No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Hungary set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Hungarian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nHungary follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Hungary, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Hungary are different.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nAt Hungarian border control, you may also need to:
\n\nTo stay longer, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Hungarian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nFor residence permits, see the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
\n\nIf you’re in Hungary with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Hungary.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Hungary, including pets, hunting weapons, alcohol and tobacco products and some medicines. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Hungary cannot be ruled out.
\n\nPolitical demonstrations can be held in Budapest and across Hungary. Rallies often take place on important national holidays, such as 15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 anti-Soviet Uprising). Peaceful demonstrations have sometimes turned violent. Move away from large crowds and monitor local media to help you avoid organised demonstrations.
\n\nTourists can be targets for petty crime. Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common, especially in Budapest and other cities.
\n\nStreet crime is more likely:
\n\nWhen travelling by train keep a close watch on your baggage, especially as the train pulls into a station.
\n\nLeave your car or motorbike in a secure location if possible to reduce the risk of it being stolen. Theft from parked vehicles is common, so always put bags out of sight and do not store valuable items in your car.
\n\nSome bars, clubs and restaurants might charge high amounts for food and drink. Tourists have been taken to cashpoints with demands for the money to pay the bill. Always ask to see the menu and price list before ordering food and check your bill carefully before paying. Be wary of establishments where menus do not properly display prices. Report any incidents to the police.
\n\nSome taxi drivers are part of these frauds. They may receive a commission to recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers. If a taxi driver offers to take you to a bar or club, or you are approached on the street with an invitation, be cautious. Use taxis from a reputable local company.
\n\nUse official ATMs or banks. Do not change money on the street.
\n\nFraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud.
\n\nThere have been reports of drinks being spiked, particularly in Budapest’s bars. If your drink is spiked it can make you vulnerable – for example to assault or robbery. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them.
\n\nAlways carry your passport. You must show ID if the police ask for it, and a copy is not acceptable.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Hungary have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Hungary. Budapest is generally tolerant and open. Outside of Budapest, showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nHungary has passed legislation allowing the banning of rallies and marches that depict or promote LGBT+ identities to minors. Participants could be identified by facial recognition technology and face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian Forints. The Hungarian government classified Budapest Pride 2025 as illegal under this legislation.
\n\nIf you are going to a summer music festival in Hungary, see FCDO’s travel checklist for festivals in Europe.
\n\nOn the Metro, you must validate your ticket at the entrance to the station. On buses, trams or trolley buses, you must validate your ticket immediately after boarding. Remember to:
\n\nYou could get a fine if you do not follow the rules of the transport ticket system. See more information on ticket conditions from the Budapest Transport Authority.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Hungary, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Hungary guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Hungary. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nIf you are visiting Hungary, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
\n\nCheck the information about driving if you’re resident in Hungary.
\n\nHungary has a no-alcohol driving policy. It is illegal to drink any alcohol and then drive in Hungary.
\n\nYou must use dipped headlights on roads outside towns even in daytime.
\n\nIf you want to use major highways in Hungary, you must buy a motorway e-vignette in advance of your journey. The vignette is a form of electronic toll. If you use the roads without buying an e-vignette, you will get a fine.
\n\nIf you are planning to transit through Hungary with consignments of humanitarian aid or medical aid, contact the Hungarian Embassy in the UK in advance to apply for a waiver of normal haulage fees.
\n\nTake care when travelling by train and keep your belongings in sight. Take extra care on night trains. Never leave bags unattended. Travel with companions where possible and lock your compartment from the inside.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nYou can access local forecasts and weather warnings for Hungary. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Hungary.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical facilities in Hungary where some staff will speak English.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Hungary, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Hungary.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Hungary on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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