Hungary

Do not travel from Hungary to Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. The security situation continues to be volatile. 

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

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. 

To protect yourself from theft:

• pay attention to your belongings, especially on public transport and at tourist spots
• Do not place valuables in the overhead storage area on trains
• on overnight trains, lock your door from the inside
• keep your passport separate from your other ID
• be wary of direct offers of help from strangers
• use secure parking if it's available
• don't leave valuables in the car

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 occur at popular nightclubs and festivals, often leading to sexual assault.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks alone
• stick with people you trust in bars, nightclubs and festivals

Before you travel, read our advice on reducing the risk of sexual assault. There's also advice on what to do immediately after a sexual assault, reporting a sexual assault overseas and what counselling is available.

More information:

• Partying safely

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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
• June/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

Hungary experiences severe weather, such as:

• 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.

Bears and wolves are occasionally encountered in mountain areas. Take particular care if you're in an area where bears have been sighted.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave and read the fine print. 

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.

You may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care if you're not insured.

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)

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

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)

West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported in Hungary. There's no vaccine to prevent WNV.

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas. They're active from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from illness: 

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

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• World Health Organization 

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas. They're active from spring to autumn. Although rare, West Nile virus cases have occurred in Hungary. There's no vaccine for it.

To protect yourself from illness:

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

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

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• World Health Organization 

Medical treatment is adequate, but hospitals vary in quality. Many medical facilities are below the standard of Australia. They have limited nursing care. Friends and relatives are often required to give around-the-clock care.

You're expected to bring your own necessities, including hygiene items (towels, toilet paper), cutlery and bottled water. 

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.

More information:

• Arrested or Jailed

Drugs

Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs, including marijuana, can lead to prison sentences.

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 education 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.

You may have to do military service in rare situations like a state of emergency. 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

Same-sex relationships are legal in Hungary, and laws prohibit sexual discrimination. However, homosexuality isn't widely accepted. 

Harassment and violence against LGBTQIA+ people have occurred.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Hungary is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter Hungary without a visa in some cases.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary for details about visas, currency, and customs. 

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

Make sure you:

• check that the entry stamp in your passport is readable when you enter the Schengen area for the first time. Border officials may ask you to show them an onward or return ticket.
• carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.

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:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe 
• Entry/Exit System (EES) European Commission
• Hungarian police and border crossings (in English)

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 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 keep it in a safe place. 

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.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The currency of Hungary is the Forint (HUF).

Euros may be accepted in major cities, and payment by card is widely accepted.

Most banks have ATMs that accept major international cards.

Check all banknotes received 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

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 aren't mandatory in winter, but check with your insurer.

You must always keep car headlights on when driving outside of towns.

You need a motorway sticker (vignette) for your car to travel on motorways. You can buy vignette stickers at petrol stations and post offices or e-vignettes online. If buying an e-vignette, keep proof of purchase. 

Frequent automatic vignette checks occur. You'll be fined if you don't have one.

Driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is a severe offence. Police can take your licence away if you're driving under the influence of alcohol. Other penalties can also be imposed, including jail time.

Heavy fines exist for minor traffic offences. 

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:

• Road safety

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer to ensure 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 that the meter is running and that the charge is correct. If you think you've been overcharged, ask for a receipt and contact the taxi company. 

Public transport

Hungary has a well-developed and reliable public transportation system. This includes trains that run to all major towns. Take care of your personal belongings, particularly on trains and in major transport hubs. Don't leave bags unattended on trains, even briefly.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Budapest headed by an Honorary Consul. The office provides some consular assistance but can't issue emergency passports or perform notarial acts.

Get in contact before you visit.

Australian Consulate, Budapest

Eötvös Loránd University

Múzeum Körút 4/a

1088 Budapest, Hungary

Email: auconsulate.budapest@gmail.com

You can access full consular and passport services from the Australian embassy in Vienna, Austria.

Australian Embassy Vienna

The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2

A1100 Vienna, Austria

Phone: +43 1 506 740

Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au

Website: austria.embassy.gov.au

X: @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