23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Do not travel to Hungary due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Petty crime occurs in Hungary on public transport and in tourist areas.
Theft from vehicles and highway robberies also occur.
If you're travelling on overnight trains, keep your cabin locked. Never leave your bags unattended.
To protect yourself from crime:
Some clubs and restaurants overcharge. This is more common in the Pest business district.
Always check the price of food and drinks before your order.
Be aware that:
More information:
Drink spiking can happen in Budapest bars and nightclubs.
To reduce the risk of being drugged:
More information:
Same-sex relations are legal in Hungary, and laws forbid and punish sexual discrimination. However, homophobia does exist.
Harassment and violence against homosexuals has occurred.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Extremist groups have used national holidays to stage demonstrations. Be careful of protests around:
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Hungary, they can still happen.
Terrorists have staged attacks in European cities in recent years. Targets include:
Security services have stopped a number of planned attacks.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it is safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Hungary experiences severe weather, including:
Flooding is common in the north-east region along the upper Tisza River and the Danube.
During snowstorms, parts of the country may be isolated for days.
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Hungary. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
More information:
COVID−19 remains a risk in Hungary. Public health measures are in place to help protect you and others. You must wear a face mask on public transport and in shops. Children under six years of age are not required to do so. You must maintain a safety distance of 1.5 metres from other people where possible. You can be fined if you don’t follow the public health measures in place.
To protect yourself and others from illness:
Monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities. Information is available online in English and Hungarian (see below). Call the dedicated COVID-19 hotline (in Hungarian) if you think you have symptoms and ask for an English speaker: 06-80-277-455 or 06-80-277-456
For information on Hungary's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the official vaccine information website (in Hungarian). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested areas. Ticks are common in country areas. They are active from spring to autumn.
West Nile virus (WNV) occurs throughout Hungary. There's no vaccine to prevent WNV.
To protect yourself from disease:
Check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests. Remove any whole ticks as soon as possible. Watch any tick sites for signs of infection.
More information:
Medical treatment is adequate but hospitals vary in quality. Many medical facilities are below the standard of Australia.
Medical facilities can be limited in rural and border areas.
There's no private in-patient hospital facility in Budapest.
Some doctors speak English, but it's not widely spoken by other hospital staff.
Doctors and public hospitals may expect up-front cash payment for services.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for possession or trafficking of drugs can be severe. They include long prison sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
Local authorities can ask to see your identification at any time. Carry your passport at all times. A photocopy is not acceptable.
Smoking is banned:
Large fines apply.
Heavy fines exist for minor driving infringements. Penalties for serious driving offences include prison.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Hungary recognises dual nationality.
In rare situations, such as a state of emergency, you may have to do military service. This applies if you're:
Get advice from your nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary before you travel.
More information:
Hungary is part of the Schengen area with many other European countries. In some cases, you can enter Hungary without a visa.
Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules
Global travel has been impacted by COVID-19 and remains unpredictable. Your plans may be disrupted at short notice. Be aware of the risks of travelling at this time and make informed decisions about your travel. See the COVID-19 Information for Australian Travellers.
Hungary has restricted the entry of foreign nationals, including Australian nationals, due to the coronavirus pandemic until further notice. Non-Hungarian nationals may only enter Hungary if they have a permanent residence permit or a permit extending over 90 days.
Non-Hungarian nationals may be allowed to enter Hungary in limited circumstances, these may include:
In some of these circumstances, you must gain permission from Hungarian authorities before entering Hungary.
Further information and updates regarding entry requirements and exemptions can be found on the Hungarian government website.
If you meet the conditions to enter the Schengen zone, foreign citizens may enter Hungary for the purpose of transiting within 24 hours. Transit rules apply.
Hungary is part of the Schengen area. Refer to the European Commission Re-open EU web platform for country-specific information for each EU Member State, including on entry restrictions.
More information:
Be aware that flights are less frequent than before the pandemic and may be subject to change or be cancelled.
Refer to the relevant travel advisory of neighbouring countries for departure and entry information for that country. For more information regarding flights to and from Hungary, refer to the website of the Budapest airport.
If you’re remaining in Hungary, find out about visa regulations in place and follow the advice of local authorities.
Lockdown measures are in place across Hungary. Curfews may be in place or imposed at short notice, there may be restrictions on gatherings and you may need to wear a face mask in public. Tourism, hospitality and retail sectors may be closed or subject to reduced operating hours. Strict compliance with hygiene and social distancing rules remains essential. For updates and news regarding Government measures, refer to the Hungarian Government website.
More information:
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
Entry to Hungary
Hungary has strengthened border controls, particularly with:
Expect delays.
Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.
Keep up to date on border conditions. Check local news sources and ask transport providers.
Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport. Get this when you enter the Schengen area for the first time.
You won't be allow to enter if you have failed to pay a fine issued in Hungary. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary for advice on paying fines before you travel.
More information: Entry requirements
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always carry your passport with you.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Get a local police report and seek a 'letter of facilitation' from the Canadian Embassy in Budapest. Carry the letter with you to the Australian Embassy in Vienna, where you can arrange a replacement passport. See Local contacts
The currency of Hungary is the Forint (HUF).
Only change money at banks or authorised dealers. Don't use street money changers.
Most banks have ATMs that accept major international cards.
Check any banknotes you receive are valid. Some outdated notes are still in circulation.
If you're travelling between Hungary and a non-EU country, declare cash or equivalent to the value of 10,000 euros or more. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
If you don't declare cash or give incorrect information on entry or exit, you'll be fined.
More information:
You can drive on your Australian driver's licence for 1 year. You must also have either:
Get your IDP before your travel.
More information:
Highways are usually in good condition.
Driving in rural areas can be dangerous due to poor road maintenance and lighting.
Snow tyres are not mandatory in winter, but check with your insurer.
You must keep car headlights on at all times when driving outside of towns.
If you are driving on the M1, M3, M5 and M7 motorways, you must display a vignette. This is a toll card you can buy at petrol stations, post offices, and online.
Police don't issue fines for traffic offences. They issue a ticket showing the amount of the fine. This can be paid at any post office.
Police can keep your passport if you dispute a driving fine or offence. They will issue a receipt and a letter asking you to report to a police station. The passport will be returned once the dispute is settled.
Driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is an offence. Police can take licences away from drivers under the influence of alcohol.
More information:
Some taxi drivers get commissions to take passengers to bars, clubs and restaurants.
Never ask a taxi driver to recommend a bar, club or restaurant.
Be wary of drivers or friendly strangers who invite you to clubs.
If you travel on public transport without a ticket, you'll be fined.
To avoid a fine, follow all passenger notices. They're usually printed in English.
More information:
If you plan to join a Danube river cruise, read:
Make sure you consider border crossings and travel with your passport.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Hungary's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Call 438 8080 for a 24-hour tourist helpline for crime victims, run by the Hungarian National Tourist Office.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Hungary.
The Canadian Embassy in Budapest provides consular assistance to Australians in Hungary. They can help you get provisional travel documents. They can't help you with passport or notarial services.
Ganz utca 12-14
1027 Budapest
Hungary
Phone: (+36 1) 392 3360
Fax: (+36 1) 392 3390
Email: bpest@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/hungary-hongrie
You can access full consular services from the Australian embassy in Austria.
Mattiellistrasse 2
A1040 Vienna
Austria
Phone: +43 1 506 740
Fax: +43 1 513 1656
Email: austemb@aon.at
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @AusAmbVIE
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.