Passport and Copy Management: how it works in Hungary — first-hand
Short answer
Print application forms rather than writing by hand and submit copies of the biodata page plus all pages containing Schengen visas and entry/exit stamps. Do not staple documents, present all valid passports, and avoid retrieving your passport during processing as this will suspend your application and require a new payment.
From real experience
For Hungarian visa applications, it is recommended to print application forms rather than filling them out by hand to ensure legibility and avoid potential issues at the visa application center.
When submitting passport copies, include the main biodata page and pages with all existing visas and entry/exit stamps. If you have a second valid passport with visas, provide copies of its relevant pages as well. It is advisable to clarify with the visa application center which specific pages of the passport need to be copied, as unnecessary copies (like blank pages) might not be required and could incur extra charges.
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When applying for a visa with an incomplete travel history in your passport (e.g., exit stamp without an entry stamp, or a lost passport with stamps), it's advisable to provide all relevant documentation, including copies of old passports.
If the situation is legal but unconventional, clearly explain it to the consular officers. Alternatively, you could consider declaring the old passport lost and submitting the new one, but this carries risks. Consulting with visa experts or seeking advice on forums like 'Vinskie' can be helpful for complex cases.
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When submitting visa application documents, it is generally recommended NOT to staple or bind pages together tightly, especially for extensive documents like bank statements or multiple passport copies.
Visa centers may prefer documents to be presented in separate stacks for easier review. Avoid using staples for the application form itself. If you choose to use staples for personal organization, be prepared for them to be removed by the staff.
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As of recent reports (May), a 5-year old-style passport was still accepted for Hungarian visa applications.
However, it is advisable to stay updated on potential changes, as there are discussions about Hungary exclusively issuing visas for 10-year biometric passports in the future. For applicants seeking multiple-entry visas from Hungary, initiating the first trip to Hungary is recommended to potentially facilitate future applications.
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For Hungarian visa applications, applicants are required to provide copies of their passport's main biodata page and all pages containing previous Schengen visas and entry/exit stamps.
If a second valid passport with Schengen visas is also held, copies of its relevant pages should also be submitted. Blank pages of the passport generally do not need to be copied.
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When applying for a Hungarian visa in Moscow, it is acceptable to simplify 'Place of Birth' to just the village and region if the full address is too long.
Applicants must present all valid passports; hiding a secondary passport may trigger suspicions of undisclosed Schengen visas. Insurance from T-Bank is accepted as a valid document for visa applications.
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If you retrieve your passport after submitting a visa application, the processing will be suspended.
The case will be closed without a visa decision. To proceed with the application, you will need to reapply with a new set of documents and pay the visa fee again.