This article is about Hungary travel. Hungary is an attractive country with a rich history. There are many things to see and do in Hungary.
From Budapest’s stunning architecture and historical sites to the beautiful countryside and lakes. Hungary is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Hungary Travel Restrictions 2022
The EU has decided on a uniform approach to free movement limitations in order to ensure safe travel amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
An epidemiological (rate of infection) traffic-light system has been implemente to categorize EU countries (EU 27 plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
The most up-to-date information on any restrictions or specific rules in force can found through online (such as quarantine and testing requirements).
Check here for further information on the precise restrictions that apply when traveling to Hungary, as other nations may have tougher rules.
Entering Hungary with the EU Digital COVID certificate
For purposes of comparison, Hungary’s immunity card is equivalent to the “EU Digital COVID Certificate” (EUDCC). In order to enter Hungary, travelers must have a EUDCC that includes one of the following:
- Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Hungary are all acceptable options.
Validity: 1 year - There is proof of recovery from COVID-19. Tests have a shelf life of between 15 and 180 days after the initial positive result.
- A PCR test came back negative. It has a 72-hour lifespan.
If you’re not a Hungarian citizen, you can only travel to Hungary if you have an immunity card, or if you have one of the following:
- Immunization certificate from one of the nations on the list provided by the ministry.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. 6 months of validity
- Negative PCR test results in English or Hungarian, valid for 72 hours, from a country in the European Union.
Travel Requirements to Hungary
Government establishes and enforces the rules for entering Hungary. For more information, contact their embassy, high commission, or consulate. If you’re not sure if your passport and other travel documents are up to snuff, call your mode of transportation or tour operator.
The criteria for obtaining work visas and permits in Hungary have changed as of January 1, 2021, so be sure to review them before making any travel arrangements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Hungary
There are limits on entering Hungary because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Regardless of your nationality or coronavirus immunity, you can enter Hungary through road, rail, or waterway from any of Hungary’s neighboring countries (Croatia, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine).
A negative COVID-19 test is no longer necessary for British nationals entering Hungary as of the 29th of October, as long as the UK vaccination campaign is fully complete and the final dose of COVID-19 immunization receives 14 days prior.
Demonstrating your COVID-19 status
Proof of vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies will be accepted by Hungary. At least 14 days previous to departure, you must have received your final immunization dosage.
In order to be able to correctly scan a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, the certificate must be valid as of November 1, 2021. It is not necessary that you use your NHS vaccination appointment card as proof of vaccination or immunization status.
EU Covid certificates are also acceptable for entrance.
Hungarian authorities do not require vaccination certificates for children under the age of 18 who are accompanying an adult who has proof of immunization for COVID-19 or an EU Covid certificate.
British Nationals who are not fully vaccinated
A negative PCR test performed during the preceding 72 hours of arrival in Hungary is required for British nationals who are not completely vaccinated.
The document demonstrating a negative PCR test result must be in Hungarian or English and contain the following information in order to accept:
- date;
- type;
- result of the test; and
- evidence of where the test was performed
In addition, you must meet all of the basic entrance requirements (e.g. a valid travel document).
Residents or family
In order to enter Hungary, UK citizens must show their passports and other official documentation, such as a permanent residence permit or a permit enabling them to stay in Hungary for at least 90 days.
Those from the United Kingdom who travel to Hungary with a Hungarian family member will not have access permits.
It is mandatory to quarantine upon arrival if you do not have a Hungary-issued Immunity certificate, an EU certificate.
Or can show proof of full UK vaccination program vaccination (in the NHS COVID pass form via NHS App or printout form), or you have a negative PCR test or meet one of the exemptions.
Testing/screening on arrival
For those coming to Hungary without a Hungarian granted Immunity Certificate, or if they arrived by land from a neighboring country, they will be subject to a temperature check.
Mandatory quarantine requires for everybody who enters Hungary unless they have one of the following conditions:
- You have a Hungarian-issued Immunity Certificate in hand.
- Your EU Covid certificate is in order.
- You have documentation of COVID-19 immunization on the NHS App that you were vaccinated under the UK’s vaccination program (or if you are traveling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November)
- The PCR test results are negative.
- You’re coming from one of Hungary’s neighboring nations through road, rail, and waterway.
- You’re excluded from the rule.
You must report the location to the appropriate authorities if quarantine requires. Downloading software for police to keep track of your quarantine is a must if you have a capable gadget. In the event that on-site checks are not possible, quarantined individuals must enable authorities to enter their homes.
Quarantine at a government-designated area is mandatory for those who do not have a Hungarian Immunity Certificate. A fine of about £375 equivalent will impose for violating quarantine laws.
After two negative COVID-19 tests within five days of each other, but at least 48 hours apart, it is possible to be released from quarantine early. The quarantine can be ended early if two negative tests are shown, however, the local environmental health agency must give you approval before this is possible.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
Beginning January 1, 2021, new rules will apply to anybody who wishes to visit or work in European countries:
- During any 180-day period, you can visit countries in the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days. If you’re on vacation, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, cultural or sporting events, or taking a short-term study or training course, this applies to your situation.
- When visiting Hungary and other Schengen countries without a visa, be sure to keep your stay under the 90-day restriction.
- Visiting Schengen nations within 180 days of your trip counts towards your 90-day Schengen visitation requirement.
- The Hungarian government’s admission requirements must be met if you plan to stay for a longer period of time, work or study, travel for business, or for any other reason. Consult the Hungarian Embassy to determine if you require a visa or work permit.
If you have a resident permit or long-stay visa, this does not count against your 90-day visa-free limit in Hungary.
Your 90-day visa-free period does not include any time spent in Hungary or any other Schengen country prior to January 1, 2021.
Individuals from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland may have to queue in different lanes when entering Hungary.
If you’re a visitor entering or leaving the Schengen area via Hungary, be sure to have your passport stamped.
For brief visits in the Schengen area, border guards will use your passport’s stamps to ensure that you’re adhering to the 90-day visa-free restriction for short stays.
Passport validity
Must need to follow Schengen laws while traveling to an EU country (other than Ireland) or to any of the Schengen countries (save for Ireland).
You need to include both of the following in your passport. It has to be the following:
- At least 10 years old on the day you enter the competition
- At least three months following the day you want to depart
To clarify the 10-year rule, we’ve asked the European Commission to do so. Until the spring of 2022, their instructions for Schengen border guards will not modify.
Until then, some Schengen countries may require a passport that is no older than 10 years for the duration of your visit and no older than 10 years for the final three months of your trip.
Make sure you double-check your passport’s date of issue and date of expiration. In the event that you renew your passport early, the expiration date can extend. This could have an impact on the 10-year-old passport rule.
Ensure that your passport meets both of these standards by contacting your travel operator or the embassy of the country you intend to visit. If you need a new passport.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
For entry, exit from Hungary, airside transit, UK ETDs are permitted.
Fines
If you have not paid a past fine in Hungary, you cannot enter Hungary. Before your next trip to Hungary, contact the Hungarian Embassy in London for assistance in resolving any outstanding fines.
Customs regulations
Community legislation ensures the free flow of products between EU member states. In other words, no customs procedures are necessary for exporting or importing products from Hungary to another EU member state.
Certain commodities (such as pets, hunting weapons, alcohol and tobacco products, medicines containing narcotics, etc.) could only transport throughout the European Union with particular licenses or restrictions while traveling for non-commercial purposes (such as personal use or as a gift).
Hungary Famous Places
Whether it’s ancient buildings, lovely cities, or unforgettable outdoor activities, Hungary has something for everyone. Here is a list of the top 15 things to do in Hungary that will help you see the finest of this Central European country.
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, is a popular tourist destination. During the summer months, the lake is a popular destination for tourists.
Offering water activities, beautiful cities and villages, and wine tastings in the Balaton wine region, which is made up of six minor wine-growing zones.
Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum
This open-air museum near Szentendre provides a glimpse into a bygone era. The museum design to look like a hamlet contains a range of buildings where visitors may see traditional Hungarian architecture from various regions.
As well as exhibits of folk art and other topics related to interior design, farming, and other topics. Villagers wearing traditional clothing roam the buildings, displaying their crafts such as basket making, and there are lots of kid-friendly areas.
Easter, the Festival of Goose, and New Wine, to name a few, are just a few of the many festivals that take place throughout the year.
Tokaj wine region
If you’re looking for some of Hungary’s best wines, Tokaj is the place to go. The region is well-known for its white wines and stunning scenery, as well as for the sweet dessert wine Tokaji Aszu.
Pécs
Pécs, Hungary’s oldest city, has a warm temperature, a thriving social scene, and a wealth of cultural attractions.
A few of the city’s most notable sights include the Early Christian Mausoleum, Pécs Cathedral, and the Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kasim, Turks build them during the Ottoman Empire and is now a Catholic church.
Hollókő
The Palóc is a small yet distinctive ethnic group with a rich heritage. One of the best places to get an authentic taste of Palóc life is in the little village of Hollók in Hungary’s northeast.
In addition to museums, workshops, and traditional buildings, the village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Eger Castle
Castle Eger, located near Eger, has a long and fascinating history. Captain István Dobó led a small Hungarian force of 2,100 to 2,300 men in their defense of the fortress against an army of 35,000 to 40,000 Turks in 1552.
After defeating the Turkish army, the Hungarians renamed the castle. In the present day, it is accessible to the public, who can take in the view from its towers, peruse the castle’s museum, and wander its grounds.
The caves of Lillafüred
Lillafüred, a spa town in Hungary’s northeast, is famous for its natural beauty. The Lillafüred caves, located in the Bükk Mountains, are easily accessible on foot and make for a fun day of exploration.
There are stalactite formations in the István cave, intriguing plant fossils in the Anna cave, and ancient artifacts in the Szeleta cave.
Szentendre
In the city of Szentendre, a short distance from Budapest, there are numerous art galleries and museums. Additionally, the city’s cobblestone streets lining with colorful residences add to the city’s quaintness and tourist appeal.
Hortobagy National Park
The largest national park in Hungary and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is located on Hungary’s Great Plain.
There are 342 species of birds and animals like Hungarian Grey cattle and water buffalo in the park, which is Europe’s largest semi-natural grassland.
The area has cultural and natural significance. As tourists learn more about Hungary’s wildlife, they may enjoy attractions like the Hortobagy Wild Animal Park, Lake Tisza Boardwalk, and Dark Sky Park.
Esterházy Palace
A large Rococo-style palace in Fertd, Hungary, Esterházy has been dubbed “Hungary’s Versailles” for its opulent appearance.
The palace and its grounds build in the 18th century by Prince Nikolaus Esterházy. It is open to the public for guided tours (English-language tours are available). Additionally, it holds a variety of annual festivals and events.
Visegrád Royal Palace
When Visegrád was Hungary’s seat of government in the 14th century, the town had a beautiful palace to match. This increased to 350 rooms and late Gothic construction during the reign of Matthias in the 15th century.
As a result of the Turks’ sacking, it fell into disrepair and was excavated in the 20th century by archeologists. Tourists can now tour the royal residence, which has been rebuilt and is now open to the public.
Esztergom Basilica
Esztergom Basilica, Hungary’s tallest edifice, and the country’s largest church stand at 328 feet tall. It builds in the 19th century and has a significant religious significance as Hungary’s Catholic Church’s seat.
The basilica, which sits atop Castle Hill in Esztergom, Hungary, is renowned for its classical architectural grandeur. Open to the public are the crypt and treasury of the church, while the dome’s observation deck offers breathtaking views of the Danube.
Lake Héviz
There are several thermal baths in Hungary, but Lake Héviz is the largest and most diverse. It has both indoor and outdoor baths with natural thermal water. As well as an array of rare flora and wildlife.
A sauna and massage are also available for tourists to enjoy in addition to the healing waters of the thermal pools.
Budapest
Budapest, Hungary’s capital city, is awash in attractions. The city of Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is home to a slew of fascinating sites.
Including the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Fisherman’s Bastion. A trip to Budapest is a must for anybody visiting Hungary.
Aggtelek National Park
One of Hungary’s most popular tourist attractions, this national park features. Estimated 300 caverns can be explored by visitors, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With the Baradla cave being Europe’s largest stalactite cave and the Imre Vass cave and Rákóczi cave to be explored. There is a lot to see and do in Hungary. All of them have daily guided tours available for visitors to experience.
Conclusion
Hungary is a beautiful country with much to offer tourists. There are many things to see and do, from exploring the capital city of Budapest to spending time in the countryside.
Hungary is a great choice whether you’re looking for a city break or a relaxing holiday. So why not consider adding it to your Hungary travel plans?
