Hungary - Travel Advice & Visas

Summary

Around 400,000 British nationals visit Hungary each year. Most visits are trouble free. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Hungary is petty crime, often including the loss of money and/or passports.

Last autumn, there were a series of political demonstrations in Budapest and elsewhere in the country. Further demonstrations are likely on and immediately after 15 March. There have been some cases where generally peaceful demonstrations ended in violence as a result of the actions of a small minority of protesters. As a precaution you should avoid political demonstrations.

In January 2007, Hungarian authorities confirmed the existence of the H5N1 (Avian Influenza) virus strain in five dead geese in south-east Hungary. No human deaths or infections have been reported. The Hungarian authorities have announced that strict biosecurity measures are being enforced in accordance with EU legislation. Please see Health section for further information.

We strongly recommend you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Safety and Security

Crime
You should take sensible precautions against the sort of risks (such as petty crime) common in Western Europe.

You can be charged exorbitant prices in certain bars, clubs and restaurants in Budapest. This happens in a number of establishments near the large hotels in the business district (V district) of central Pest but problems occur elsewhere in the city as well.

Common scams include adding a 20,000 HUF (£60) surcharge per drink to the final bill or charging up to100,000 HUF (£300) for a meal. Individuals who have been unable to settle their bills have frequently been accompanied by the establishment’s security guards to a cash machine and made to withdraw funds under threats of violence.

Some taxi drivers are accomplices in these frauds. They often recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers – they receive a commission to do so, and the money is then recovered by these establishments charging extortionate prices. You should never ask a taxi driver to recommend a bar or club. If a driver offers to take you to one, or you are approached on the street with an invitation to enter a club, you should treat that advice with extreme caution. As a general rule it is better to phone for a taxi from one of the reputable local companies (your hotel can advise). You should also be careful in establishments where menus do not properly display prices. Even when prices appear to be properly displayed, if you have any doubts about a bar, restaurant or club– do not go in.

Bag snatching and pick-pocketing are common in Budapest in particular. Be particularly careful on busy public transport, in train stations, markets and other places frequented by tourists.

If you travel by overnight train you should, if possible, travel accompanied and you should secure your compartment from the inside.

Do not carry large amounts of cash. Do not use street moneychangers.

Political Situation
Last autumn, there were a series of political demonstrations against the government in Budapest and elsewhere in the country. Further demonstrations are likely on and immediately after March 15. There have been some cases (e.g. in Budapest on 18 and 19 September, and 23 October 2006) where generally peaceful demonstrations ended in violence as a result of the actions of a small minority of protesters. As a precaution you should avoid political demonstrations.

Road Safety
Theft of, and from, vehicles is common. Be wary of contrived incidents, particularly on the Vienna-Budapest motorway, designed to stop motorists and expose them to robbery.

It is illegal to drive having consumed any alcohol.

The use of headlights is compulsory on roads outside towns even in daytime.

Vehicles using the Hungarian motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7 need to be in possession of a motorway vignette, obtainable at petrol stations and post offices.

In winter, equip your car for severe conditions.

Local laws and customs
Carry your passport or photo-driving licence at all times. You must be able to show some form of identity if requested, eg: by the police. A photocopy is not acceptable.

Hungarian laws on the possession and use of drugs are strict.

Entry Requirements
Visas are not required to enter Hungary but you must have a valid British passport. If you intend to stay more than 90 days, you must register with the relevant office. For further information, check with the Consular Section of the Hungarian Embassy.

Drivers of large haulage vehicles transiting Hungary should ensure they have full vehicle documentation. International loads must be supported by a TIR carnet providing a full inventory of the goods being carried. There is a requirement to leave a financial bond with the Hungarian customs when transiting Hungary with a cargo. The financial bond, minus an administration fee is returned on leaving the country. If you are planning to transit Hungary with consignments of humanitarian aid as relief following a disaster or medical aid you should contact the Hungarian Embassy in London in advance to obtain documentation waiving this requirement.

Entry into Hungary can be barred if you have failed to pay a previous fine in Hungary. You should contact the Hungarian Embassy in London for guidance on paying any outstanding fines before you next enter Hungary.

Health

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Hungarian nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.

Before you travel you are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations and other measures to prevent tick-related medical problems (such as tick borne encephalitis), especially if you will be visiting forested, grassy or lake-side areas.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at:  http://www.dh.gov.uk

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