Hungary: Types of passports, including format and numbering: procedures to obtain a passport (2006-March 2010)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Publication Date | 23 April 2010 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Hungary: Types of passports, including format and numbering: procedures to obtain a passport (2006-March 2010), 23 April 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4dd23900394.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The Council of the European Union (Consilium) hosts the Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO), a site for "disseminating information on security features of authentic identity and travel documents" (Consilium n.d.a). PRADO provides information on fourteen types of passports issued by the Republic of Hungary in circulation (Consilium n.d.b).
Ordinary passports
Two out of the three types of ordinary passports have blue covers and are identified by PRADO as having first been issued on 1 September 1998 and 15 April 2002 respectively (ibid.). However, no specific differences between these two types of passports are identified on the PRADO website (Consilium 27 Nov. 2009a; ibid. 27 Nov. 2009b). Keesing Reference Systems' document checker service for identity documents does not mention the passport type first issued on 15 April 2002, and describes only one passport with a blue cover in circulation (Keesing Reference Systems n.d.a), stating that it was first issued in 1998 (ibid. n.d.b). The third type of ordinary passport, first issued on 29 August 2006, has a burgundy cover (Consilium n.d.b).
In a 31 March 2010 telephone interview with the Research Directorate, the Head of the Consular Section of the Hungarian Embassy in Ottawa explained that there are several types of ordinary passports in use by Hungarian citizens (Hungary 31 Mar. 2010). As older passports expire, the country is replacing them with the newest type of passport with the latest security features (ibid.). The website of the Embassy of Hungary in London similarly notes that "[p]reviously issued passports, including first generation biometric (red cover) and non-biometric (blue cover) remain valid until their date of expiry" (Hungary 13 July 2009).
The Head of the Consular Section stated that before 29 August 2006, ordinary passports issued by the Republic of Hungary had a blue cover (Hungary 31 Mar. 2010). He also stated that since 29 August 2006, Hungary has issued national passports with a burgundy cover that contain a chip that holds digitized data, as well as a digital photograph of the passport holder (ibid.). In addition, the Head of the Consular Section stated that burgundy-covered passports issued since 28 June 2009 also have digitalized fingerprints of the holder added to the above-mentioned information (ibid.). There are no visible differences between these passport types (ibid.). The Hungarian Embassy in London's website corroborates that 28 June 2009 marks the beginning of the issuance of "second generation (biometric) e-passports for all applicants aged 12 or over", which contain digital fingerprints (Hungary 13 July 2009).
The Head of the Consular Section at the Hungarian Embassy in Ottawa added that since Hungarian embassies do not as of yet have the capability to process these digital fingerprints, passports issued by embassies do not contain the digitalized fingerprints and are issued for a maximum one-year period (Hungary 31 Mar. 2010). The other difference between blue and burgundy passports besides the colour of the cover is the numbering of the passports (ibid.). The previous blue passport had two letters followed by 6 numbers, while the newer burgundy passport has two letters followed by 7 numbers (ibid.). He indicated that the ordinary passports are valid for five or ten years, but that the passports currently issued by Hungarian embassies are valid for only one year due to the aforementioned technical limitation (ibid.). Likewise, the website of the Hungarian Embassy in London states that "[a]s a general rule, only applications for a temporary passport can be submitted at Hungarian embassies abroad" (Hungary 13 July 2009).
Procedures to obtain a passport
The Head of the Consular Section at the Hungarian Embassy in Ottawa stated that all passports are centrally produced, and the same application conditions exist for everyone (Hungary 31 Mar. 2010). He also stated that the timeframe to receive a passport can vary depending on the location where the person is applying (ibid.). According to him, there are about 350 government centres throughout the country where people can go to apply for identification documents and the applications are electronically forwarded to a central office in Budapest (ibid.). The Head of the Consular Section explained that passport applications submitted at an Embassy take longer to process as embassies are not yet connected to the electronic network that would allow verification of governmental databases (ibid.). He stated that instead, applications must be filled out and sent to Budapest to complete the application process (ibid.). He also stated that the Embassy can also issue emergency passports very quickly in certain circumstances, if supported by evidence of the emergency (ibid.). He stated that the personal information used for passport applications is electronically vetted by comparing it to data found in various governmental databases (ibid.). As an example, he explained that criminal records are checked to see if an applicant has committed an offence that would render them ineligible for a passport (ibid.).
More detail on applying for a Hungarian passport is provided on the website of the Hungarian Embassy in London (Hungary 13 July 2009). Since Hungarian embassies can issue only temporary passports until they are able to produce passports containing digital fingerprints, the Hungarian Embassy in London recommends that an application for a regular passport be made directly to the Central Document Office in Budapest (ibid.). The Embassy states that an appointment, by phone or online, is necessary to be able to submit an application (ibid.). A passport can be issued within five working days if the "urgent procedure" is chosen (ibid.). In addition, the website of the Hungarian Embassy in London provides details on the necessary documentation to apply for temporary passports at the Embassy (Hungary 17 July 2009; ibid. 16 July 2009). The website states that passport applications can be made in person at the Embassy or by mail if appearing in person would cause "disproportionate difficulty" (ibid. 17 July 2009). If done by mail, a notary public endorsed by the Embassy must verify the identity and signature of the applicant (ibid.). The Embassy notes that temporary passports are usually issued within eight working days but it will try to reduce the processing time in emergencies (ibid.).
The Embassy states that applicants must provide a signed passport application form which has been completed "according to Hungarian usage" and with the applicant's name entered exactly as it is registered in Hungary (Hungary 16 July 2009). Two colour passport photographs must also be included with the name and date of birth of the applicant on the reverse (ibid.). The applicant's expired, or about to expire, passport must also be included (ibid.). If the applicant does not hold a valid passport, either a valid Hungarian identity card or a certificate of Hungarian nationality issued within the previous year must be presented (ibid.). If the passport and identity card are both expired the passport application must be accompanied by a "nationality questionnaire" (ibid.).
Characteristics of passports
Keesing Reference Systems provides in this paragraph the following details on the features on the blue covered ordinary passport first issued by Hungary in 1998 (Keesing n.d.b). It is valid for two years for bearers between 0 and 4 years old, five years for bearers between 4 and 18 years old, five or ten years for bearers between 18 and 70 years old and five years for bearers over 70 years old. The date of expiry is listed on the biodata card. The booklet measures 125 x 88 mm (4.9 x 3.5 in.) and has 32 pages excluding the integrated biodata card. Pages 1, 2 and the biodata card are not numbered. There is no laminate. A photo is integrated and background printing runs across the photograph. The numbering consists of 6 digits, preceded by 2 letters. This numbering is perforated from the front cover to page 16, is printed on page 32 and is machine-written on the biodata card. There are red fibres in the paper.
Keesing Reference Systems provides in this paragraph the following details on the burgundy covered ordinary passport first issued by Hungary on 29 August 2006 (Keesing n.d.c). It is valid for five or ten years for bearers between 18 and 70 years old, two years for bearers between 0 and 4 years old, five years for bearers between 4 and 18 years old and for five years for bearers over 70 years old. The date of expiry is listed on the biodata card. The booklet measures 125 x 88 mm (4.9 x 3.5 in.) and has 32 pages excluding the integrated biodata card which is not numbered. There is no laminate. A photo is integrated with background printing running across the photograph. The numbering consists of 7 digits, preceded by 2 letters. This numbering is machine-written on the front of the biodata card and laser engraved on the back of the biodata card. The numbering is also printed on page 1 and laser perforated from page 1 to the back cover. There is a pattern of cubes on the cover of this type of passport, which also contains a contactless chip that meets the ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organization] specifications. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency which oversees international civil aviation security standards (ICAO n.d.).
According to PRADO, the 16-page emergency or provisional passport has a black cover and was first issued on 1 March 2007 (Consilium 13 Apr. 2010). PRADO indicates that it is valid for a maximum of one year, but also states that "[t]he document may exceptionally be issued with handwritten infill, in which case it authorises only a return home and may not be issued for a period of more than six months" (ibid.).
According to Kessing Reference Systems, Diplomata Útlevél are diplomatic passports (Kessing n.d.d), Külügyi Szolgálati Útlevél are diplomatic service passports (ibid. n.d.e), Szolgálati Útlevél are service passports (ibid. n.d.f) and Hajós Szolgálati Útlevél are service passports for seamen (ibid. n.d.g).
PRADO provides information on Hungarian diplomatic and service passports: Diplomata Útlevél are green but the version that has been issued since 29 August 2006 is of a brighter shade of green than its predecessor, originally issued on 1 September 1998 (Consilium n.d.b). The Külügyi Szolgálati Útlevél first issued on 1 September 1998 is brown while its successor, first issued on 29 August 2006, is burgundy (ibid.). The versions of the Szolgálati Útlevél and Hajós Szolgálati Útlevél which were first issued on 1 September 1998 and the two which were issued on 1 November 2004 all have orange covers (ibid.). The versions of these types of passports first issued on 29 August 2006 have burgundy covers (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
The Council of the European Union (Consilium). 13 April 2010. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "HUN-AP-01001."
_____. 27 November 2009a. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "HUN-AO-01001."
_____. 27 November 2009b. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "HUN-AO-01002."
_____. N.d.a. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "About Us."
_____. N.d.b. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "Search by Issuing Country: HUN - Hungary."
Hungary. 31 March 2010. Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in Ottawa. Telephone interview with the Head of the Consular Section.
_____. 17 July 2009. Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in London. "About Temporary Hungarian Passports."
_____. 16 July 2009. Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in London. "Applying for a Hungarian Passport."
_____. 13 July 2009. Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in London. "Changes to the Passport Application Process as of 28 June 2009."
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). N.d. "Strategic Objectives of ICAO."
Keesing Reference Systems. N.d.a. "Hungary - HUN - National Passports."
_____. N.d.b. "Hungary - HUN - National Passports: Cover (P2)."
_____. N.d.c. "Hungary - HUN - National Passports: Cover (P3)."
_____. N.d.d. "Hungary - HUN- Diplomatic Passport: Cover (D1)."
_____. N.d.e. "Hungary - HUN- Diplomatic Service Passports: Cover (D2)."
_____. N.d.f. "Hungary - HUN - Service Passport: (S2)."
_____. N.d.g. "Hungary - HUN- Service Passport for Seamen: Cover (N1)."
Additional Sources Consulted
Internet sources, including: Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in Ottawa, Embassy of Hungary in Washington, DC, the Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Hungary in British Columbia, Hungary - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
