The Hungary visa has been asked about more often in Azerbaijan in recent years, for a simple reason: Wizz Air flies direct from Baku to Budapest and the fare is often lower than a ticket to Istanbul. But the Hungarian visa has one feature that costs the unwary money: the visa centre’s service charge is paid online before you can book an appointment, and it is not refunded.
This article explains how the application runs at the BLS International centre, the costs, the documents, the paperwork for thermal spa trips and the flight options to Budapest.
Hungary visa: the essentials
| Visa type | «C» type Schengen visa |
| Where documents go | BLS International visa centre, Baku |
| Consular fee | 35 euros; free under 12 |
| Centre’s service charge | 54 manat, paid online in advance, non-refundable |
| Processing time | 15 days |
| Direct flights | Wizz Air Baku–Budapest |
How to apply
The Hungarian embassy has delegated document intake to BLS International. The process: register on the BLS site, pay the service charge online, and only then is your appointment confirmed. On the day you hand in the documents, give fingerprints, pay the consular fee, and the passport goes to the embassy. Because the service charge is non-refundable, fill in the appointment details — especially the passport number and the date — with care. The official visa rules are on the Hungarian Consular Service’s site.
Documents for a Hungary visa
Hungary is known for its thermal spas: Lake Hévíz, the baths of Budapest, the area around Balaton. On a trip for treatment, confirmation from the spa and proof of payment make the purpose of travel clear, and the visa is usually issued without trouble.
Read next: Czechia visa: the translation requirement, the 15-day timescale and the direct Baku–Prague flight
How to get from Baku to Budapest
Wizz Air flies direct between Baku and Budapest in about four hours, and the fare is very low when booked early; baggage and seat selection cost extra. Daily connections through Istanbul are available too. Baku–Budapest fares rise around New Year and in summer. Budapest is two and a half hours from Vienna by train and six from Prague.
Cheap flights have made Budapest the starting point for Central European trips; Budapest tours continue from there to Vienna and Prague. On such a trip the visa comes from the country with the most nights — bear that in mind when planning the route.
Frequently asked questions about the Hungary visa
How long does it take?
Fifteen days; with the BLS appointment, the whole process runs three to five weeks.
Can you apply with a Wizz Air ticket?
You can, but Wizz Air issues a paid ticket rather than a reservation; if the visa is refused the money may be lost. Use a reservation service or buy the ticket after the visa arrives.
Can you cross into Serbia on a Hungarian visa?
Serbia admits citizens of Azerbaijan without a visa and there is a Budapest–Belgrade train. But Serbia is outside Schengen, so you need a multiple-entry visa to come back into Hungary.
In closing
The Hungary visa is an ordinary Schengen process; the two things to remember are BLS’s non-refundable service charge and the fact that a Wizz Air ticket is not a reservation. The Viza.az team helps book the BLS appointment correctly, prepare the documents and plan a Central European route.
Read more about Hungary as a destination and our service fees, or fill in the application form.
Note: the information here is accurate as of the publication date. Fees and visa centre procedures can change, so check the official pages again before applying.
