Hungarian citizens: Only one-time entry into the USA with ESTA for one year
So far, Hungarian citizens with the Visa Waiver Program ESTA, like all other countries participating in this program, have had the opportunity to enter the USA visa-free for two years. Since August 2023, the validity of the travel permit has been limited to one year. This means that the validity expires after one year and a new ESTA application must be submitted online for each new year. In addition, this one-year ESTA permit can only be entered once. This message was released on August 1, 2023 by the US Embassy in Hungary. US security concerns due to simplified naturalization procedures in Hungary in recent years form the background for this decision. In addition, only citizens born in Hungary are allowed to take part in the ESTA procedure.
This new regulation does not apply retroactively. ESTA approvals already issued before August 1, 2023 remain valid. This means that the validity remains for the authorized person, the approved period and for multiple entries.
We recommend that all travelers who can travel with ESTA check the validity and status online before each new trip to the USA in order to be on the safe side the next time they enter the USA.
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