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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Hungary, please see Ireland.ie.

Hungary

If you’re travelling to Hungary, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

Normal Precautions

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens need a valid passport or passport card to enter Hungary.

Irish passports do not have a minimum validity requirement while travelling to the UK or within the EU. When travelling within Europe with an Irish passport, it should be valid for the duration of your stay. 

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Hungary. However, if you are staying for longer than three months, you are advised to register your presence with Residence in Hungary.

Visitors to Hungary are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Budapest  on social media (Twitter @irlembbudapest and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in Hungary by dialling 112. Specific emergency numbers are:

  • Police: 107
  • Fire brigade: 105
  • Ambulance: 104

Our tips for Safe Travels:

 

 

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Hungary is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Hungary is maintaining a medium-level (class 3) terror alert in place in the country, although no direct threats of terrorism have been reported. You should always be aware of your surroundings, and follow any instructions from the police (Rendörség) or security services.

Crime

Most of Hungary has a moderate rate of crime. However, you should be aware that in and around Budapest in busy tourist spots there is a much higher risk of pickpocketing and muggings. Budapest's famous ruin bars are particularly popular with tourists. The months of May – September are especially busy with interrailing and other travellers. There have been reports of petty crime and intimidation from some bar staff. We advise you to be vigilant and stick with a group where possible.

We recommend the following basic precautions:

  • Keep your passport in a secure and safe place while travelling. Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
  • Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in busy areas.
  • Be vigilant about petty crime: many of the cases we encounter involve stolen passports or wallets.
  • Always use a registered taxi provider. All taxis in Budapest are yellow and the cars will have a company logo/sticker on the door. Where possible call a taxi rather than hailing one on the street. Confirm the destination with the driver and be careful when paying as Hungarian notes come in a range of denominations.
  • Don't carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.

Reporting crime

If you're a victim of a crime while in Hungary, report it to the local police immediately. The number for emergency services is 112. Ask a Hungarian to assist you if you are having language difficulties with the operator. At the police station, you can request an interpreter to make a police report in English. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Budapest if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Hungary, be aware it’s compulsory to carry your passport, international driving license and third party insurance with you when driving.

Vehicle hire

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Additional Information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Holders of a valid Irish passport are granted visa-free travel to Hungary on condition that their visit does not exceed the period of 90 days. For a stay exceeding that period, a residence permit is required.

Entry Requirements for Pets

The requirements are listed on the below sites:
www.pettravel.com

Health

Irish citizens don’t require vaccinations when travelling to Hungary. However, you should seek medical advice about inoculations to prevent tick-related medical problems (such as tick-borne encephalitis), particularly if you expect to be visiting lakes or wooded areas.

English Speaking Professionals

You may need to contact an English speaking lawyer or doctor during your time in Hungary. For your convenience the Embassy has drawn up a list of English speaking professionals, which you may find useful. Inclusion on these lists should not be taken as a recommendation by the Embassy.

24 hour medical services
In Buda: II dstr. Ganz str. 13.
Tel: 202-1370
XII. dstr. Diósárok u. 1-3.
Tel: 06-30-2000-100

In Pest: V. Dstr. Semmelweis u.14.
Tel: 00-36-1-311- 6816

After hours pediatric care
In Buda: Henger u. 1.
Tel: 00-36-1-212- 5979

In Pest: Gyöngyössi u. 29.
Tel: 00-36-1-320- 8403
Bethesda u.3.
Tel: 00-36-1-384-5150

24 hour pharmacies:
In Buda:
XII. Dstr. Alkotás út 1/b.
Tel: 00-36-1-355-4691

In Pest:
V.dstr. Teréz krt. 41.
Tel: 00-36-1-311-4439

Dental Services:www.budapest-tourist-guide.com

 

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

For consular emergencies outside working hours please call the Embassy on +36 1301 4960 and leave a voicemail which is monitored by the Duty Officer.

Embassy of Ireland
Budapest 1054.
Szabadsag ter 7.
Bank Center, Platina Tower 2, VI. Floor
Budapest
Hungary

Tel: +36 1 301 4960
Fax: +36 1 302 9599

Monday to Friday 09.30 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 16.30

Contact us