Hungary

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

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:

• watch your belongings on trains, buses and taxis, especially at night
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour
• leave a situation if you think there may be danger
• monitor local media for new safety risks
• be wary of offers of help from friendly strangers or taxi drivers
• use secure parking facilities
• be careful at petrol stations and highway parking areas, especially after dark
• keep your passport separate from your other ID.

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:

• disputes about overcharging can lead to violence
• security guards may force you to pay
• taxi drivers and others may get a commission for taking you to these places

Be wary of drivers or friendly strangers who invite you to clubs.

More information:

• Scams

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen in Budapest bars and nightclubs.

To reduce the risk of being drugged:

• stick with people you trust when you go out
• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• never leave your drink unattended

More information:

• Partying safely

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:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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:

• 15 March — Revolution Day
• July – Budapest Pride march
• 20 August — St Stephen's Day
• 23 October — Republic Day

To stay safe:

• avoid all protests and demonstrations
• monitor local media
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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:

• airports
• public transport, including train stations
• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• public areas that attract large groups of people, such as tourist attractions, sporting venues and shopping centres.

European security services have stopped planned attacks.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• always be aware of your surrounds
• take care near places known to be possible terrorist targets
• monitor the media for updates
• report suspicious behaviour
• alert police to unattended bags
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities.

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:

• Terrorism

Hungary experiences severe weather, including:

• flooding
• snowstorms

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:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• check the media and other local sources for updates
• 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 (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
• if your travel insurance covers cancellation for COVID-19, in case, you or a travelling companion contracts COVID-19. 

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:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

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:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID−19 remains a risk in Hungary.

To protect yourself and others from illness:

• practise good hygiene
• stay home if you're unwell
• self-quarantine as soon as possible if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19. Call the COVID-19 hotline (in Hungarian) and ask for an English speaker: 06-80-277-455 or 06-80-277-456.

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:

• Hungary Coronavirus information (in Hungarian – ask for English)
• About Hungary (Coronavirus information) (in English)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Australian Department of Health) and Aged Care

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:

• check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests
• remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
• monitor the tick site for signs of infection

Cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have also occurred throughout Hungary. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

To protect yourself from disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• check your accommodation is insect-proof

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:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

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.

Drugs

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:

• Carrying or using drugs

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:

• on all public transport and at transport stops in Budapest
• within 5m of entrances to public buildings
• in restaurants, bars and cafes

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:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Hungary recognises dual nationality.

In rare situations like a state of emergency, you may have to do military service. This applies if you're:

• male
• a dual national
• aged between 18 and 40

Get advice from your nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visitor visas

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:

• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Croatia

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:

• Entry requirements
• Hungarian police and border crossings (in English)
• Re-open EU

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.

Validity

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:

• 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. 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:

• EU cash controls

Local restrictions

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:

• Hungary Coronavirus information (in Hungarian)
• About Hungary (Coronavirus information) (in English)

Driving permit

You can drive on your Australian driver's licence for 1 year if you also have either: 

• a Hungarian translation of your licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before your travel.

More information:

• Use of foreign licences in Hungary

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:

• Driving or riding

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:

• follow all passenger notices (usually printed in English)
• validate your ticket before starting your journey
• keep your ticket until the end of your journey
• show your ticket to inspectors if asked

More information:

• Budapest Transport Authority
• Hungarian State Railways (Hungarian)
• Transport and getting around safely

River cruises

If you plan to join a Danube river cruise, read:

• general health advice
• travelling by boat

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

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.

Canadian Embassy Budapest

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.

Australian Embassy Vienna

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.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia