May 29, 2026 · Hungary
Hungarian Passport Photo Requirements 2025/2026
Hungary issues its biometric passport (biometrikus útlevél) and national identity card (személyazonosító igazolvány) in accordance with ICAO biometric standards and EU regulations. This guide covers the official photo specifications, the Hungarian ID card as a travel document, where to apply at Okmányiroda offices, and practical information for Hungarian citizens abroad.
Hungary is EU + Schengen
Hungary is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. German citizens can enter Hungary using only their national identity card (Personalausweis) — no passport required. Hungarian citizens can likewise travel throughout the Schengen Zone with their személyazonosító igazolvány.
Quick summary
35×45mm, neutral or light grey background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully visible, taken within 6 months. Hungarian biometric útlevél with ICAO chip since 2006.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Hungarian passport (útlevél) and national identity card (személyazonosító igazolvány) applications and renewals.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO biometric standard).
- Background: Neutral or light grey. Uniformly plain — no shadows, patterns, or colour gradients.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. Hungary follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric document photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted only for documented religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to crown is completely visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
Hungarian Biometric Passport (Biometrikus Útlevél) Since 2006
Hungary introduced the biometric passport in 2006, making it one of the earlier EU member states to adopt the ICAO Doc 9303 contactless chip standard. The chip stores the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints, enabling verification at automated e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers.
Adult Hungarian passports are typically valid for 10 years; child passports for a shorter period. Always confirm the current validity terms with the issuing authority before applying.
The Személyazonosító Igazolvány: ID Card for EU and Schengen Travel
Hungarian citizens can use the személyazonosító igazolvány (national identity card) as a travel document within the European Union and the Schengen Area without a separate passport. The card is widely accepted at land, sea, and air border crossings within Schengen.
The photo requirements for the identity card are the same as for the passport: 35×45mm ICAO, neutral or light grey background, no glasses, neutral expression, both eyes fully open. Both documents are processed through the same Okmányiroda government client service network.
Where to Apply: Okmányiroda Document Offices
Hungarian passport and ID card applications are submitted at Okmányiroda (document offices), which are government client service points operated throughout Hungary. These offices handle passport issuance, renewal, identity card applications, driving licences, and vehicle registration documents.
Appointments are generally required and can be booked online through the Hungarian government portal (magyarorszag.hu). The biometric photo is typically captured on-site at the Okmányiroda using a controlled camera. Check with your local office whether a printed photo is required or whether only the on-site digital capture is used.
Hungarian Embassy in Berlin
Hungarian citizens in Germany can contact the Hungarian Embassy in Berlin for passport and consular services. The embassy serves Hungarian citizens living in Germany and handles document applications in line with the same photo specifications as Okmányiroda offices in Hungary. Confirm appointment requirements and whether printed photos are needed before attending. Current contact details are available at berlin.mfa.gov.hu.
Hungarian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hungarian Passport (útlevél) | 35×45mm | Neutral/light grey | No | 10 years (adult), 5 years (child) |
| Hungarian ID Card (személyazonosító igazolvány) | 35×45mm | Neutral/light grey | No | Varies by age |
Always verify current validity periods and requirements with the Hungarian government portal (magyarorszag.hu) or your nearest Hungarian Embassy or Consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons for Hungarian Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not permitted under the ICAO standard.
Background not neutral or plain
Use a uniformly neutral or light grey background. Avoid patterned, coloured, or off-white backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand away from the background wall and use even frontal lighting to eliminate shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application or renewal date.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Maintain a relaxed, neutral expression with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
Digital filters or retouching applied
Submit the photo without any filters, skin smoothing, or digital alterations to your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Hungarian passport photo?
Hungarian passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall, following the ICAO biometric standard. The face must be centred, fully visible from chin to crown, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
Can I wear glasses in a Hungarian passport photo?
No. Hungary follows the ICAO biometric standard, which prohibits glasses in passport photos. Remove all eyewear, including prescription frames, before the photo is taken.
Can I use my Hungarian ID card (személyazonosító igazolvány) instead of a passport to travel in Europe?
Yes. Hungarian citizens can use the személyazonosító igazolvány national identity card for travel within the EU and the Schengen Area without a passport. The card is accepted at land, sea, and air border crossings within Schengen.
Where do I apply for a Hungarian passport?
Hungarian passport and ID card applications are submitted at Okmányiroda document offices (government client service points) in Hungary. Hungarian citizens living abroad can apply at the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate.
Do Germans need a passport to travel to Hungary?
No. Hungary is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. German citizens can enter Hungary using their national identity card (Personalausweis) without a passport.
How long has Hungary issued biometric passports?
Hungary introduced its biometric passport (biometrikus útlevél) in 2006. The document contains a contactless chip with the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints, in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU biometric passport regulations.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — the Hungarian government portal (magyarorszag.hu) or your nearest Hungarian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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