U.S. Embassy Budapest

Szabadság tér 12
H-1054 Budapest
Hungary
Telephone: +(36) (1) 475-4400
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(36) (1) 475-4400
Fax: +(36) (1) 475-4133
Email: acs.budapest@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Hungary for information on U.S.-Hungary relations.

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Hungary. Check the CDC website for additional information on testing requirements for U.S. travelers and travel advisories and vaccinations. Visit the Embassy of Hungary website for the most current visa information. 

U.S. citizens may enter Hungary for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Hungary is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which allows for free movement between certain European countries.

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. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country. Review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• 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.

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. 

Although Hungary is generally a safe place to visit, you should use caution and stay alert. Be especially careful in train stations, crowded tourist areas, crowded buses, trams, and metros. You should avoid demonstrations and political rallies. In a few instances where demonstrations have turned violent, authorities have used riot police to control crowds.

Ethnic nationalist groups have gained popularity in Hungary in the past years advocating intolerance towards Jews, Roma, and LGBTI+ persons. Although these groups do not engage in violence and are not explicitly anti-United States, you should avoid public demonstrations and confrontations with their members.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking soft targets and are increasing 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 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Crime: Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves. The Embassy regularly receives reports of pickpocketing on the trains between Budapest and Vienna. Be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.

General tips to avoid becoming a victim of crime:

• Do not walk alone at night.
• Always keep your belongings secure.
• Do not accept food or drink from anyone but a server (there have been reports of foreigners being drugged for robbery or sexual assault).

See the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section page for more details on common scams and crimes in Hungary. 

See the Department of State and FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy at (36)(1) 475-4400 for assistance.

Hungarian authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Hungary. Report crimes to the local police by calling 107 or 112 (for English only speakers).

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

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• 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

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

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regards to best practices and safety inspections are regularly 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, but to a much lesser degree in rural areas. Outside of the greater Budapest metropolitan area, it may take much more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. While the quality of doctor care in Hungary is good, hospitals and medical facilities may not be of U.S.-quality, particularly outside of Budapest. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas.

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. 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. 

Furthermore, 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 money and customs:

• Travelers’ checks are not universally accepted in Hungary.
• ATMs are readily available.
• Western Union is the most prevalent international money transfer company and has many locations throughout Hungary.
• Visit the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary website 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 reports
• 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, there has been an increase in disruptive behavior by far-right wing extremists at events supporting the LGBTQI+ community.

See our LGBTI 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, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. There can be a significant difference in accessibility between Budapest and other major cities and the rest of the country.

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

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Hungary. 

For emergency services in Hungary dial:

• 104 for ambulance services
• 107 for the police
• 105 for the fire department
• 112 for English-speaking operators 

Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders and state-of-the-art medical equipment may be below U.S. standards.

Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards

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. Doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash at the time of service and usually cannot bill your insurer directly, even if you have coverage overseas. Be prepared to pay bills first and claim reimbursement from your insurer later. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism, specifically dental and cosmetic procedures, is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

The Embassy maintains a website with more details about specific medical care providers. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medications: If traveling with prescription medication, 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 current 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)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

The air quality in Hungary, in Budapest and other cities, varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age 
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema 
• People with heart disease or diabetes 
• People who work or are active outdoors 

Water Quality: Tap water is drinkable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 

Road Conditions and Safety: Roadside assistance, including medical and other services, is available. English is usually spoken at the emergency numbers listed below. If you call and the operator does not speak English, dial 112.

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 or blockaded.
• 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 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. More information is on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
• International driver’s permits (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club 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. You may find more information online at the Budapest Transport page. 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. For detailed information regarding public transportation ticket purchase and validation, please refer to Budapest Transport page.
• 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. See more information about Hungary’s train system. The Embassy regularly receives reports of pickpocketing on the trains between Budapest and Vienna. Be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Hungary’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

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.