India! Just the name makes one create a picture of a kaleidoscope of images: the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the colorful messiness of the spice markets in Delhi, the backwaters of Kerala, the snow-white mountains of the Himalayas. It is a place of deep history, spirituality and sensual saturation at its best.
To Hungarian nationals who dreamed about this amazing escapade, it only takes one small step to go there, that is to obtain a visa. The days of long embassy visits and heaps of paper work are gone. The Indian eVisa system is more accessible today than it was fast and quicker than before.
Nevertheless, it may be overwhelming to go through any visa system. What type of visa do you need? How do you apply? What are the specific photo specifications? This detailed guide will be there to provide any answer to all the questions a Hungarian traveler may have and will make sure that you will begin your trip to India with a nice start.
Do Hungarian Citizens Need a Visa for India?
Yes, absolutely. Hungarian citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter India for any purpose, including tourism, business, or medical visits. The good news is that Hungary is on the list of countries eligible for the Indian e-Visa program. This means you can complete the entire application process from the comfort of your home in Budapest, Debrecen, or anywhere with an internet connection.
Types of Indian Visas for Hungarians visitor
The most common question users search for is "what type of Indian visa do I need?" India offers several eVisa categories, so it's crucial to choose the one that matches your travel plans.
e-Tourist Visa: This is the most popular option for Hungarian travelers. It's available in three durations:
30-Day e-Tourist Visa: Perfect for a short trip. It allows for double entry within its 30-day validity period from your first arrival.
1-Year e-Tourist Visa: Ideal for multiple trips. It's a multiple-entry visa valid for 365 days from the date it is granted.
5-Year e-Tourist Visa: The best value for frequent visitors. This is also a multiple-entry visa, valid for five years.
e-Business Visa: This visa is for Hungarian citizens visiting India for business meetings, sales, or setting up an industrial/business venture. It is typically valid for one year with multiple entries.
e-Medical Visa: This is a short-term visa for those seeking specific medical treatment in India. It is usually valid for 60 days and allows for triple entry. A companion "e-Medical Attendant Visa" is also available for family members.
e-Conference Visa: This is for Hungarian citizens invited to attend a conference, seminar, or workshop in India. It is typically a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
How to Apply for Indian eVisa from Hungary
Applying is straightforward if you follow the steps. Here’s a simple India Visa for Hungary Citizens breakdown:
Begin Your Application: Select e- Visa by clicking on the button apply here. Enter the first information such as the type of your passport, country of origin (HUNGARY), the arrival port, date of birth and the type of eVisa you require.
Fill in Detailed Form: You will be requested to fill in personal details, family, occupation and travel itinerary (hotel addresses) in this section. Be careful and make sure that all the details are a perfect copy of your passport.
Upload Your Documents: You will be asked to scan two important documents; your digital photo and your passport bio page. (These are the problematic requirements, as we will see later!)
Make Visa Fee: You will be referred to a secure payment gateway. Payments are possible via credit or debit card.
Grant Your ETA: Once a successful payment is done, a confirmation email will be received with an Application ID. The processing begins now. You are expected to get another email in 24-72 hours with your official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The status will say "Granted."
Print Your ETA: This is an obligatory option. Make a hard copy of the ETA with the status of Granted and store it in your passport.
Indian eVisa Requirements for Hungarian Citizens
To apply, you'll need a few things ready. Here is your Documents Required for Indian e-Visa checklist:
A valid Hungarian passport.
A recent, digital, passport-style photograph.
A scanned copy of the information page of your passport.
A valid email address (this is where your ETA will be sent).
A credit or debit card (like Visa or Mastercard) to pay the application fee.
Details of your itinerary, such as the address of your first hotel.
Indian visa Passport Requirements: What You Need to Know
Your passport is your most critical document. To be eligible for an eVisa, your Hungarian passport must:
Be valid for at least six (6) months from your intended date of arrival in India.
Have at least two (2) blank pages for the immigration stamps.
The scan you upload must be a clear, color copy of the main information page (the one with your photo and personal details) in PDF format (between 10 KB and 300 KB).
Indian eVisa Photo: A Guide to Avoid Rejection
This is the #1 reason for eVisa rejections. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your application is approved:
Format: JPEG
Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 1 MB.
Dimensions: Must be a perfect square (e.g., 350x350 pixels).
Background: Plain WHITE or light-colored. No patterns, shadows, or objects.
Your Face: Must be full-face, front-facing, with your eyes open.
Expression: A neutral expression with your mouth closed.
Obstructions: No glasses (unless medically necessary and they don't cause glare), no hats or head coverings (unless for religious reasons, in which case your full face must still be visible).
How do I pay my Indian e-Visa fee?
This is another step where travelers often face problems. After submitting your form, you will be directed to a payment page. Here’s what you need to know:
Payment Methods: The official portal accepts payments through designated gateways, typically SBI ePay and Axis Bank. These gateways process major credit and debit cards like Visa and MasterCard.
Bank Charges: Be aware that a small, non-refundable bank transaction fee (usually 2.5% - 3%) will be added to the total visa cost.
Troubleshooting Payment Failures:
Contact Your Bank: The most common issue is the Hungarian bank's fraud protection blocking the international transaction. Before you pay, call your bank and pre-authorize the payment to India.
Browser Issues: If the payment page fails, clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
Disable VPN: If you are using a VPN, disable it. This can interfere with the payment gateway.
3D Secure: The payment will likely require 3D Secure verification (like an "OTP" - One-Time Password) sent to your phone. Be ready to enter it.
Don't Try Too Many Times: If the payment fails three times, your application ID may be locked. You might have to start the entire application process over again.
How long does an Indian e-Visa take to process?
The processing time for an Indian e-Visa depends on the type of application you choose:
Normal Processing (Lower Fee): Typically 3–6 business days. Ideal for travellers who plan ahead.
Urgent Processing (Higher Fee): Typically 2–4 business days. Perfect for last-minute travel or urgent trips.
💡 Important: Processing does not start until the e-Visa fee is successfully paid, so ensure payment is completed to avoid delays.
Indian Visa Validity vs. Duration of Stay: A Crucial Distinction
This is another point of confusion.
Validity: This is the window during which you can use the visa to enter India. For a 1-year eVisa, it's valid for 365 days from the date it is granted.
Duration of Stay: This is how long you can remain in India per visit. For Hungarian citizens on a 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist visa, the maximum continuous stay per visit is 90 days. You can then exit and re-enter, and the 90-day clock resets.
What Happens After My Indian eVisa is Approved?
Once you receive that exciting email with your "Granted" ETA:
Print it out. You must carry a physical copy with you.
Fly to India. You can only enter through one of the designated e-Visa airports (like Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, etc.) or seaports.
Go to Immigration. Look for the "e-Visa" counter.
Present Documents. Give the immigration officer your passport and your printed ETA.
Biometrics & Stamping. They will take your fingerprints and a photo, then stamp your passport with your visa.
That's it! Welcome to India.
Common Mistakes and Reasons for India eVisa Rejection
Bad Photo: The photo did not meet the strict white-background or square-dimension rules.
Blurry Passport Scan: The PDF of the passport page was not clear or was cut off.
Passport Mismatch: Your name or passport number was entered incorrectly on the form.
Wrong Website: You accidentally applied on a non-official site that failed to process the application.
Insufficient Passport Validity: Your passport had less than 6 months of validity.
I Forgot to Print My ETA!
Do not rely on a digital copy on your phone. Most airlines will ask for the printed ETA at check-in before you even board your flight to India. Immigration officials in India will also require the physical paper copy to process your entry. Always print 1-2 copies and keep them with your passport. If you forget, try to find a printing service at the airport before you check in.
My eVisa Was on My Old, Expired Passport.
This is a common worry. The good news is you do not need to apply for a new visa! According to Indian immigration rules, you can still travel. You must carry:
Your new, valid Hungarian passport.
Your old, expired Hungarian passport on which the eVisa was issued.
Present both passports to the immigration officer, and they will process your entry. The eVisa is electronically linked to the old passport number, but as long as you have that passport with you, it is valid.
Arriving at a Non-Designated Airport or Land Border
This is a critical mistake to avoid. The Indian e-Visa is only valid for entry at designated international airports (currently 28, including Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, etc.) and 5 seaports. It is NOT valid for entry via land borders (e.g., from Nepal or Pakistan) or at airports not on the official list. You will be denied entry and sent back. Always double-check that your port of arrival is on the approved e-Visa list.
Navigating the e-Visa Immigration Counter
When you arrive at the Indian airport, do not go to the regular "Visa" or "Foreign Passport" lines. Look for the dedicated "e-Visa" counters. These are set up specifically to handle ETA processing and biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Going to the correct counter will save you significant time.
Your Indian Adventure Awaits
Securing an Indian eVisa from Hungary is a clear and simple process. By choosing the right visa, preparing your documents, and using the official government website, you can avoid stress and focus on what really matters: planning your extraordinary trip.
So, double-check your passport's expiry date, practice taking that perfect white-background photo, and get ready to experience the magic of India. Your adventure is just one click away.
