Travel Consideration: Hungary

Hungary is a stable democracy with a market economy. Tourist facilities outside Budapest are not as developed as those found in Western Europe, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other Western countries are not yet available outside the capital.

A passport is required. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Further information concerning entry requirements can be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary at 3910 Shoemaker Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel (202) 362-6730, or the nearest Hungarian consulate in Los Angeles or New York. For further information visit the home page at http://www.hungaryemb.org.

Hungary has a low rate of violent crime. However, street crime, which occasionally involves violence, has increased especially at night near major hotels and restaurants and on public transportation. Theft of passports, currency and credit cards is a frequent problem, especially in youth hostels, at train stations, and on public transportation. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Foreigners may also experience problems with excessive billing at nightclubs featuring "adult entertainment." Do not order beverage or food service without first verifying the cost. The number of burglaries has risen substantially, and vehicle thefts, particularly of high value automobiles, is a major problem. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. A Safe Trip Abroad is available by mail from the Superintendent of Public Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Adequate-to-excellent medical treatment is available in Hungary, although hospital facilities and staffing are not always comparable to those in the U.S. or Western Europe. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payments for health services.

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditons that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Hungary is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police often conduct routine road checks where breath analyzers are administered. Persons found to be driving while intoxicated face jail and/or fines. The condition of Hungarian highways is, in general, relatively good. Maintenance and general road conditions in urban areas are good. However, roads in the provinces are narrow, badly lit, and in poor repair in some places. They are often used by pedestrians, agricultural machines, and animals requiring increased caution from drivers. Road travel is more dangerous during the Christmas season, the summer months, and at night. Roadside assistance, including medical and other services, is available most of the time. The number of highway robberies has increased in the past few years. Drivers should be cautious when stopping at gas stations and highway parking lots, especially at night. Luggage and valuables should not be kept on the seats.

For specific information concerning Hungary driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Hungary National Tourist Organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://www.hungaryemb.org.


The acceptance of traveler's checks and credit cards is not universal. The presence of ATM's is increasing in Budapest and other major cities.

Americans living in or visiting Hungary are encouraged to register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, and obtain updated information on travel and security in Hungary. The U.S. Embassy is at V. 1054 Szabadsag Ter 12; telephone (36-1) 267-4400, or afterhours at (36-1) 269-9331; Consular Section fax (36-1) 269-9337.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Hungary’s Civil Aviation Authority as Category One in compliance with the international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Hungarian air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.