issued containing the details of the parents as a standard feature.  Children travelling on these new passports do not require any additional documentation when travelling abroad if accompanied by both parents.

If however the children are still travelling on the old passports then ​the following additional documents will be required for any minor travelling with a parent:

  • Copy of unabridged Birth Certificate
  • Copies of parents ID documents
  • Consent letter from each parent not accompanying the minor. ​
  • Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.

  • An official business letter from a company in the Schengen state, as well as from the employer stating purpose and date of visit must be presented.
  • An official invitation letter from inviting company reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
    • Hotel reservation is required unless the invitation letter clearly states that accommodation is provided and details of same provided.
  • For conferences proof of registration and payment has to be submitted.

  • A letter of justification of the company and SA partner/branch explaining the purpose of the visit
  • A list of the participants

15 Working days

Visas will be issued for the period of intended stay only (ie. from date of arrival to date of departure)

Maximum 90 days per semester with multiple entries.

WEATHER

Hungary has a mild continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with low overall humidity levels but frequent rain showers, while the winter is cold and snowy. Average high temperature in the summer is 23 to 28°C and average low temperature in the winter is −3 to −7 °C

The best times to visit Budapest are from March to May and September through November. These shoulder seasons are when the weather is idyllic and the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists. However, the climate is always relatively mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding bearable levels.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Hungary
Capital City: Budapest
International Airports: – Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
– Debrecen International Airport
– Hévíz-Balaton Airport
– Győr-Pér International Airport
– Pécs-Pogány International Airport
Area: 93 030 km²
Population: 9,942 Million
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Daylight savings: between end of March and end of October CET+1 (GMT+2)
Religion: 54.5% Roman Catholic, 21% Reformed (Calvinist) Protestant, 6% Evangelical (Lutheran), 18.5% other
Language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Hungary. Small businesses may not accept credit cards, or may have a minimum purchase requirement
ATM Accessibility: Easily accessible
Dialling Code: +86

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Voltage in most places is 220v AC/DC. European plug with two circular metal pins, so it is recommended to carry adapters.
Water: It is safe to drink tap water.
Business Hours: Shops : Mon – Fri – 08:00 – 16:00
Grocery shops: 07:00 – 18:00;
Malls : Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00
Most shopping centres are also open on Sunday
Banking Hours: Mon – Thu 08:00 – 15:00 ;  but close early on a Fri at 13:00.
Photography Restrictions: No restrictions, you may however find the odd museum and church that will prohibit photographing – but this will be clearly sign posted
Tipping: Hungarians normally give tips when eating out, having a drink at a bar, or when using a taxi.
The tip is usually 10% of the price.
It is considered rude if you don’t give a tip to the waiter. It means that you were absolutely dissatisfied with the service.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: No restrictions
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Refuse a shot of the ubiquitous fruit brandy, Pálinka and risk causing great insult – not to mention confusion.
Hungarians never toast with beer

FESTIVALS

  • Busójárás – Mohács – February
  • Hollókő Easter Festival – northern Hungary– Easter weekend
  • Tihany Lavender Festival – Lake Balaton – June
  • Badacsony Wine Weeks – Lake Balaton – July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix – July
  • Summerfest International Folklore Festival – Central Hungary – August
  • Budapest Festival of Folk Arts – Buda Castle – August
  • Paprika Festival, Kalocsa – September
  • Romantic Reform Era, Balatonfüred – September
  • Christmas Market – Vörösmarty square & Basilica mid-November – 01 January

MAP

“Budapest is a prime site for dreams.”

– M. John Harrison