Military action is underway in Ukraine. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until it’s safe to depart.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine, including in major cities. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until you judge it’s safe to depart. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media. Where it is safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine.
Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel.
The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Information may change and will be updated as details become available. You should also read the travel advice of the destination you’re travelling to - entry requirements may differ when entering by road, rail or air. Before leaving Ukraine, verify if the local authorities of your destination have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities.
In most cases, Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
Read our advice about Ukraine border regions.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Hungary due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Hungary due to the impacts of COVID-19.
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.
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 is part of the Schengen area. Refer to the European Commission Re-open EU for country-specific information for each EU Member State, including on entry restrictions.
Hungary has removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions. You must still meet ordinary entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport and visa. Further information and updates can be found on the Hungarian government website.
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.
There's currently no requirement to prove your COVID immunity status to enter most venues in Hungary.
Social distancing rules are not in force, and there’s no requirement to wear a mask in public spaces or on public transport. There are, however, limitations on the number of people allowed at private gatherings.
For updates and news regarding Government measures, refer to the Hungarian Government website.
More information:
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.
The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2
A1100 Vienna
Austria
Phone: +43 1 506 740
Email: Vienna.Embassy@dfat.gov.au
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.