Helpful Info

Hungary is a party to the Schengen Agreement. U.S. citizens may enter Hungary for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.

• Your U.S passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
• You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Hungary.

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Although Hungary is generally a safe place to visit, you should use caution and stay alert. Be especially careful in train stations, crowded tourist areas, crowded buses, trams, and metros. You should avoid demonstrations and political rallies. In a few instances where demonstrations have turned violent, authorities have used riot police and water cannons to control crowds.

Extreme ethnic nationalist groups have gained popularity in Hungary in the past years advocating intolerance towards Jews, Roma, and LGBTI persons. Although these groups are not explicitly anti-United States, you should avoid public demonstrations and confrontations with their members.

Crime:

Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves.  The Embassy regularly receives reports of pick-pocketing on the trains between Budapest and Vienna. Be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.

General tips to avoid becoming victim of a crime:

• Do not walk alone at night.
• Keep your belongings secure at all times.
• Do not accept food or drink from anyone but a server (there have been reports of foreigners being drugged for robbery or sexual assault).

Victims of Crime:

Hungarian authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Hungary. Report crimes to the local police by calling 107 or 112, and contact the U.S. Embassy at (36)(1) 475-4444.

The US Embassy can assist you with a variety of needs, including:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victims’ compensation programs in the United States
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier for us to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Criminal Penalties: U.S. citizens in Hungary are subject to Hungarian law. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

• Carry your passport with you at all times. Local police may require you to show documentation to establish your identity upon request.  Hungarian police may take you into custody if you attempt to prove your identity with documents other than a passport.
• Hungary has a zero tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties are severe, including significant jail time.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, you are entitled to ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Special Circumstances:

• Travelers’ checks are not universally accepted in Hungary.
• ATMs are readily available.
• Western Union is the most prevalent international money transfer company and has many locations throughout Hungary.
• Visit the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary website for information about import and export of potentially restricted items.

Persons with Mobility Issues: Hungarian law requires that all government buildings be accessible to persons with disabilities. However, many buildings are still not up to standard. Most bus, trams, and metro stations are not equipped with lifts for travelers with disabilities.

Hungarian doctors are generally well trained and many speak English. Adequate medical care is available to address most health concerns, but the quality of hospital facilities and nursing support may not be comparable to U.S. standards.

• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.
• We urge you to consider obtaining supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash at the time of service and usually cannot bill your insurer directly, even if you have coverage overseas. Be prepared to pay bills first and claim reimbursement from your insurer later.
• Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available at pharmacies.

We do not pay medical bills. Medicare does not provide coverage overseas.

Road Conditions and Safety:

Roadside assistance, including medical and other services, is available. English is usually spoken at the emergency numbers listed below. If you call and the operator does not speak English, dial 112.

Ambulance: 104
Police: 107
Fire: 105
24-hour English language emergency assistance: 112

Highways and urban roads are generally in good condition. As in most European countries, you must pay a toll to use Hungary’s highways. Payments must be made either at a gas station or online.

• Areas under construction are not always adequately marked or blockaded.
• Be on the alert when driving in rural areas.  Rural roads are often narrow and poorly lit.
• Pedestrians, tractors, and farm animals often share the use of rural roads.
• Train crossings are not always well-designated.

Additional information on road conditions is available from “Útinform” at (36)(1)336-2400.

Traffic Laws:
Hungary has zero tolerance for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.  Prison sentences for DUI violations or accidents caused by impaired drivers are severe.

• Police often conduct routine roadside checks and administer breath-analysis tests.
• Police stop vehicles regularly to check documents.
• Use of hand-held cell phone while driving is not permitted.
• Car seats are required for infants.
• Children under age of 12 may not sit in the front seat.
• Seat belt use is mandatory.
• You can drive in Hungary with a valid U.S. driver’s license for one year as long as you have a certified Hungarian translation of the license attached. After one year of residence you must obtain a Hungarian driver’s license.

Hungarian police issue traffic violations in the form of a postal check that reflects the amount of the fine. You may pay the fines at any Hungarian post office.  Police will confiscate the passport of a person who chooses to contest the fine and issue the person an “invitation letter” to appear at the police station to resolve the dispute. Police will return the passport after resolution and/or payment of the fine.

Public Transportation:

Public transportation in Budapest is excellent. Budapest’s tram, subway, and bus service is reliable and – for the most part – clean.  Public transportation outside of Budapest is not as  dependable.

Taxis in Budapest are plentiful and generally inexpensive. All taxis are yellow, marked accordingly, and should have meters. The Embassy urges all travelers to insist on using a metered taxi, and to avoid entering into agreements with taxi drivers to an unmetered fare.

Hungary’s train service is generally reliable. The Embassy regularly receives reports of pick-pocketing on the trains between Budapest and Vienna. Be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Hungary’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Hungary’s air carrier operations.