Hungary: Health officials extend domestic coronavirus disease-related restrictions, including daily 2000-0500 curfew, until at least Jan. 11 /update 15

Hungary extends domestic coronavirus-related restrictions until at least Jan. 11. International entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Health officials in Hungary have extended the nation's domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions until at least Jan. 11 due to consistently high infection rates. The following domestic remain in place:

A 2000-0500 curfew is in effect; nonessential movement is prohibited, commuters are permitted to travel to work, though businesses must close at 1900.
Restaurants and cafes are limited to delivery services only.
Family gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Universities and high schools are employing remote learning.

Authorities in Hungary are maintaining COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of Dec. 8. Only citizens of the Visegrad Four Group, including the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, may enter Hungary, though they must provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within five days prior to arrival. Officials will not permit entry to nonresidents from other countries. Military convoys, foreign diplomats, international students, freight transporters, business travelers, persons in transit, and individuals providing humanitarian aid are exempt from this measure. In addition, Hungarian citizens returning to the country are required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival or present two negative PCR tests taken two days apart; returning Hungarian citizens who have been abroad for work purposes are exempt. Authorities are only accepting tests administered by Hungarian testing centers for Hungarian citizens.

Domestic business activity is permitted, providing strict hygiene and social-distancing measures are observed. Facemasks remain mandatory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass public gatherings are currently prohibited.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.