VISA FOR HUNGARY

Applications for visa and residence/work permit for Hungary can be filed at the Hungarian Embassy in the candidate's country of permanent residence.

Citizens from Kenya must have a visa to go to Hungary and to the other Schengen countries. You can apply for a visa for Hungary at the Hungarian Embassy in Nairobi:

Address: Hungarian Embassy Kabarsiran Ave. (off James Gichuru), Lavington Nairobi

Tel: 254 738 905 187.

In Case of Real Emergency after Office Hours, the Embassy can be reached through the following mobile numbers:00+ 254 (0) 738 150 391 or 254 706-233-1767 (Not for Visa & Administrative Affairs)

Opening hours: The opening hours for visa applications are Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 12.30 pm.

Visa fee: The visa fee is 60 euro. Plus 40 Euros for the courier service – for sending the

passport back to the visa applicant after issuing the visa (the 40 euros fee is to be paid by those applicants who can not or do not want to collect their visa in person at the Embassy)

Polite Notice:

On the 5th April 2010 a new Visa regulation came into force for all Schengen Member States. If you want to apply for a Schengen visa, please consider the following:

1. All visa applications have to be submitted at least 15 calendar days before the date of the intended departure.

2. An application submitted less than 15 calendar days before the intended departure may be accepted, but the applicant should bear in mind that the final decision might be taken after the intended date of departure.

3. Visa applications cannot be submitted earlier than three months before the start of the intended visit.

5. It is the applicant's responsibility to take the necessary precautions to respect the deadlines where an appointment system is in place.

6. Normal processing time for visa applications can take up to 15 calendar days.

7. When further scrutiny is needed, the deadline may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days. Exceptionally, where additional documentation is required, the deadline may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days after the application has been considered admissible.

Important Notice:

In order to serve you better and swifter, all visa applications must be submitted by appointment only. Appointments can be made by mail: Misson.nai@mfa.gov.hu. Appointments must be made at least 15 days before departure. The visa days are Tuesdays and Thursdays only - 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Validity of the visa: A Schengen visa is valid for maximum 90 days in a 6 months period and is valid for travel to all the Schengen member states. However, you may be asked to justify your visit to another member state than the country who issued your visa.

Entries: A visa can have one, two or multiple entries depending if you need to travel outside the Schengen area and back again during your visit. If you apply for two or several entries, this must be justified.

Visa processing time: According to the common Visa Code , the processing time for an admissible visa application must not exceed 15 calendar days. This period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days in cases where additional documentation or scrutiny is needed.

Application Forms: When applying for a Schengen visa you must fill in a Schengen visa application form. Here you can download the Schengen visa application form in English: http://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/visa-application-forms

General requirements for obtaining a short stay uniform (Schengen) visa:

Authorizes the bearer to a single, double or multiple entries and, in case of an uninterrupted stay, to a stay of maximum 90 days, while in case of an interrupted stay, to a stay of altogether maximum 90 days within the 6 months counted from the date of the first entry.

Each and every applicant must appear in person at the Embassy for personal identification check and an obligatory interview.

• Application for Schengen Visa - Application form (completed and signed)
• Original passport valid for travel to the Members States to visit. The passport validity must exceed the planned stay in the Schengen Area with at least three months. The passport must have been issued within the last ten years.
• Complete photocopies of original passport, except blank pages.
• Previous passport in original if a new passport has been issued within the last three years.
• Photocopy of the national ID card (both sides). If the applicant is not a resident of Kenya, a justification for lodging the application here must be provided. For non-Kenyan passport holders, Kenyan residence permit, re-entry pass valid for at least three (3) months after the return journey
• Two color photos(*) not more then six months old, passport size (45 mm x 35 mm), full face and taken against a light background. One recent passport size photograph, the photos should measure 35 x 45 mm. The length of the face (hair included) should not be smaller than 25 mm or longer than 35 mm. The background should be white in colour. A photo with shadows or colour changes is not acceptable
• Individual medical travel insurance which covers all costs that could arise as a result of emergency medical assistance, emergency hospitalization or medical repatriation. The insurance should cover costs of at least EUR 30,000 and be valid for the duration of the stay in all the Schengen countries.
• Preliminary ticket booking or travel itinerary (it is not necessary to buy a flight ticket at this stage).
• Applicants may be asked additional questions, interviewed or required to submit additional documents.
• Original documents and copies to be submitted with the application. All documents will be verified for genuineness.

● Visa fee – 60 Euros plus 40 Euros for the courier service – for sending the passport back to the visa applicant after visa issuance (40 euros fee is to be paid by those applicants residing outside Kenya)

In addition to the above mentioned requirements, the application will be assessed on the criteria for which the relevant documents have been submitted:

· the purpose of the journey;

· accommodation, or proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation;

· assessment of sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to the country of origin or residence;

Attentiton! In case your flight arrives to Ferihegy 1 and your transfer flight departs from Ferihegy 2 (and vice versa) short stay uniform visa (C) is needed.

Travel medical insurance:

Schengen travel insurance: A Schengen travel medical insurance with minimum coverage EUR 30,000 must be presented when applying for a visa. When buying your insurance, please make sure that it is possible to change the dates of coverage or be reimbursed if your visa application is refused or the dates of your travel are changed.

The valid medical insurance has to cover also any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay(s) on the territory of the Member States.

The following insurance companies have been checked by the Schengen missions in Nairobi. And have in the past proven to fulfil the standards of the Schengen requirements for travel insurance.

Please note that the list is only a recommendation and the choice of insurance provider is free.

This list is continuously updated.

The list:

APA
Jubilee
GA
Mercantile

The Financial coverage of the expenses can be certified with one of the following documents:

· an original income certificate of the employer or

· a bank account statement on the account turnover during the last three months or

· a pension slip or

· a certificate of registration in the case of an individual entrepreneur or one-man firm or

· a valid ticket, a certificate of a reserved and prepaid journey, accommodation or

· in the case of minors, a declaration by the legal representative on the coverage of the costs and on the existence of the financial coverage or

· a letter of invitation issued and endorsed by the Office of Immigration

· One application form duly completed

Additional requirements for tourist visits:

In the case of a tourist visit: Bank statements – for the last six (6) months. Proof of pre-paid hotel booking. Detailed travel itinerary. If you are employed please submit a signed letter from your current employer containing the following information:

• your personal data, your function/profession;
• terms of employment (temporary or permanent);
• Starting date of employment;
• Monthly net salary;
• number of years with employer/organization;
• granted leave days;
• date and contact details.
  
• If you are self employed please submit copy of registration with relevant authorities and if available bank statement for business account (last three months).
• If you are retired please submit documents proving your pension or other financial support.
• Any other documents relating to your personal establishment in Kenya like marriage certificate, title deeds or lease agreements.

· In the case of carriers: the certification or request of the carrier firm.

· For the purpose of visiting the grave of a deceased relative buried in Hungary: a document certifying the existence of the grave and the degree of relationship. 

· For the purpose of cultural activities: accreditation proving the participation in the sports event or contract with the Hungarian sport club, or the certificate issued by the delegating sport club / Olympic committee / Ministry of Sport, etc.

Please note:

· All submitted documents must be in English

· An interview may be required at the Embassy

· That you may be asked to provide further information or documentary evidence in addition to the above guidelines

Specific requirements for visiting family and friends:

• Invitation – completed and signed by the inviting friend or relative. Including enclosed copy of ID-card, certificate of civic registration and documents which show details of employment/income. (Scan or fax copy will be accepted if the documents are of good quality.)
• If you are paying for any part of the visit please submit bank statements or pay slips showing your financial situation covering the last three months.
• Family details –completed and signed.
• A written statement of how you are related/how your relationship was established, when you last saw each other and the purpose of the visit.
• Documents relating to your establishment in your home country. For example:
• Signed and dated letter from your employer or educational institution granting leave (must include your personal data, current position, duration of employment/studies, leave days granted, contact details)
• Bank statement for the last three months
• Business registration
• Title deed
• Lease agreement
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate of children

Please note:

· All submitted documents must be in English

· An interview may be required at the Embassy

· That you may be asked to provide further information or documentary evidence in addition to the above guidelines

Specific requirements for visits by children (under 18 year) all categories:

• Family details – Appendix to your application, completed and signed by the legal guardian.
• Original and copy of birth certificate
• Copy of both parents ID-cards and passports if applicable (all pages containing any type of information)
• Written consent letter from both parents if the child is travelling alone, or from the parent that is not accompanying the child when travelling.
• If either parent is absent or deceased this must be supported by the information on the birth certificate or a death certificate when applicable
• If the legal guardian is someone else apart from the biological parent as stated in the birth certificate a custody order must be submitted proving the legal guardianship
• A letter from school containing the child’s name, name of parents, grade, number of years at school, leave days granted, contact details, date and name of school representative.
• If the child is travelling with a group please submit a complete list of names of all group members travelling and name of person in charge of the group
• Documents relating to the purpose of the travel including financial responsibility, accommodation and registration for events when applicable

Please note:

· All submitted documents must be in English

· An interview may be required at the Embassy

· That you may be asked to provide further information or documentary evidence in addition to the above guidelines

Additional requirements for business purposes:

In the case of an entry for business purposes: in case there already exists a business partner in Hungary: a letter of invitation from the business partner, proof of the existence of commercial business relations; the certificate of the local chamber of commerce on the existence of business relations, and the certification of the address of the envisaged place of accommodation in Hungary.

Sponsored’ Business/Official trip – A letter of invitation/sponsorship or a notification or proof of enrolment for attendance of workshops, seminar, conferences, sporting event etc emailed directly to this Embassy : mission.nai@mfa.gov.hu. Proof of hotel booking.

Self funded’ Business trip – Bank statements – for the last six (6) months.

o Letter from Company/Employer with salary slips/vouchers for the last 6 months

o Copy of employment contract

o Proof of pre-paid hotel booking

o Pin certificate and registration act of company/business

o Questionnaire for applicants - Appendix A (completed and signed)

o Signed letter of invitation. The invitation must contain the following information:

o your personal data

o the reason for your visit

o how long you intend to be in the Member State

o who will be responsible for supporting you financially during the time you are in European Union

o date and contact details

• Signed letter from your current employer or organization containing the following information:
• your personal data
• your function/profession
• terms of employment (temporary or permanent)
• number of years with employer/organization
• purpose of the visit

who will be responsible for supporting you financially during the time you are in the Schengen Area

• date and contact details
• If you represent a small or medium size company or organization please submit bank statement for the last three months and copy of proof of registration with relevant authorities.
• If you are attending a conference which requires prior registration please submits proof of registration and receipt for registration fee.
• If you are attending a conference in your own private capacity, if you represent a small company or NGO and if this is your first travel to the Schengen Area please submit a completed form regarding Family details – Appendix to your application.
• If you are a student please submit at letter from your educational institution containing your personal details, name of institution, contact details, course enrollment and number of years at institution.

Additional requirements for medical treatment:

In the case of an entry with the purpose of medical treatment: the certificate of the receiving health institution, including reference to the fact that the expected coverage of the medical treatment is available, and other certification of the coverage of the medical treatment, as well as the certification of the address of the expected place of accommodation in Hungary.

• A letter from the medical institution or doctor in the Member State indicating the following:

Ø The contact with the local doctor;

Ø Nature of the treatment;

Ø Estimated time for recovery;

Ø The need for return visits;

Ø The cost of treatment;

Ø The mention that the patient is accepted;

Ø The indication that the treatment can be performed;

Ø The indication that the medical institution or doctor agrees with the intended method of payment.

Ø A letter dated not more than 3 months and signed from your treating doctor in Kenya providing background to the medical treatment and why it cannot be done in Kenya.

Ø Recent bank statement covering the last three months. Documents showing how you plan to pay for the treatment including receipts if down payments have already been made.

Ø Proof from the Medical Institution showing that it agrees with your intended method of payment.

Ø If you are employed please submit a signed letter from your current employer containing the following information:

• your personal data, your function/profession;
• terms of employment (temporary or permanent);
• number of years with employer/organization;
• granted leave days;
• date and contact details.
  
  
• If you are self employed please submit copy of registration with relevant authorities and if available bank statement for business account (last three months).
• If you are retired please submit documents proving your pension or other financial support.
• Any other documents relating to your personal establishment in Kenya like marriage certificate, title deeds or lease agreements.

Additional requirements for sport visits:

Signed letter of invitation. The invitation must contain the following information: your personal data, the name and date(s) of the event in the Member State if the event organizers will cover any expenses and/or insurance of participants date and contact details.

If you are part of a group or representing an organization, a letter from the group leader or organization is required, which needs to state the following: your personal data; if you have a specific function within the group/organization; your previous sport results (national and/or international); your level of competition; purpose of the visit; the name of the responsible person or organization for the financial support during the period in the Schengen Area; date and contact details.

Confirmation of your participation in the sports event from the relevant Kenyan sports federation and the required documentation proving the level if applicable

Please note:

· All submitted documents must be in English or in the language of the Member State

· An interview may be required at the Embassy

· That you may be asked to provide further information or documentary evidence in addition to the above guideline

Additional requirements for purpose of attending a conference:

Specific requirements for business and conference visits (including official visits)

Invitation letter issued by the organization, confirmation on participation issued by the host organization, and/or a certification issued by the delegating organization; receipt on payment of the registration fee In the case of other purposes of entry (regular shopping, entertainment, etc.) not listed in any of the above categories: a declaration presenting the purpose of the entry and stay, made in full awareness of the person’s criminal liability.

• Questionnaire for applicants - Appendix A (completed and signed)
• Signed letter of invitation. The invitation must contain the following information:
• your personal data
• the reason for your visit to the destination Member State
• how long you intend to be in the Member State
• who will be responsible for supporting you financially during the time you are in European Union
• date and contact details
• Signed letter from your current employer or organization containing the following information:
• your personal data
• your function/profession
• terms of employment (temporary or permanent)
• number of years with employer/organization
• purpose of the visit
• who will be responsible for supporting you financially during the time you are in the Schengen Area
• date and contact details
  
  
• If you represent a small or medium size company or organization please submit bank statement for the last three months and copy of proof of registration with relevant authorities.

• If you are attending a conference which requires prior registration please submits proof of registration and receipt for registration fee.

• If you are attending a conference in your own private capacity, if you represent a small company or NGO and if this is your first travel to the Schengen Area please submit a completed form regarding Family details – Appendix to your application.

• If you are a student please submit at letter from your educational institution containing your personal details, name of institution, contact details, course enrollment and number of years at institution.

Please note:

· All submitted documents must be in English

· An interview may be required at the Embassy

· That you may be asked to provide further information or documentary evidence in addition to the above guidelines

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPLICATION FOR STUDENT VISA

• Applicant’s passport + copy (minimum 1 year validity)
• A filled visa application form which may be downloaded from the home page of the Embassy: http://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/visa-application-forms
• 1 application form completed and signed
• Travel Insurance covering one month
• Parent's or guardian’s bank statements
• Letter from the employer
• Commitment letter from the parent or guardian that he or she will support the student during his / her education in Hungary. Proof of sufficient funds of the guarantor - The guarantor must have adequate means of subsistence and stand surety for any costs incurred by the student in terms of health treatment, residence in Hungary and repatriation, for at least one academic year. The guarantor must have a regular income.
• Summarised statement from the respective bank to show the balance in Euros or Dollars
• Students degree and academic records, Proof of studies: - equivalent Diploma or degree requested (legalized)
• Proof of registration
• Visa fee of Eur. 60.00 per student plus 40 Euros for the courier service – for sending the passport back to the visa applicant after visa issuance (40 euros fee is to be paid by those applicants residing outside Kenya)
• Two passport size photographs. The photos should measure 35 x 45 mm. The length of the face (hair included) should not be smaller than 25 mm or longer than 35 mm. The background should be in WHITE. A photo with shadows or colour changes is not acceptable

Modification of visa application procedures

The Embassy of Hungary in Nairobi informs the public regarding the introduction of a new procedure for the issuance of student visa.

The visa issuance process will be accompanied by an identification procedure by means of the capture of biometric data (digital finger prints and digital photograph).

Applicants will be required to attend in person to provide a ten-finger scan and a digital photograph with their visa application. This applies to all Schengen visa applicants irrespective of location or nationality.

The consular section stresses that the identification process has no influence on the introduction, the treatment and the issuance of visa. The visa process remains as it used to be in the past and is based on the same documents.

This new measure is part of a more extensive European project which aims to create a database containing biometric and alphanumeric information of visa applicants, shared by the Schengen Member States. The collection of biometric data will therefore be brought into general use and it will be applied to all Schengen visa applicants.