Security travel advice for Hungary

How safe is Hungary?

Threat level:low

COVID-19 Situation in Hungary

Amid the new strain of coronavirus in the UK and to prevent the import of the coronavirus from abroad, entry to Hungary is restricted to foreign nationals including UK travellers until further notice.

Due to a resurgence in coronavirus cases, Hungary has closed its borders and banned entry to foreign travellers. To contain the spread of the virus, the government has also implemented a series of measures including a curfew between 20:00 and 5:00, the closure of leisure facilities and public venues including restaurants, bars, cafes (except for takeaways and deliveries), people who are sat in public transport must leave two empty seats between themselves and others and private gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. Further to this, the use of facemasks is compulsory in enclosed public places and people maintain social distancing of at least 1.5m. To limit contagion, wear a facemask, sanitise your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings. For more advice, refer to our healthcare section.

Security in Hungary

The current travel safety advice for visiting Hungary is to remain cautious. The threat from terror is low in Hungary, but travellers should always be aware of the general threat worldwide. Petty crimes such as bag snatching and pick-pocketing are particularly common in tourist locations, mainly Budapest. Basic security precautions such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding cramped public transport, should insure a trouble-free visit to Hungary.

A common scam directed mostly at tourists occurs on the Hungarian motorways. Criminals have been known to flag people onto the side of the road by indicating they have something wrong with their car. Once the victim has pulled over, they have reportedly been mugged and assaulted by teams of criminals working together.

Taking precautions to prevent yourself becoming a victim, such as insuring your car is in a good working condition before you set out on your journey and always waiting till you arrive in a safe location, if someone tries to indicate there is a problem with your car.

The most common areas for theft are mostly where crowds of tourists gather, where it is easier for thieves to distract the unsuspecting victim. Public transport hubs such as train stations, trains, trams and metros are busy at any time of the day and present many easy targets for thieves and pickpockets operating in the area. Do not leave valuables and bags unattended at any time.

Hungary's International Relations

Hungary has strong diplomatic relationships with many countries in and out of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. They all have Embassies in Budapest and share interests with Hungary.

Travelling around Hungary

When travelling by car in an EU country, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.

The road conditions in Hungary are relatively good for the most part. To drive legally, you will need an international driving licence or a national driving licence, many of which are accepted for driving in Hungary, you must always have your licence to hand when driving.

Hungarian public transport has a very strict ticket system. You should always purchase train tickets in advance to avoid expensive on-the-spot fines.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Hungary

Police emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 112
Medical emergency: 112

Hungary Overview

Capital: Budapest
Official languages: Hungarian
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholicism)
Currency: Forint (HUF)

Consular information for Hungary

U.S. Embassy Budapest
Szabadság tér 12
H-1054 Budapest
Hungary
Telephone: + 36 1 475 4400
Email: acs.budapest@state.gov

British Embassy Budapest
Harmincad utca 6
Budapest 1051
Hungary
Telephone: + 36 1 266 2888
Email: budapest@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Hungary

To enter Hungary, your passport will need to be valid for the proposed duration of your visit. Most EU nationals do not require a visa for Hungary if their stay is no longer than 90 days. You should check with your nearest embassy if you are unsure about visa requirements.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Hungary whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

Healthcare and Immunisations

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Hungary. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak that is affecting the country, it is recommended to apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary contact with others. If you are coughing and have fever, it is required to quarantine yourself and only call emergency services if you have severe respiratory issues.

It is advised that visitors to Hungary are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Wild dogs, which are infected with rabies, are present in Hungary and can be aggressive, which is why vaccines against rabies are advised. Stay away from wild dogs when possible.