Hungary travel guide

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Hungary set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Hungary’s embassy or consulate in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel provider.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to get treatment there.

You should also read TravelHealthPro’s general COVID-19 advice for travellers.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Hungary, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

To enter Hungary (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Contact the Hungarian Embassy in the UK if your passport does not meet both these requirements.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

From 21 October, temporary border checks have been introduced at Hungary’s borders with Slovenia. You should allow extra time for crossing the land border between Hungary and Slovenia, and be ready to show your passport or residency card if you are asked to do so by the border police. Checks may also involve vehicle inspections.

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Hungary). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

If you live in Hungary, read our Living in Hungary guide for passport stamping information.

At Hungarian border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay
• show proof of accommodation, for example, a hotel booking

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area (including Hungary) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you’re travelling to Hungary and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Hungarian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Hungarian Embassy in the UK.

If you stay in Hungary with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Extending your visa

To extend your visa, see guidance from the Hungarian government National Directorate General for Aliens Policing.

Unpaid fines

If you have an unpaid fine in Hungary, you may be denied entry. Contact the Hungarian Embassy in the UK for guidance on paying any outstanding fines.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Hungary guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Hungary, including pets, hunting weapons, alcohol and tobacco products and medicines containing drugs. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. More information is available from the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money into Hungary

There are restrictions on the amount of cash you can bring into or take out of all EU countries, including Hungary. You must declare any amount over 10,000 euros (or equivalent). This includes cheques, travellers’ cheques, money orders, etc. This does not apply if you are travelling through the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU. It also does not apply if you are travelling within the EU.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Terrorism in Hungary

Terrorist attacks in Hungary cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Political demonstrations can take place in Budapest and across Hungary. Demonstrations often happen around important national holidays, such as 15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 anti-Soviet Uprising). Peaceful demonstrations have sometimes turned violent. Avoid demonstrations, monitor the local media and be aware of your surroundings.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Tourists can be targets for petty crime in Hungary, especially in big cities. Take sensible precautions. Bag snatching and pick-pocketing are common, especially in Budapest. Theft of and from vehicles is common.

Take care:

• on busy public transport
• in train stations
• at markets
• in places with high numbers of tourists

Scams in restaurants, bars and clubs

Some restaurants, bars and clubs might charge high amounts for food and drink. Tourists have been taken to cashpoints with demands for the money to pay the bill. Always ask to see the menu and price list before ordering drinks or food, and check your bill carefully before paying. Be wary of establishments where menus do not properly display prices. Report any incidents to the police.

Some taxi drivers are part of these frauds. They may receive a commission to recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers. If a taxi driver offers to take you to a bar or club, or you are approached on the street with an invitation, be cautious. Use taxis from a reputable local company.

Use official ATMs or banks. Do not change money on the street.

Drink and food spiking

There have been reports of drinks being spiked, particularly in Budapest bars. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Carry your passport at all times. You must show ID if requested. A photocopy is not acceptable.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Hungarian laws on the possession and use of drugs are very strict and carry serious penalties and custodial sentences.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships and civil partnerships are legal in Hungary but same-sex marriages are not recognised in Hungarian law. Budapest is generally tolerant and open. Recent Pride events have passed without incident, but historically there have been counter-events which have led to verbal, and sometimes physical, confrontation. Outside of Budapest, public affection may receive unwanted attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Festivals

If you are going to a summer music festival in Hungary, see FCDO’s travel checklist for festivals in Europe.

Transport risks

Public transport

You could be fined if you do not follow the rules of the transport ticket system. Make sure:

• on the Metro, you validate your ticket before you get onboard at the entrance to the station
• on buses, trams or trolley buses, you validate your ticket immediately after boarding
• you keep your ticket until the end of your journey and show it to ticket inspectors if requested
• you validate a new ticket each time you change lines or mode of transport
• you have the special ticket which is required for the night service network

More information on ticket conditions and prices is available from the Budapest Transport Authority.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Hungary, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC guide.

Licences and permits

You can drive in Hungary with a UK driving licence.

If you’re living in Hungary, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.

Driving a British car abroad

You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. In 2021, UK stickers replaced GB stickers. Check guidance on displaying number plates.

Driving regulations

Hungary has a no-alcohol driving policy. It is illegal to drink any alcohol and then drive in Hungary.

You must use headlights on roads outside towns even in daytime.

Toll roads

If you want to use major highways in Hungary, you must buy a motorway vignette (ticket) in advance of your journey. The vignette is a form of toll. If you use the roads without purchasing a vignette, you will be fined.

Haulage vehicles

If you are driving a large haulage vehicle through Hungary, make sure you have full vehicle documentation. International loads must be supported by a TIR carnet providing a full inventory of the goods being carried. You must leave a financial bond with the Hungarian customs when transiting Hungary with a cargo. The financial bond, minus an administration fee, is returned when you leave the country.

If you are planning to transit Hungary with consignments of humanitarian aid following a disaster, or medical aid, contact the Hungarian Embassy in London in advance to apply for a waiver.

Rail travel

Take care when travelling by train (domestically and internationally) and keep your belongings in sight. Take extra care on night trains. Travel with companions where possible and secure your compartment from the inside.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For more information read guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Hungary guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Hungary

You can view a list of English speaking doctors in Hungary.

Health insurance cards

Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC, it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as for Hungarian nationals. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team.

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. A or GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

GHIC and EHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Hungary

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Hungary
• dealing with a death in Hungary
• being arrested in Hungary
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Hungary and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy Budapest.

You can also contact FCDO online.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.