Past Events 2008
Secretary Chertoff Visits Budapest, Visa Free Travel for Hungarians to Begin on November 17
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff visited Budapest on October 28, 2008 and met with Justice Minister Tibor Draskovics, National Security Minister György Szilvásy, and Foreign Ministry State Secretary Márta Fekszi. The highlight of his visit was his appearance at a Foreign Ministry press conference where the long awaited date of the Hungarian entry into the Visa Waiver Program was announced. Thus, starting on November 17, Hungarian citizens will be able to travel to the United States for tourism or business without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Secretary Chertoff called the move to Visa Waiver travel a major milestone in a long-standing and excellent relationship between the U.S. and Hungary. State Secretary Fekszi demonstrated for the assembled press corps and invited guests the ease of using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Speaking of the agreements signed between the two countries that led to the Visa Waiver announcement, Minister Draskovics said that Hungary as well as the U.S. will now be more secure because of them, both having a better chance of combating the drug trade and international terrorism.