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Hungary Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Hungary

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Hungary from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hungary.

Can I travel to Hungary if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Hungary without restrictions.

Can I travel to Hungary without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Hungary without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Hungary?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Hungary.

Can I travel to Hungary without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Hungary?

Mask usage in Hungary is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Hungary?

Restaurants in Hungary are open. Bars in Hungary are .

Stunning architecture, vital folk art, thermal spas and Europe's most exciting capital after dark are Hungary's major drawing cards.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Castle Hill

Castle District

Castle Hill is a kilometre-long limestone plateau towering 170m above the Danube. It contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and…

Esztergom Basilica

The largest church in Hungary sits on Castle Hill, and its 72m-high central dome can be seen for many kilometres around. The building of the present…

Great Synagogue

Erzsébetváros & the Jewish Quarter

Budapest's stunning Great Synagogue is the world's largest Jewish house of worship outside New York City. Built in 1859, the synagogue has both Romantic…

Memento Park

Home to more than 40 statues, busts and plaques of Lenin, Marx, Béla Kun and others whose likenesses have ended up on trash heaps elsewhere, Memento Park,…

Basilica of St Stephen

Budapest’s neoclassical cathedral is the most sacred Catholic church in all of Hungary and contains its most revered relic: the mummified right hand of…

House of Terror

The headquarters of the dreaded ÁVH secret police houses the disturbing House of Terror, focusing on the crimes and atrocities of Hungary's fascist and…

The Eclectic-style Parliament, designed by Imre Steindl and completed in 1902, has 691 sumptuously decorated rooms. You’ll get to see several of these and…

Hungarian National Museum

The Hungarian National Museum houses the nation’s most important collection of historical relics in an impressive neoclassical building, purpose built in…

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7 Things to Know Before Visiting Hungary

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Despite the popularity of its capital, from the outside Hungary doesn’t seem like the easiest place through which to travel. I think for most people, when they think of visiting Hungary, they’re not sure what to expect. That may be in part because there isn’t a clear, singular cliché to latch onto, be it food, history or culture.

That level of mystery can be enticing for some, myself included, but for many people, it can be off-putting. Before I went for my first visit, most of what I had heard of Hungary revolved around spa parties in Budapest . That didn’t particularly interest me, so I had my hesitations, but thankfully there is plenty more to Hungary. So to give you a better idea of what to expect when visiting Hungary, below are some things I think you should know before you go.

Table of Contents

1. More than just Budapest

Although it may be the country’s capital city and its biggest tourist destination, there’s plenty more to Hungary than Budapest. This should come as no surprise given how large the country is and yet most visitors only make time or have time for Budapest . Don’t get me wrong, the capital is a downright fascinating destination, an affordable city break and a worthy inclusion on any Europe itinerary.

It’s just that if you want to uncover a little more about Hungary you’re going to look a little further. For starters, there’s other major cities to visit like Szeged , Debrecen and Pecs. Szeged in particular has a great student atmosphere to it and some stunning architecture.

Then there’s landlocked Hungary’s alternative to the seaside, Lake Balaton . This vast lake is home to plenty of small waterfront spa towns and offers a novel place to unwind. Let’s not forget all the historic towns that can be strolled through – it is Europe after all! The walled old town of Sopron oozes medieval character and is bound to impress.

2. Getting to Hungary

Even though it may seem out of the way, Hungary is one of the more simple countries to visit. This is because the country is a member of both the EU and the Schengen Area , meaning it has the same entry requirements as much of Europe.

Of Hungary’s 7 neighbouring countries (yes 7!), 3 are fellow Schengen members – Austria , Slovakia and Slovenia . In theory, this means you can cross these borders without going through passport control, although it tends to vary these days.

With the issue of visas out of the way, it allows us to focus on getting to Hungary, which it turns out is quite easy. For starters, Hungary may just be the easiest country to fly to in Central and Eastern Europe. This is because many of Europe’s budget airlines fly there regularly , including Hungary’s own Wizz Air.

As for travelling by train, Budapest sits at a crucial crossroads, connecting central European destinations like Vienna with Eastern Europe, the Balkans and even Turkey. Oh, and lots of buses run there too.

3. Getting Around Hungary

Just as easy as it is to get to Hungary, it’s pretty straightforward to get around the country. Hungary’s train network is quite good, with trains on par or even occasionally better than neighbouring Austria.

Possibly the biggest drawback though for the train network is that for most cross-country trips you need to transfer through Budapest. The network is very centralised, so it’s possible to travel quite a long way in the wrong direction to connect via the capital. That being said, I found the trains so good there that I never actually had to take a bus, which speaks volumes I think.

As for within the cities themselves, Budapest has a really extensive public transport network, including metro, trams and buses. Budapest is home to the oldest electric underground metro in continental Europe and it’s still quite the sight. The southern city of Szeged is also linked up by tram, with smaller destinations connected by local bus services.

4. A Difficult Language

There’s no easy way to say this (pun totally intended!) … the Hungarian language is tough. The language is quite the enigma, given that its closest relatives are Estonian and Finnish. It has very little in common with any neighbouring country, so unless you speak Estonian or Finnish, you’re out of luck.

All of this comes with a personal confession, throughout my visits, I don’t think I’ve learned a single word of Hungarian. Usually, I do my best to learn a few basic phrases, but in Hungary, I failed to do so. In part, this was because I was able to get by with English in most places, although in Sopron I came across many people who were speaking German as their main language rather than Hungarian.

Still, it wouldn’t be right to leave you without some basic Hungarian phrases to help you fit in. Just because I was slack doesn’t mean you should be unprepared. A few phrases include Szia which means ‘Hello’; Koszonom for ‘Thank you’; and K érem for ‘Please’. You can find some more here .

5. Enthralling History

You may not know it, but Hungary has a pretty remarkable history. Given its location at a crossroads between East and West, it’s been involved in a considerable amount of European history. For instance, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Attila the Hun , who tormented the Romans and Western Europe during the 5th century. From his Hungarian home, he ruled an expansive kingdom that rivalled many other dominant historical figures.

Later Hungarian history revolved around the Kingdom of Hungary, the many invasions of the Ottoman Turks and Hungary’s inclusion under the Habsburgs. In places like Kőszeg , you can learn about plenty of this history from the city museum.

It was in Kőszeg after all that a small band of locals repelled attacks by the Ottomans as they marched on Vienna. The town also played a vital role in hiding the Hungarian crown jewels during WWII. Hungarian history can also be explored in Budapest with places like Heroes Square , where the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars stand immortalised.

6. Hearty Cuisine

Hungarian cuisine might not be at the top of any foodie’s list but it certainly has a distinctive character to it. If there’s one Hungarian dish you’re familiar with, there’s a good chance that is goulash . This hearty soup is a traditional dish of Hungary, despite its commonplace on Austrian menus as well. And that’s something worth noting as Hungarian dishes can be found quite frequently in other former territories of the Austrian Empire.

It’s not uncommon to find variations or relative Hungarian cuisine in places like Slovakia, Czechia and Austria. Hearty stews that come with dumplings can be found in all of the above, although dishes that are infused with a lot of paprika are much more likely to be Hungarian.

When it comes to desserts the lines blur even more, with things like strudel and palacsinta (or palatschinke in Austrian) shared across the lot. In essence, much of Hungarian cuisine is ideal for a cold winter night and boasts plenty of spice/flavour, meat and vegetables, which is never a bad thing. As for drinking, there are a few unusual things worth knowing in Hungary about that.

7. Impressive Architecture

If there’s one thing that needs to be said about Hungary, it’s that it has some truly breathtaking architecture. After all, the Hungarian Parliament Building may well be the most beautiful parliament in the world and is a masterpiece regardless.

What’s more, throughout the rest of the country you’ll find scenic buildings that harken back to all sorts of different periods in the country’s history. There’s a copious amount of ornate baroque buildings to find, from the buildings of Sopron to the stately Festetics Palace in Keszthely .

Let’s not forget Szeged, with its brilliant art nouveau architecture scattered about the city. You almost feel like you’re walking through a museum there’s so much. Safe to say, these sights in Hungary should leave you enchanted and wanting more.

Resources for Visiting Hungary

• Getting There: To find the cheapest and most convenient flights to Hungary make sure to check Kayak .
• Accommodation: Here you can find hotels, apartments and guesthouses across Hungary, plus don’t forget Airbnb.
• Tours: There are countless day trips, cruises, and sightseeing tours available in Hungary.
• Car Hire: If you want to travel more independently, consider renting a car to drive yourself about.
• Guide Books: Lastly, if you’re after a physical guide to take with you then you can’t beat a Lonely Planet Guide.

What else would you like to know before visiting Hungary? If you’ve been, what things do you think people need to know? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

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Wandering in the old town of sopron, hungary, 5 reasons to visit keszthely by lake balaton, hungary, visiting koszeg, the delightful jewel box of hungary, making the most of visiting szeged, hungary.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Hungary - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Hungary.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Hungary.

If you decide to travel to Hungary:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Hungary.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Six months validity recommended; three months validity beyond planned departure date from the Schengen Zone required.

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Not required for stays under 90 days.

Amounts of more than 10,000 Euros (or equivalent currency) must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Budapest

Szabadság tér 12 H-1054 Budapest Hungary Telephone: +(36) (1) 475-4400 Email: [email protected]

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Hungary is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which allows for free movement between certain European countries. U.S. citizens may enter Hungary for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, please visit the Embassy of Hungary for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. Please review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay .
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Hungary.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad, including in Europe. For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Although Hungary is generally a safe place to visit, you should use caution and stay alert. Be especially careful in crowded tourist areas, train stations, buses, trams, and metros.

Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves. The Embassy regularly receives reports of pickpocketing on the trains between Budapest and Vienna, so please be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route. There have been some instances in Budapest where U.S. citizens were overcharged exorbitant prices for food, beverages, or taxi services. Always verify the cost before making a purchase.

There have been incidents, although rare, where U.S. citizens were unknowingly drugged. Do not accept food or drink from anyone but a server. Additionally, the Embassy has received reports of racially motivated assaults. Please report all crimes to the local police. In an emergency dial 112 for help and contact the U.S. Embassy for follow-up assistance.

General tips to avoid becoming a victim of crime:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not walk alone at night.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Stay alert in crowded locations frequented by tourists.
• Always keep your belongings secure.
• Do not accept food or drink from anyone but a server.

Victims of Crime: Hungarian authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Hungary. Report crimes to the local police by calling 112 .

U.S. citizen victims of violent crime and sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. See our webpage about help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Demonstrations: Political gatherings and protests occur frequently in Hungary, mostly in Budapest. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Ethnic nationalist groups have gained popularity in Hungary in the past years, in some cases advocating intolerance towards migrants and minorities, including Jews, Roma, and LGBTI+ individuals. Although these far-right groups do not engage in violence and are not explicitly anti-United States, you should avoid public demonstrations and confrontations with their members.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and political rallies. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• In a few instances where demonstrations have turned violent, authorities have used riot police to control crowds.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and   FBI webpages for information.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally well-regulated and rules enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is generally available throughout the country. Outside of major metropolitan centers, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

• Always carry your passport with you in Hungary. Local police may require you to show documentation to establish your identity upon request. Hungarian police may take you into custody if you attempt to prove your identity with documents other than a passport.
• Hungary has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties are severe, including significant jail time.

Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances regarding Banking and Customs:

• Travelers’ checks are not universally accepted in Hungary. ATMs are readily available.
• It is not possible to cash personal checks in Hungary without a local bank account, which requires residency.
• Western Union is the most prevalent international money transfer company and has many locations throughout Hungary. You must have photo identification to receive a wire transfer.
• Visit the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary for information about import and export of potentially restricted items.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country report
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Hungary. However, organizers may encounter disruptive behavior by far-right wing extremists at events supporting the LGBTQI+ community.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Hungary prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility issues may include accessible facilities and ease of movement. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure. There can be a significant difference in accessibility between Budapest and the rest of the country.

Students:   See our Students Abroad webpage and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides Traveler Health Information for Hungary .

For emergency services in Hungary dial:

• 104 for Ambulance Services
• 107 for the Police
• 105 for the Fire Department
• 112 for English-Speaking Emergency Responders (All Types of Emergencies)

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Ambulance services are widely available in Hungary, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. All ambulances may not be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Adequate health facilities are available in the capital and other major cities, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Medical staff may speak little or no English. Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Some hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Some private clinics and hospitals may require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Prescription Medication: Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the government of Hungary to ensure the medication is legal in Hungary. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available at pharmacies.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: If you are considering traveling to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . Hungarian law forbids surrogacy arrangements.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Roadside assistance, including medical and other services, is available. Dial 112 to speak to English-speaking emergency operators.

Highways and urban roads are generally in good condition. As in most European countries, you must pay a toll to use Hungary’s highways. Payments must be made either at a gas station or online .

• Areas under construction are not always adequately marked.
• Be on the alert when driving in rural areas. Rural roads are often narrow and poorly lit.
• Pedestrians, tractors, and farm animals often share the use of rural roads.
• Train crossings are not always well-designated.

Additional information on road conditions is available from “ Útinform ” at +36-1-336-2400.

Traffic Laws: Hungary has zero tolerance for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Prison sentences for DUI violations or accidents caused by impaired drivers are severe.

• Police often conduct routine roadside checks and administer breath-analysis tests.
• Police stop vehicles regularly to check documents.
• Use of hand-held cell phones while driving is not permitted.
• Car seats are required for infants.
• Children under the age of 12 may not sit in the front seat.
• Seat belt use is mandatory.
• You can drive in Hungary with a valid U.S. driver’s license for one year as long as you have a certified Hungarian translation of the license attached. After one year of residence, you must obtain a Hungarian driver’s license.
• International driver’s permits (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) are acceptable when used with a valid state driver’s license.

Hungarian police issue traffic violations in the form of a postal check that reflects the amount of the fine. You may pay the fines at any Hungarian post office. Police will confiscate the passport of a person who chooses to contest the fine and issue the person an “invitation letter” to appear at the police station to resolve the dispute. Police will return the passport after resolution and/or payment of the fine.

Public Transportation: Public transportation in Budapest is excellent. Budapest’s tram, subway, and bus service are reliable. Find more information online: Budapest Public Transport . Public transportation outside of Budapest is not as dependable.

• To avoid being a subject to on-the-spot fines in public transportation, you must follow rules for purchasing and properly validating your ticket.
• Taxis in Budapest are plentiful and generally inexpensive. All taxis are yellow, marked accordingly, and should have meters. The Embassy urges all travelers to insist on using a metered taxi, and to avoid entering into agreements with taxi drivers to an unmetered fare.
• Hungary’s train service is generally reliable. The Embassy regularly receives reports of pickpocketing on the trains between Budapest and Vienna. Be mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Hungary’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Hungary’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Hungary . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Is it safe to travel to Hungary? Latest UK travel advice explained after Russia launches invasion of Ukraine

The foreign office has not issued a travel advisory for hungary, but the country will experience some knock-on effects from the conflict, not least a predicted influx of up to 600,000 refugees.

As war breaks out on the borders of the European Union , countries next to the conflict zone are preparing for what comes next.

Nations neighbouring Ukraine, including Hungary, have made it clear that they will not be drawn into a military conflict with Russia.

However, Hungary is sure to experience some knock-on effects, not least a  predicted influx of 600,000 refugees .

Here is everything you need to know about travelling to Hungary during the Russian war on Ukraine.

Does Hungary share a border with Ukraine?

Yes. The two countries share an 85-mile border. Connecting the countries are five road border checkpoints and one passenger rail line.

Nato has sent troops to strengthen its eastern flank near Ukraine, including along Hungary’s 85-mile border with the country.

What does the Foreign Office say about travel to Hungary?

The Foreign and Commonwealth (FCDO) has no warnings in place against visiting Hungary.

However an update on the FCDO website issued on the morning of Thursday 24 February advised that people “should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Hungary” due to “multiple reports of widespread military activity in Ukraine”.

Do flights from the UK to Hungary travel over Russian, Belarusian or Ukrainian airspace?

On Friday 25 February, Russia instituted a ban on UK airlines entering Russian airspace.

But flight paths from the UK to Hungary have never needed to travel over Russian, Belarusian or Ukrainian airspace. All scheduled flights to the country are continuing as normal.

Even before the recent escalation of tensions and Russian invasion, most airlines had taken steps to avoid flying over Ukraine. In response to the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by pro-Russian separatists in 2014, airlines began diverting around the country.

More on Russia-Ukraine war

Will refugees be arriving in Hungary?

Yes. Hungary has issued a regulation allowing entry for anyone from Ukraine, with the Hungarian Defence Forces expecting up to 600,000 refugees, Hungary Today reports .

Hundreds of refugees have begun arriving at the border, many travelling on foot.

Unicef says that as many as 5 million people may flee Ukraine and that it is strengthening its capacity to help those fleeing the war in Moldova, Romania, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that police and military would be deployed to the border to help manage the humanitarian situation.

After a meeting of the national security cabinet on Thursday, he said: “In the aftermath of today’s military attack, unfortunately, we can expect an increase in the number of Ukrainian citizens arriving in Hungary who will probably request asylum.

“We are prepared to take care of them, and we’ll be able to rise to the challenge quickly and efficiently.”

i has compiled a list of ways you can help the Ukrainian people including, including donating to the British Red Cross Ukraine crisis appeal .

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Daily budget Basic €60 /occasional treat €80

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Drink Beer (large) €2–2.50

Food Goulash €3–4

Hostel/pension €15–30

Travel Train: Budapest–Eger €8.50

Police t 107; Ambulance t 104; Fire t 105, General hotline t 112.

Tourists are treated with respect by the police ( rendörség ) unless they’re suspected of smuggling drugs or driving under the influence of alcohol. Always carry a photocopy of your passport. Pharmacies are identifiable by their green cross signs. Opening hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to noon; signs in the window give the location of all-night pharmacies ( ügyeletes gyógyszertár ). Tourist offices can direct you to local medical centres or doctors’ surgeries ( orvosi rendelő ); these will probably be in private ( magán ) practice, so be sure to carry health insurance. EU citizens have reciprocal arrangements for emergency treatment, but only at state hospitals.

Most towns have at least one pharmacy , identifiable by their green cross signs. Opening hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to noon or 1pm; signs in the window give the location of all-night pharmacies (ügyeletes gyógyszertár). Tourist offices can direct you to local medical centres or doctors’ surgeries (orvosi rendelő); these will probably be in private (magán) practice, so be sure to carry health insurance. EU citizens have reciprocal arrangements for emergency treatment, but only at state hospitals.

www.tourinform.hu National tourist office.

www.ibusz.hu Handy portal for viewing and booking cheap private rooms all across Hungary.

www.budapestinfo.hu Comprehensive site with up-to-the-minute listings.

bkv.hu Timetables and info for all public transport in Budapest.

mavcsoport.hu/en Hungarian train timetables in English.

volanbusz.hu/en Bus timetables.

jegymester.hu Buy tickets for events and exhibitions online.

Post offices (posta) are usually open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, Sat 8am to 1pm. The few public phones that are left use cards that can be bought from post offices and newsstands. To make national calls, dial t 06, wait for the buzzing tone, then dial the area code and number. To make an international call, dial t 00, wait for the buzzing tone, then dial the country code and number. All hotels and hostels (certainly those covered in this Guide), as well as many cafés and bars, offer free wi-fi.

Currency is the forint (Ft or HUF), which comes in notes of 500Ft, 1000Ft, 2000Ft, 5000Ft, 10,000Ft and 20,000Ft, and in coins of 5Ft, 10Ft, 20Ft, 50Ft, 100Ft and 200Ft.

At the time of writing, €1=315Ft, US$1=280Ft, and £1=400Ft. Accommodation and tour prices are often quoted in euros, but you still pay in forints. Standard banking hours are Monday to Thursday 8am to 4pm, Friday 8am to 1pm. Bureaux de change operate longer hours and can be found in the centre of most larger towns. ATMs are widespread, and you can use a credit/debit card to pay in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm. They close on Sundays and public holidays including January 1, March 15, Easter Monday, May 1, Whit Monday, August 20, October 23, November 1, December 25 and 26. Shopping centres operate later hours and are generally open every day.

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Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Short Stay Visa

Schengen visa

Citizens of some non-EU countries are required to hold a valid Schengen visa when travelling to the Schengen area, which is a group of European countries that allows a person, who’s been admitted to the Schengen Area, to travel without any further form of border control within the Schengen Area.

Current Schengen States are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

A Schengen visa is a short stay visa , i.e. for stays up to 90 days, allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen Area.

A Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Mission of the Schengen State, which will be the main destination (i.e. where the most nights will be spent) during a single trip to the Schengen Area.

A single trip is considered when an applicant enters the Schengen Area, stays there for a certain period and eventually leaves the Schengen Area.

If an equal amount of nights will be spent in different Schengen States during a single trip to the Schengen Area, then the Schengen visa must be obtained with the Mission of the Schengen State, which will be entered first.

The documentation related to the means of travel and accommodation must cover the complete itinerary of the single trip to the Schengen Area; i.e. travel tickets must be provided, not only for the travel from and to the Schengen Area, but also for the travel between the different Schengen States, when more than 1 Schengen State will be visited during the single trip.

Each Schengen visa application must fully comply with the documents required for the respective visa category and can only be submitted up to 6 months before the intended departure date.

The acceptance of a Schengen visa application and supporting documents by VFS does not guarantee the issuance of a Schengen visa.

The issuance of a Schengen visa, the Schengen visa validity period, the number of entries and amount of travel days are at the sole discretion of the Mission.

If a visa application is returned by the Mission requesting missing documents or any other missing/ incorrect information, the applicant must accept responsibility for any delay that may occur in the visa application processing time.

Holders of valid Schengen visas are still subject to immigration control upon arrival in the Schengen Area and are not necessarily guaranteed entry into any of the Schengen countries, even though they may hold a valid Schengen visa for these countries.

Following visa categories are considered Short stay visas:

• Visitor Family/Friends
• Visitor Family/Friends (spouses of Hungarian Nationals)
• EEA/EU and Swiss national family member
• Cultural Activities

Medical Treatment

• Airport Transit

Long-Stay Visa

Documents required, photo specifications, processing time, application form.

Foreigners intending to stay more than 3 months in Hungary may apply for a resident permit at the VFS. Information on residence permit procedure including downloadable application forms can be found on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing

Please note that as of 1 January 2019, third-country national family members of Hungarian citizens shall apply for a residence permit on the grounds of family reunification for stays exceeding three months. For further details, please click here .

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee. Please note the service is EURO 40, payable in GBP.

All fees can be paid by cash (except in Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card.

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the customer can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Customers always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, customers are advised to read the requirements under Overview section in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Note for family members of Hungarian nationals applying for Family Reunification, the Marriage/ Birth certificate must be registered in Hungary.

• Employment for the purpose of investment
• EU Blue Card
• Family Reunification
• Guest investor
• Guest self-employment
• Guest workers
• Hungarian Card
• Hungarian national interest
• Intra-corporate Transfer
• Posted work
• Pursuing studies or student mobility
• Research or (long term) mobility of researchers
• Seasonal Employment
• Seeking a job or starting a business
• Traineeship
• Voluntary service

Appeal procedure:

In case of a refusal, the decision may be appealed within 8 days after the decision was delivered and the appeal is to be submitted at the Consular Office of the Hungarian Embassy. An appointment shall be booked via email at [email protected] . The administrative service fee charged for an appeal is GBP 138.The competent authority (National Directorate General for Aliens Policing) decides on the appeal within 21 days.

Please provide one recent colour photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the customer wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)
• Photograph attached ( glued-paper clipped ) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here ), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing times vary depending on the purpose of entry:

For Hungary every customer needs to provide a signed printout from a D visa application form (VAF).

Therefore each customer first needs to download and print the D visa application form as follows:

• Click D Visa Application form
• Select File in Menu bar
• Select Print & confirm Printing

or alternatively:

• Right click D Visa Application form
• Select Print target & confirm Printing

Once the D visa application form has been printed, then applicant needs to finish the remaining steps:

• Duly complete the printed visa application form
• 7. Please note that if your minor child indicated in your passport is travelling to Hungary together with you, Appendix ”A” (Appendix 9.1) must be attached to/enclosed with your application.
• Select the correct Appendix form mentioned below according to the chosen D visa category
• Duly print and complete the printed Appendix form
• Bring the signed visa application form and Appendix form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day.

Appendix According to Category Chosen

Appendix 9.1 Particulars of the applicant’s minor child travelling together with the applicant, indicated in the applicant’s passpor

Appendix 9.2 Guest self-employment

Appendix 9.3 Guest investor

Appendix 9.4 Seasonal employment

Appendix 9.5 Employment for the purpose of investment

Appendix 9.6 Employment

Appendix 9.7 Residence permit for guest workers

Appendix 9.8 Hungarian Card

Appendix 9.9 EU Blue Card

Appendix 9.10 Intra-corporate transfer and long-term intra-corporate mobility

Appendix 9.11 Research or long-term mobility of researchers

Appendix 9.12 National Card

Appendix 9.13 Pursuing studies or student mobility

Appendix 9.14 Seeking a job or starting a business

Appendix 9.15 Training

Appendix 9.16 Traineeship

Appendix 9.17 Official

Appendix 9.18 White Card

Appendix 9.19 Posted work

Appendix 9.20 Medical treatment

Appendix 9.21 Voluntary service

Appendix 9.22 Reasons of national interest

Appendix 9.23 Family reunification

Schengen Visa

General information on Schengen visas and entry regulations: https://konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu/en/short-term-stay .

A Schengen visa application has to be submitted at the representation/visa application centre of that Schengen Member State (Member State) which is the sole destination of the visit.

If the visit includes more than one destination, or if several separate visits are to be carried out within a period of two months, the Member State whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit(s) is determined in terms of the length of stay, counted in days, or the purpose of stay

If no main destination can be determined by terms of the length of stay, the application should be lodged at the consulate/visa application centre of the Member State whose external border the applicant intends to cross in order to enter the territory of the Schengen Zone.

To check whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click here Do I need a visa ?

To prepare for your appointment please see documents required page from above menu.

Please note you need to submit all the documents mentioned on the Visa Checklist for your respective application category. If you do not have all mentioned documents at the appointment, you might be asked to reschedule.

If your documents are not in English , you may need to get translations prepared before applying.

Please see here on information about how your personal data is processed.

Important notice for Family Members of Hungary Citizens:

Please note that the visa procedure concerning family members of Hungarian citizens has changed with effect from 1 January 2019. Family members of Hungarian nationals who need a visa to travel to Hungary based on the 2018/1806/EU Regulation should lodge the application in line with the general Schengen visa procedure. Please note the visa fees must be paid in full.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card (American Express not accepted). Cash payment is only accepted in London.

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the customer can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent , i.e. not older than 1 month , and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application. Customers always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Please click the appropriate category below for the corresponding checklist.

• Visitor Family/Friends (family member of Hungarian Nationals)
• EEA/EU and Swiss national family member (excluding family member of Hungarian Nationals)
• Study or professional training, conference

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days and this begins when the applications is received at the Hungarian Consulate in London. If the processing time is not met, you may be asked to rearrange your trip.

Applications submitted in VFS London office, the Consulate receives the application on the next working day.

Applications submitted in Edinburgh is received at the Consulate after three working days.

A Schengen visa application can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area. Customers are recommended book the appointment at VFS first before making any travel reservations.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Customers also need to be aware that, especially during busy season around Easter, Summer holidays (July and August) and Christmas, the appointments (see Schedule an Appointment ) are being booked very quickly as the Mission only processes a fixed amount of visa applications on a daily basis.

Furthermore applicants need to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures ) may extend the visa application processing time.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite customers for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which customers might need to accept responsibility for.

For Hungary every customer needs to provide a signed printout from a Schengen visa application form (VAF).

Therefore each customer first needs to download and print the Schengen visa application form as follows:

• Click Schengen Visa Application form
• Right click Schengen Visa Application form

Once the Schengen visa application form has been printed, then applicant needs to finish the remaining steps:

• Duly complete the printed visa application form (as per the passport’s details)
• Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places (1 signature right under the disclaimer at the end of the VAF)
• Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day.

Family Members of Hungarian Citizen

Every customer, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online.

For Non-EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa ? to find out.

Customers who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

Customer must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• holding a valid passport/travel document
• holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here ), then customer needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country
• applying for a short stay visa: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee. Please note the service fee increased (GBP 24 to GBP 29) due to COVID.

For Minors, please click here .

• STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION
• Visa application form (original) (see here )
• Passport (original)

Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area. Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case, customer first needs to apply for a new passport. Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued in the last 3 years, if applicable.

• UK Residence permit

UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card, must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here ) is not acceptable. Please note if you have the UK resident permit issued before Brexit stating “Resident card of a member of a union citizen” you will also need to provide your EU settlement residency status from here- https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

• Photograph (original)
• SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION
• Proof of current occupation
• Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed , headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming customers employment) and last 3 months payslips
• Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed , headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming customers enrolment)
• Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed , headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming customers self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable):
• customers accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
• solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
• bank manager: when customers company has a business bank account
• Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if the customers name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant – company should be provided
• Unemployed/retired
• Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
• Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining customers financial situation
• marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English or Hungarian, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK
• spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
• spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)
• spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
• spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship
• Proof of funds Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing customers name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; bank balance needs to show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).
• Prepaid return travel tickets: mentioning customers name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area
• When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If the customer is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with the customer and travel dates need to be provided too.

When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

If visiting family or friends in Hungary:

• a proof of sponsorship by means of an official form (certificate of board and lodging) or

copy of the biodata page of the passport or residence permit of the host in the Member State, copies of both sides of the host’s address card

and recently issued invitation letter from the host (must be dated and signed)

proof of (family) relationship

If staying in a hotel or rental accommodation

confirmed hotel booking for the full stay in the territory of a Member State and proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation during the intended stay; or

• booking confirmation of a tour or any other appropriate document, such as the list of persons taking part in the tour

The travel insurance – clearly showing the customers name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the customers intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

birth certificate; and

For minors travelling alone or with only one parent (exceptions are made if one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child):

• original passports of both parents, or certified copy of the biodata page of the passports;
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian; and
• British school certificate.

In the case of sole custody, the following documents must be submitted:

• birth certificate mentioning one parent;
• death certificate of absent parent; or
• court ruling.

Every customer can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 working days , so customers are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Therefore, VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Customers submitting their visa application in our satellite centre in Edinburgh, need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite customers for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which customers accept responsibility for.

Invitation letter to a cultural event as participant or performer, lecturer.

• an official document of the medical institution confirming the necessity of medical care in that institution;
• proof of pre-payment of medical treatment; or
• proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the entire medical treatment.

Official Visit

(delegations travelling on the basis of an official invitation addressed to the government of the third country concerned, to participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations or exchange programs, as well as in events held in the territory of a Member State by intergovernmental organizations):

• a letter issued by an authority of the third country concerned confirming that the applicant is a member of the official delegation travelling to a Member State to participate in the above-mentioned events, accompanied by a copy of the official invitation from the intergovernmental organization in the Member State; or
• a verbal note.

Study or professional training:

• a certificate of enrolment at an educational establishment (school, university, college, etc.) for the purposes of attending vocational or theoretical courses for basic and further training;
• student card or certificate of the courses to be attended;
• documents in relation to accommodation, or proof of sufficient means to cover the accommodation; and
• internship agreement, if relevant.

Conference:

Recently issued (within 30 days of appointment) proof of accreditation / participation in the sports event or contract with the Hungarian sport club, or the certificate issued by the delegating sport club / Olympic committee / Ministry of Sport, etc.

Study or Professional Training

Documents proving the purpose of your travel:

To see how your data is processed by the Hungary Embassy, please see here - https://gdpr-info.eu/art-5-gdpr/

• Checklist of required documents (see here)

UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card, must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here ) is not acceptable. Please note if you are a resident in UK under the EU Settlement scheme, share code to prove your immigration status must be provided following this link - https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

proof of (family) relationship (if applicable)

Recently issued (within 30 days of appointment) invitation letter by the host organization, confirmation on participation issued by the host organization, and/or a certification issued by the delegating organization; receipt of the payment of the registration fee

a) birth certificate; and

b) original passports of both parents, or certified copy of the biodata page of the passports;

c) proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian; and

d) British school certificate.

a) birth certificate mentioning one parent;

b) death certificate of absent parent; or

c) court ruling.

Visitor Family/ Friends

Every customer, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online

Customers, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist.

Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area. Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport. Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued in the last 3 years, if applicable.

UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here ) is not acceptable. Please note if you have the UK resident permit issued before Brexit stating “Resident card of a member of a union citizen” you will also need to provide your EU settlement residency status from here- https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

• solicitor: when customers company has been registered by a solicitor
• Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if the customer’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection customer – company should be provided
• When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If the customers is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with the customer and travel dates need to be provided too.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 working days , so customers are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview section in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area. Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case the customer first needs to apply for a new passport. Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued in the last 3 years, if applicable.

• customers accountant: when customers company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
• solicitor: when customer company has been registered by a solicitor
• Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if customers name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection customer – company should be provided

The travel insurance – clearly showing the customers name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

• Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day .

EU/ EEA and Swiss Family members (excluding Hungary Family Members)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: as of 01 January 2019, family members* of Hungarian citizens who wish to travel to Hungary with their family member, should apply for a visitor/tourist/medical etc purpose visa according to the rules of the general Schengen visa procedure**, if they wish to stay there for less than 90 days within any 180 days period.

• *third country nationals who are required to have a visa to visit the Schengen area
• ** they should provide full documentation, such as certification of the family relationship and the purpose of stay, return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, employment certificates, payslips, bank statements for the last three months, and they need to pay the applicable visa fee.

Family members of Hungarian citizens, who wish to travel to Hungary for a stay of more than 90 days, should get an appointment at our Consulate to apply for a long-term visa in order to obtain a residence permit after arrival to Hungary.

If you fall under the abovementioned category, please return to the home page and select the applicable visa type depending on the purpose of your visit in order to see the required documentation for your visa application. You will need to provide all the necessary documentation as described on each visa category and pay the applicable visa fee in order to submit your application.

As of 01 January 2021, a UK residence permit explicitly issued to the EEA/EU/Union family member* does not entitle its holder to visa free entry. hence those visitors should obtain an entry visa before travelling to Hungary.

*third country nationals, who need a visa to cross the Schengen borders

• Spouse/Civil partner
• Parent(s) (only elderly parent(s) depending on his/her child(ren)
• Child(ren) (under the age of 18 years)

Any customer, travelling without or not joining his/her EEA/EU or Swiss national family member need to apply for an appropriate visa providing all the required documents and paying the applicable visa fee.

Customers must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see  example here ), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country

IMPORTANT NOTICE: as of 01 January 2019, family members* of Hungarian citizens who wish to travel to Hungary with their family member, should apply for a visitor/tourist etc purpose visa according to the rules of the general Schengen visa procedure**, if they wish to stay there for less than 90 days within any 180 days period.

• EEA/EU and Swiss national ’ s passport or ID card (original to be seen)
• Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national : marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English or Hungarian, then translation by a certified translator in the UK of the same is required
• Proof of cohabitation in UK (for applicant and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member)
• Proof of joint travel (travel tickets show names of both the customer and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member)

Every customer, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date.

Minors are customers who haven’t reached the age of 18 years when submitting a Schengen visa application (Tourist, Visitor Family/Friends, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit).

Therefore each minor MUST provide the following additional documents:

• Child’s unabridged/full birth certificate showing both biological parents their names
• Written consent (signed and dated) of mother and father mentioned on the child’s birth certificate
• Copy of both parents their passport’s Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page
• In case the parents are divorced or one of the parents has deceased, then respectively the court order confirming one parent’s sole custody or the deceased parent’s death certificate.
• In case a guardian has been appointed by the parents, then the guardianship letter and the guardian’s passport’s Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page

Due to European legislation regarding protection of children/minors, it has to be emphasised that Minors, who are not providing all the required documents, may not be granted a Schengen visa.

Applicable visa fee for minors varies in 3 age groups:

• Minors under 6 years old: Gratis
• Minors 6 years old but just not 12 years old: Reduced visa fee
• Minors 12 years old and more: Full visa fee

Minors must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here ), then the customer needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country. Please note if you have the UK resident permit issued before Brexit stating “Resident card of a member of a union citizen” you will also need to provide your EU settlement residency status from here- https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the customer can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month , and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application. Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

• Visa application form (original) (see here ): signed by both parents

Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area. Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case the customer first needs to apply for a new passport.

Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued in the last 3 years, if applicable.

UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card, must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here ) is not acceptable.

• Birth certificate Unabridged birth certificate showing biological parents their names; if not in English or Hungarian, then translation by a certified translator in the UK is also required
• Consent of both parents Both biological parents need to give their written consent (signed & dated) for the minor to travel
• Parents passports (copy)
• Proof of sole custody (in case of a single parent): in case parents have divorced or one of the parents has deceased, then the same has to be demonstrated by court/residence order (original to be seen) or death certificate (original to be seen)

In case the minor is applying for ALL VISA CATEGORIES EXCEPT EEA/EU AND SWISS NATIONAL FAMILY MEMBER

• Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old) signed UK university/college/school letter (addressed to the Mission and confirming minors enrolment)
• Proof of funds (from 1 parent) Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing at least 1 name of the minors parents, address and a positive end balance dated within 1 week on the visa application submission date. Bank balance needs to show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence; alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
• Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning minors name and travel dates
• When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. Driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with the minor and travel dates need to be provided too.
• confirmed hotel booking for the full stay in the territory of a Member State andproof of sufficient means to cover accommodation during the intended stay; or
• Accommodation provided by family/friends in Hungary: minors host’s recent (not older than 1 month) cover letter (signed & dated) - confirming travel period and address of stay - is required, along with a copy of host’s passport’s bio page + host’s permit of stay in Hungary, if host is non-EU citizen. Or

The travel insurance – clearly showing the minors name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

In case the minor is applying for EEA/EU AND SWISS NATIONAL FAMILY MEMBER

• Proof of cohabitation in UK (for minors and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member)
• Proof of joint travel (travel tickets show names of both the minor and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member)

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 working days , so customer are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

AIRPORT TRANSIT

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• holding a valid UK residence permit. In case the customer holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here ), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country. Please note if you have the UK resident permit issued before Brexit stating “Resident card of a member of a union citizen” you will also need to provide your EU settlement residency status from here- https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
• customers accountant: when customers company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
• Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if the customers name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection customer – company should be provided
• Proof of funds Latest 3 months UK bank statements showing customers name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; bank balance needs to show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).

Visa or entry permit and confirmed tickets regarding the onward journey to the final country of destination.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Getting help

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.

Emergency services in Hungary

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Hungary
• dealing with a death in Hungary
• being arrested in Hungary
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Hungary and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy Budapest .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Why Meghan Markle will only travel with Prince Harry outside of the UK

The duchess of sussex was last in london in september 2022.

The Duke of Sussex will make his first major trip to the UK since the King's coronation last year.

Prince Harry, 39, will attend a thanksgiving service to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral in London on 8 May, but it is not known whether the Duke's wife, Meghan , and their two children, Prince Archie , four, and Princess Lilibet , two, will join him in the UK.

The Duchess last visited her husband's home country in September 2022. The Sussexes attended the One Young World summit in Manchester and had been due to appear at the WellChild Awards but had to miss the event following the death of Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II .

Harry and Meghan's visit to the UK was extended in order for them to attend Her Late Majesty's state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London.

On the latest episode of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast , The Telegraph 's Royal Editor Hannah Furness talks about why Meghan is unlikely to return to the UK anytime soon.

"There is quite a heavy narrative that Meghan and the children won't be coming back until they can resolve this security issue to their liking," she says. "But he [Harry] will certainly be coming and going."

Listen to the full episode here...

LISTEN: The reason why Meghan and her children don't want to visit the UK just yet

The Duke took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the country.

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Harry's lawyers filed an emotional witness statement to the High Court in December, in which the Duke explained why he and Meghan felt they had to move to the US after stepping back as senior royals in 2020.

The father-of-two wrote: "It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020.

"The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil.

"I cannot put my wife in danger like that and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm's way too."

It has been confirmed that Meghan will join her husband on a trip to Nigeria in May after being invited by the west African country's chief of defence staff, who met Harry in Germany last September at Invictus Games Dusseldorf.

Harry made a transatlantic dash to the UK in February following the news of King Charles's cancer diagnosis. The father and son had a 45-minute meeting at Clarence House , before the monarch departed for Sandringham.

Relations between Harry and the royal family have become strained in recent years, following explosive claims about Charles, his stepmother Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales in the Sussexes' Oprah Winfrey interview, their Netflix docuseries and Harry's memoir, Spare.

LOVE THE ROYALS? JOIN THE CLUB!

If you are reading this, the chances are you are obsessed with all things royalty – which is just as well because so are we! So obsessed, in fact, we’ve launched a club solely dedicated to covering them. So welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club . We would love you to join us there…

What is it?

Interactive community offering behind-the-scenes access, exclusive royal interviews, unmissable royal insights, and an illustrious royal  Inner Circle .

Member benefits

• Two weekly newsletters, one from  Emily Nash
• Video posts and audio notes from Emily Nash and the HELLO! Royal team
• Access to our royal community and opportunity to interact with club writers and members
• Participate in polls, comments and discussion threads
• Access to our Ask Me Anything sessions with our journalists
• Invitations to in-person and virtual events
• A subscription to the digital edition of HELLO! Magazine (Worth £82 annually)*
• Future ‘Inner Circle’ benefits

By royal decree

You are royally invited to join The HELLO! Royal Club – and then to go forth and spread the word to your fellow royal fans. See you in the club!

• Meghan Markle
• Prince Harry
• British Royals
• Prince Harry And Meghan

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