United States: DHS Removes Visa Waiver Program Restrictions for Hungarian Nationals
September 16, 2025
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At a glance
- The U.S. government will again issue two-year, multiple use authorizations to Hungarian nationals approved to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citing the country’s actions to address VWP-related security vulnerabilities.
- In 2023, the Department of Homeland Security restricted VWP authorizations to one-year and single use for Hungarian nationals, citing the country’s inability to satisfy multiple VWP requirements.
- Hungary’s restoration to full status in the VWP will take effect by September 30, 2025.
The issue
By September 30, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will restore Hungary to full status in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), again permitting two-year, multiple use authorizations for business visitor or tourist travel in the VWP Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). In 2023, ESTA authorizations were limited to one year and single use for Hungarian nationals, based on a U.S. government review of Hungary’s ability to comply with VWP-related security and program integrity requirements.
DHS is also removing certain VWP restrictions imposed in 2021 on Hungarian nationals born outside of Hungary.
It is expected that the VWP changes for Hungary will be implemented through a notice in the Federal Register in the coming days.
Visa Waiver Program generally
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without first obtaining a B visa. For B-1 business visitors, activities in the United States must conform to certain allowable B-1 business activities.
To travel under the VWP, applicants must apply through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) online application, Electronic System for Travel Authorization, up to 72 hours in advance of travel.
ESTA authorizations are generally valid for two years, but foreign nationals must re-apply in certain circumstances such as obtaining a new passport, a name change, or a change in circumstances that affects eligibility. In certain circumstances, DHS limits the ESTA authorization validity afforded to certain countries, as it did with Hungary in 2023. ESTA authorizations are not a guarantee of admission to the United States; CBP makes an admissibility determination at the port of entry.
What this means for Hungarian nationals and their employers
As a result of Hungary’s full restoration in the VWP, eligible Hungarian nationals and their employers will benefit from longer ESTA validity, as well as authorization for more frequent travel to the United States to conduct business visits. For frequent VWP travelers, this means a reduction in the number of ESTA applications they are required to submit to DHS.
Foreign nationals deemed ineligible for participation in the Visa Waiver Program by ESTA, perhaps due to prior law enforcement or immigration compliance issues, will generally need to apply for a B visa at a U.S. consulate. Hungarian travelers with existing B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use those visas for visitor travel to the United States.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
