Jump to Section 

Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

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

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Contact Information

Embassy

Embassy of Hungary in Pretoria:

VFS Application Centre:

Pretoria:

  • Address: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181

Cape Town:

  • Address: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001

Durban:

  • Address: Unit 409, 4th Floor 91 -123 Cowey Road, Essenwood, Durban, 4000

WEATHER

Hungary has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall is moderate and mostly falls during spring and summer.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Hungary, with temperatures gradually rising from 10°C to around 20°C by May. The countryside comes alive with blooming flowers, and Budapest’s outdoor cafes begin to buzz. This season is ideal for city strolls, river cruises, and exploring the countryside.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers are warm to hot, especially in July and August when temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C. It’s festival season across the country, with events like Sziget Festival drawing international crowds. Lake Balaton becomes a popular escape, offering swimming, sailing, and sunbathing.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees crisp air and vibrant foliage, especially in Hungary’s wine regions like Eger and Tokaj. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C early in the season, gradually cooling down. It’s a great time for vineyard visits, hiking, and enjoying harvest festivals.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, particularly in the north and east, with average highs between 0°C and 5°C. Snow is common, especially in the hills, making it a charming time to visit Christmas markets in Budapest and enjoy thermal baths surrounded by frost-covered scenery.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather and vibrant cultural experiences. Summer is ideal for lakeside retreats and festivals, while winter brings cosy charm to cities and thermal spas.

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