Exchange of notes on liberalization of the visa practice
The Department of State takes note of the recent discussions which took place between its representatives and those of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary, and confirms the commitment expressed during those discussions to liberalization of the visa practice of the United States toward Hungarian nationals. The Department of the State shares the aim of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to increase and improve the economic, cultural, and educational ties between the Republic of Hungary and the United States of America, and considers that facilitation of travel between the two countries is in the interests of both.
The Department of State further welcomes the recent changes in the political situation in the Republic of Hungary which have made such closer contacts possible.
In light of the above-mentioned discussions the Department of State reiterates its commitment to appropriate consideration of the Republic of Hungary for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program if it is extended and expanded, and of the question of issuance of multiple-entry visas in all nonimmigrant visa categories at the earliest appropriate date. The Department also confirms its commitment to issuance of visas to Hungarian nationals in the shortest possible time.
The Department of State confirms that multiple-entry visas are available to Hungarian nationals who wish to make visits to the United States for tourism or family visits, and to diplomats, seamen, students, temporary workers, some business executives, and journalists assigned to the United States. These visas are classified as follows: A, B-2, C-3, D, F-1 and F-2, G-1 and G-2, G-4 and G-5, H-1 through H-4, J-1 and J-2, L-1 and L-2, and M-1 and M-2.
It is the understanding of the Department that on November 1, 1990 the Government of the Republic of Hungary will abolish the visa requirement for United States nationals coming for visits of 90 days or less. This privilege shall not extend to those wishing to seek employment or settlement in the territory of the Republic of Hungary. It is understood also that the competent authorities of the Republic of Hungary reserve the right to refuse permission to enter or stay in territory in any case in which the person concerned is considered undesirable.
In light of the commitment of the Republic of Hungary described in the paragraph above, the Department of State confirms that on November 1, 1990 all fees required in connection with the application or issuance of similar nonimmigrant visas to nationals of the Republic of Hungary will be abolished.
Department
of State,
Washington, October 17, 1990
* * * * *
Embassy
of the Republic of Hungary
3910 Shoemaker Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel.: (202) 362-6737
October 17, 1990
No.: 334/1990
The Embassy of the Republic of Hungary presents its compliments to the Department of State and refers to the recent discussions between officials of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States Department of State with a view to promoting economic, cultural and scientific relations through the facilitation of travel between the Republic of Hungary and the United States of America.
The Embassy takes note of the recent relaxation of restrictions on the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Hungarian nationals who wish to make visits to the United States for tourism or family visits, and to diplomats, seamen, students, temporary workers, some business executives, and journalists assigned in the United States. The Embassy also notes the commitment of the Department of State expressed during the discussions mentioned above to consider the question of issuance of multiple-entry visas valid for lengthier periods for all categories of nonimmigrant applicants at the earliest appropriate date, and its commitment to issue all visas in the shortest possible period.
The Embassy also notes the commitment of the Department of State to give appropriate consideration to a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa requirement for Hungarian nationals under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program if that program is extended and expanded.
In light of the above-mentioned commitments, the Republic of Hungary will abolish the requirement for a visa for nationals of the United States of America holding valid passports and coming to Hungary to visit for a period of ninety days or less. This privilege shall not extend to those wishing to seek employment or settlement in the Republic of Hungary. The competent authorities of the Republic of Hungary reserve the right to refuse permission to enter or stay in the territory of the Republic of Hungary in any case in which the person concerned is considered undesirable. This abolition of the visa requirement will take affect on November 1, 1990.
The Embassy understands that the Department of State will abolish all fees in connection with similar nonimmigrant visa applications and issuances for Hungarian nationals on that date.
The Embassy of the Republic of Hungary avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Department of Stated the assurances of its highest consideration.