Budapest to Chicago (BUD–MDW) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Hungarian passport holders can enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism or business. An approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required before boarding. ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. Most approvals come within minutes, but some take up to 72 hours.

Passport must be an e-passport (machine-readable biometric). At the US border, CBP officers may ask about the purpose of your visit, length of stay, accommodation, and ties to Hungary. Have a return ticket and hotel bookings accessible. The 90-day VWP stay cannot be extended and does not allow a change of status. Overstaying triggers a permanent VWP ban. If you need more than 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy in Budapest ($185 application fee, interview required, 2 to 8 week processing).

Direct flights from Budapest to New York (JFK/EWR) run about 9 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours on seasonal routes. Year-round connections through major European hubs (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam) cover all US destinations. The US uses the dollar (USD). No mandatory vaccinations. Tipping is expected at restaurants (18% to 20%), bars ($1 to $2 per drink), and rideshares. Sales tax is not included in displayed prices and varies by state (0% to 10.25%).