Hungary has been part of the ESTA programme for some time already. In 2021, however, the country was subject to a series of restrictions. These restrictions were lifted on 30 September 2025.
The ESTA program
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. This electronic system grants travel permits to travellers of certain nationalities who do not need a visa to travel to the United States. Currently, 42 nationalities are eligible to apply for the ESTA.
Restrictions for Hungary
In 2021, a series of restrictions were introduced for applicants with Hungarian passports who were not born in Hungary. ESTAs granted to this group of travellers were withdrawn, and new applications were rejected in most cases. In 2023, during President Biden's term in office, new limitations were introduced for travellers with Hungarian passports. From that point on, travellers with Hungarian passports have only been able to apply for a single-entry ESTA valid for one year. Other nationalities included in the ESTA programme receive a travel permit that allows them to travel to the US multiple times during a maximum validity period of two years (if the passport does not expire before then).
Amount of ESTA's granted to Hungary
In 2021, there were few ESTAs granted to Hungarian citizens: only 3,115. In 2023, the amount of ESTAs granted to Hungarian citizens increased to 76,250. This is largely because of the restrictions on the number of trips (single-entry ESTA) and the shorter validity period.
Hungary fully rejoins the ESTA program again
On 16 September, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced that Hungary would benefit again from a full membership of the ESTA programme. According to the Secretary, Hungary had taken measures to tackle security risks. From 30 September, travellers with a Hungarian passport will be able to obtain a two-year ESTA allowing multiple entries.
The Hungarian president, pleased with US decision
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed the US decision on social media. For Orbán, this is above all a diplomatic sign of friendship and not a reaction to the implementation of measures that the United States had demanded of Hungary. Trump and Orbán have similar views on many issues and belong to the right wing of the political spectrum.
Unclear motivations
While Hungarians are now full members of the ESTA programme again, another EU Member State, hasn't been included in the ESTA programme after a long admission procedure . After Romania was officially admitted at the end of President Biden's term, the new Trump administration decided to revoke its admission. In 2025, Romania elected the moderate, pro-European candidate Nicușor Dan as president. Since then, political tensions have arisen between the two countries.
Apply for the ESTA
Another significant change in the ESTA programme is the important increase in the consular cost which will come into effect on 30 September. If you are travelling to the United States soon, apply for your ESTA now. On this website, you can use a application form with clear explanations. Find out more here about the requirements and the validity.