Before travelling to Hungary, make sure you have the right travel documents. Some visitors can enter with a national identity card, while others need a passport.
The rules depend mainly on your nationality, and there are a few extra things to check if you're travelling with children.
Can EU Citizens Travel to Hungary with an ID Card?
Yes. If you're a citizen of an EU country, such as Italy, Germany, France or Spain, you can travel to Hungary with either a valid passport or a valid national identity card.
You don't need both. Your chosen document must be valid when you travel.
The same rules apply to citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
A driving licence, residence permit or bank card is not a substitute for a passport or national identity card.
You can find more information on the EU's official travel documents page.
Do UK, US and Other Non-EU Visitors Need a Passport?
Most visitors from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, including British, American, Canadian and Australian citizens, need a valid passport to travel to Hungary.
For most non-EU visitors coming for a short holiday, the passport must:
• Have been issued within the previous 10 years on the date of entry.
• Be valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Both conditions must be met. A passport can still be valid according to its expiry date but be too old to use for entry into the Schengen Area.
For example, if you plan to leave Hungary and the Schengen Area on 15 June, your passport should normally be valid until at least 15 September.
These requirements also apply to many visitors who don't need a visa.
Some travellers, particularly certain family members of EU citizens, have different rights and requirements. You can check the details on the EU's official website for non-EU travellers.
Do Children Need Their Own Passport or ID Card?
Yes. Children, including babies, need their own valid travel document.
EU citizens can use a passport or, where available, a national identity card. Children from outside the EU generally need their own passport.
What If a Child Travels with Only One Parent?
If a child travels with only one parent, another relative, a family friend or alone, additional documents may be needed.
The Hungarian police recommend carrying a written consent letter if a child is travelling with only one parent or another accompanying adult. An English-language letter may be sufficient, although the requirements of the countries involved should always be checked.
There is no single EU-wide form for parental travel authorisation. Requirements can differ between countries, and airlines may have their own rules.
Before travelling, check the requirements of your departure country, any countries you're travelling through, and your airline.
You can also read the Hungarian police guidance on children travelling abroad and the EU's guidance on travel documents for children.
Do You Need to Show Your Passport at the Hungarian Border?
Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, so there are normally no routine passport checks when travelling from another Schengen country.
For example, if you're driving from Austria to Hungary, you would not normally stop for a passport check at the border.
However, temporary border controls and identity checks are possible. Always carry your valid passport or national identity card when travelling, even within the Schengen Area.
If you're arriving from outside the Schengen Area, you should expect border checks.
What If Your Passport or ID Card Has Expired?
Don't assume you'll be allowed to travel with an expired document.
EU citizens without a valid travel document must be given a reasonable opportunity at the border to prove their EU citizenship and right to travel by other means. However, this doesn't guarantee that an airline will allow them to board.
For non-EU visitors, passport validity requirements are particularly important. If your document has expired or is close to its expiry date, check the rules and arrange a replacement before travelling.
For more information, see the EU's official guidance on expired or lost passports.
Do You Also Need a Visa for Hungary?
The correct travel document doesn't necessarily mean you can enter Hungary without a visa. Requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
For details, read our guide: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Hungary?
Last reviewed: October 2026. Travel document requirements may change. Please check official information before travelling.
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