Fire and rescue services
Call 112.
Medical emergencies
Call 112.
Police
Call 112.
We now advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Hungary.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
We now advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Hungary.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Hungary.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Hungary.
Rules and restrictions to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks can change quickly. It’s important to regularly check the rules in the destinations you’re travelling to and transiting through. For the latest details on entry and exit conditions, you should contact your airline or travel provider, or the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination you're entering or transiting through.
Read our global health advisory and step-by-step guide to travel during COVID-19 for more information.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Hungary to Ukraine. There's a risk to life.
If you have arrived in Hungary from Ukraine and are in need of assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
Petty crime occurs in Hungary, especially on public transport and in tourist areas.
Theft from vehicles and highway robberies also occur. Be wary of tactics persuading drivers to pull over.
If you're travelling on overnight trains, keep your cabin locked. Never leave your bags unattended.
To protect yourself from crime:
Scams and fraud
Some clubs and restaurants overcharge. This is more common in the Pest business district of Budapest.
Always check the price of food and drinks before your order.
Be aware that:
Be wary of drivers or friendly strangers who invite you to clubs.
More information:
Drink spiking
Drink spiking can happen in Budapest bars and nightclubs.
To reduce the risk of being drugged:
More information:
LGBTI travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Hungary, and laws prohibit sexual discrimination. However, homosexuality isn't widely accepted.
Harassment and violence against homosexuals has occurred.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people are usually peaceful but can turn violent. They can disrupt traffic and public transport.
Extremist groups have used national holidays to stage demonstrations. Be careful of protests around:
To stay safe:
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:
European security services have stopped 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 northeast region along the upper Tisza River and the Danube, particularly from March to May.
During snowstorms, parts of the country may be isolated for days.
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
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:
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.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
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
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.
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:
Insect-borne diseases
Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas. They're active from spring to autumn.
To reduce your risk of tick-borne disease:
Cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have also occurred throughout Hungary. There's no vaccine to prevent it.
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. Medical care can be very expensive. Make sure you have travel insurance before you arrive.
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.
Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to prison sentences. This includes marijuana.
More information:
Other laws
Local authorities can ask to see your identification at any time. Carry your passport at all times. A photocopy won't be accepted.
Smoking is banned:
Large fines apply.
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 like 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:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, including COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
Hungary is part of the Schengen area with many other European countries. This means that 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.
Entry into Hungary
Hungary has removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions. You must still meet standard entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport and visa. Further information and updates can be found on the Hungarian government website.
Land borders are open and operating normally. Airports are open, and schedules have returned to normal.
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.
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.
Ensure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport when entering the Schengen Area for the first time.
You won't be allowed 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:
Departure from Hungary
Budapest and Debrecen Airports are open, and schedules have returned to normal.
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 Budapest airport website.
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.
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always carry it with you.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Get a local police report and seek a 'letter of facilitation' from the Canadian Embassy in Budapest. Take the letter to the Australian Embassy in Vienna, where you can arrange a replacement passport. See Local contacts
The currency of Hungary is the Forint (HUF).
Euros may be accepted in major cities, and payment by card is widely accepted.
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.
Declare funds of more than 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Hungary and a non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash. Failure to do so will result in fines.
More information:
There's no current requirement to prove your COVID-19 immunity to enter venues within Hungary.
Masks are only required in high-risk settings such as health facilities and nursing homes. Social distancing is not enforced.
For updates and news regarding Government measures, refer to the Hungarian Government website.
More information:
Driving permit
You can drive on your Australian driver's licence for 1 year if you also have either:
Get your IDP before your travel.
More information:
Road travel
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 always keep car headlights on when driving outside of towns.
If you're driving on motorways, you must purchase a Vignette beforehand to pay for tolls. You can buy these at petrol stations, post offices, and online. If buying an e-vignette, keep proof of purchase.
Random vignette checks occur. You'll be fined if you don't have one.
The Hungarian government has introduced fuel price caps for fuel purchased for cars registered in Hungary. You'll need to present Hungarian registration documents to be eligible. Vehicles registered abroad aren't eligible for reduced prices and must pay full prices determined by individual petrol stations.
Driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is an offence. Police can take licences away from drivers under the influence of alcohol.
Heavy fines exist for minor traffic offences.
Penalties for serious offences include jail. Fines for traffic violations must be paid at a 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.
More information:
Motorcycles
Check with your travel insurer that your policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
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. Call a dispatcher instead of hailing one on the street.
Check the meter is running and the charge is correct. If you think you have been overcharged, ask for a receipt and contact the taxi company.
Public transport
You'll be fined if you travel on public transport without a ticket.
To avoid a fine:
More information:
River cruises
If you plan to join a Danube river cruise, read:
Make sure you consider border crossings and travel with your passport.
Air travel
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
Facebook: @AusEmbassyVie
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.