Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Hungary.

 

Crime

 

Take sensible precautions against petty crime. Bag snatching and pick-pocketing are common, especially in Budapest. Be particularly careful on busy public transport, in train stations, at markets and at other places frequented by tourists. Theft of and from vehicles is common. Don’t carry large amounts of cash.

 

Certain bars, clubs and restaurants in Budapest, particularly near the large hotels in the business district (V district) of central Pest, may charge exorbitant prices. Common scams include adding a 20,000 HUF (£60) surcharge per drink to the final bill or charging up to 100,000 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 receive a commission to recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers. 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, treat that advice with extreme caution. As a general rule it is better to phone for a taxi from a reputable local company. Be careful in establishments where menus do not properly display prices.

 

Don’t use street money changers. Take care when receiving bank notes that are no longer valid but which are still in circulation. There have been a small number of reports of taxi drivers deliberately passing these notes to tourists - as well as notes from neighbouring countries that are not valid in Hungary.

 

Road travel

 

In 2013 there were 591 road deaths in Hungary. This equates to 6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the EU average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. You must use headlights on roads outside towns even in daytime. If you drive on the Hungarian motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7 you must buy a motorway vignette at a petrol station, post office or online. In winter, you must equip your car for severe conditions.

 

See the European Commission,AA and RAC guides on driving in Hungary.

 

Rail travel

 

If you travel by overnight train, try to avoid travelling alone and secure your compartment from the inside.

 

Public transport in Budapest

 

Foreign visitors are often caught out by the ticket system in Budapest, and fined by ticket inspectors. Follow the passenger information notices, which are usually printed in English. Validate your ticket before starting your journey (before you get to the platform if travelling by Metro; and immediately after boarding buses, trams or trolley buses). Keep your ticket until the end of your journey and show it to inspectors on request. You have to validate another ticket every time you change lines.

 

A special ticket is required for use on the night service network.

 

For more information on ticket conditions and prices, visit the website of the Budapest Transport Authority.

 

Customs Regulations

 

Community regulations ensure the free movement of goods between EU member states. This means that no customs procedures are required for exporting goods from Hungary to another EU member state and/or for importing goods from a member state to Hungary. The export and import of goods purchased for non-commercial purposes (for personal use or as gifts) while travelling is not restricted, however, the transport of certain goods (such as: pets, hunting weapons, alcohol and tobacco products, medicines containing drugs, etc.) within the European Union is restricted or subject to special permissions.

 

Check the customs regulations before entering or leaving Hungary on the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary website.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Carry your passport at all times. You must be able to show some form of ID if requested. A photocopy is not acceptable.

 

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

 

Money

 

Legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU applies in all Member States. Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 Euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers’ cheques, money orders, etc. This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU and will not apply to those travelling within the EU.

 

Health

 

If you’re visiting Hungary you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU nationals only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Hungarian nationals.The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

Entry requirements

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

Visas

 

If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter Hungary. If you intend to stay more than 90 days, you must register with the nearest regional Immigration Office. 

 

UEmergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Hungary.

 

Haulage vehicles

 

If you are driving a large haulage vehicle through Hungary, make sure you have full vehicle documentation. International loads must be supported by a TIR carnet providing a full inventory of the goods being carried. You must 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 your home country in advance to apply for a waiver.

 

Fines

 

Entry into Hungary can be barred if you have failed to pay a previous fine in Hungary. Contact the Hungarian Embassy in your home country for guidance on paying any outstanding fines before you next enter Hungary.