Ask the Consul

Periodically, the Consular Section posts a question and answer relating to a particular consular issue, whether about visas or services to American citizens. Readers may submit questions of general interest to the e-mail box usconsular.budapest@state.gov, and the Consular Section will select one or create a composite of several to address issues of concern to the public.

Question for February 2006:

I have heard that it is very difficult for a Hungarian to obtain a U.S. visa. Is this true?

Actually, more than 85% of Hungarians who apply for U.S. visas actually receive a visa. As the Hungarian economy continues to improve we expect that even more Hungarians will qualify in the future. 

This does not mean that every applicant has a better-than 85% chance of success. An applicant who is un-employed, or in-between jobs, or has just recently been employed for the first time, is unlikely to be successful. On the other hand, an applicant who has been employed by a reputable firm for many years, and who has a strong record of travel, can be fairly confident of success. 

While each application receives individual attention and must stand alone, it is a fact that more than 85% of Hungarian applicants appear to be well-qualified for a U.S. visa. In most of these cases these applicants are issued visas that are valid for ten years. 

The United States welcomes qualified travelers for tourism, business and study.

Previous Questions:

• I'm not planning to travel until several months from now. Should I apply for my visa now? Why? (March 2005) - Answer
  
  
• What is the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) and how is it different from the old form? Why should I use the electronic form? (October 2004) - Answer
  
  
• Since Hungary is now a member of the European Union, why do I need a visa to visit the United States? After all, British, French and German citizens can travel to the U.S. visa free. (June 2004) - Answer
  
  
• I recently received a 10-year tourist visa but my friend got a tourist visa that he can use only once. What can we do in the United States on our tourist visas and what is the difference between our visas? (April 2004) - Answer

Last updated: 08/11/2006