FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About U.S. Citizenship And Passports

If I obtain Hungarian citizenship, will I lose my American citizenship?

In November 1990, the interpretation of U.S. law concerning the acquisition of another nationality was changed. It is now possible for U.S. citizens to become Hungarian nationals without losing their U.S. citizenship. Citizens of the United States who wish to acquire Hungarian nationality may request a copy of the information handout prepared by ACS as a guide to prevent the loss of U.S. nationality. For information on Hungarian naturalization, please contact the Hungarian authorities as we have no information on application procedures. Citizens of both the United States and Hungary are de facto recognized by both countries. Being born in Hungary of foreign parents does not automatically make the child a Hungarian national. U.S. citizens who acquire dual nationality during childhood are not required by U.S. law to choose one nationality or another upon reaching the age of 18. One does not risk losing U.S. citizenship unless one performs certain conclusively expatriating acts. Upon request, ACS can send you information sheets on "Possible Loss of U.S. Citizenship" and "Dual Nationality" by mail. You can also visit the Department of State's Possible Loss of U.S. Citizenship and Dual Nationality page.

How does American-Hungarian dual nationality affect me?

Hungarians who become naturalized American citizens do not lose their Hungarian citizenship under Hungarian law, and American citizens do not jeopardize their U.S. citizenship by obtaining a Hungarian passport. Please be aware, however, that the U.S. Embassy is sometimes prevented from extending certain protections to dual nationals when they are in the countries of their nationalities and are documented as citizens of that country. More information can be found on the Department of State's Dual Nationality page.

I am old and live far from Budapest. May I authorize a third party to submit my passport application after I fill it out?

If you are not physically able to come to the Consulate, you can obtain a power of attorney for someone to act on your behalf in bringing your completed application with photos and the required passport fees to the Consulate. Please note that this procedure does not apply to lost/stolen/mutilated passport case nor to first-time applicants.

Do we need to bring our minor child to the Consulate when we submit a passport and/or Consular Report of Birth application on her/his behalf?

Yes.

As an American, I would like to travel to other countries from Hungary. How do I find out what their visa requirements are?

Please visit the Department of State's Foreign Entry Requirements page. 

Last updated: 08/12/2005