Washington: The United States has reinstated Hungary’s full participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), ending years of partial restrictions that had strained bilateral ties. The decision came after Hungary introduced stricter measures to safeguard its passport system and align with U.S. security standards.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of partner countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Hungary, a member since 2008, saw its privileges curtailed in 2021 when U.S. authorities raised concerns over the issuance of passports, particularly to ethnic Hungarians born outside the country. At that time, Washington halted approvals for this group, citing risks of misuse and insufficient vetting.
In 2023, the Biden administration further tightened the rules. Hungarian citizens were limited to single-use electronic travel authorizations valid for just one year, a sharp reduction from the standard two-year, multiple-entry approvals enjoyed by other VWP participants. These measures underscored U.S. frustration with Budapest’s reluctance to make changes in its passport system.
American officials confirmed that Hungary has now taken corrective steps to address those concerns. While details of the reforms were not publicly disclosed, officials said they involve stronger document verification processes and enhanced safeguards to ensure passports are issued only after rigorous checks. With these measures in place, the Department of Homeland Security announced Hungary’s full reinstatement into the program.
For Hungary, the restoration marks a diplomatic win and a relief for its citizens, many of whom rely on visa-free travel for business, education, and tourism. The decision is expected to improve the travel experience of thousands of Hungarian passport holders, restoring parity with other European Union countries in the VWP.
The move is also seen as a signal of renewed cooperation between Washington and Budapest, whose relationship has often been uneasy in recent years over issues ranging from democratic governance to foreign policy alignment. By restoring Hungary’s VWP status, the U.S. acknowledged the country’s efforts to meet security obligations while reaffirming the value of transatlantic ties.
Analysts note that the decision could also have a broader impact on U.S.–EU relations, as visa restrictions had become a point of tension between Hungary and its European partners. The restoration places Hungary back on equal footing with other EU member states under the program, removing what had been a sensitive diplomatic friction point.
With this step, both sides have sought to turn the page on the dispute, underscoring that strong travel and security partnerships remain central to transatlantic cooperation.