Hungary: Government eases domestic COVID-19 countermeasures July 6 /update 28

Hungary eases COVID-19-related domestic measures July 6; international entry measures remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Hungary eased domestic COVID-19 countermeasures July 6. Facemasks are no longer mandatory except in hospitals and some social institutions. Capacity limits and social distance mandates in public spaces, including retail stores, have been dropped. The limit on private gatherings is 100; up to 400 people may attend a wedding. There are no longer any limits on funeral attendance.

Restrictions remain in force for indoor events and outdoor events featuring more than 500 attendees. Only holders of a "certificate of protection" may attend such an event. Hungarian authorities issue certificates of protection to individuals who have either been vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19. Restrictions are less stringent for individuals with certificates of protection; such persons may visit indoor cultural, leisure, and fitness facilities, and be seated at indoor areas of catering establishments.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities previously lifted the COVID-19-related controls at the nation's Schengen borders June 24; all border crossings between Hungary and other Schengen countries are now open. Nevertheless, pandemic-related entry restrictions remain in force; hence, in most cases, only Hungarian nationals and permanent residents are permitted to enter the country, with some limited exceptions. Foreign business travelers are permitted to enter Hungary without restrictions. Most other travelers, including residents and citizens, must quarantine for 10 days on arrival. Incoming travelers who do not have a residential address in Hungary must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 10 days. Travelers may leave quarantine early if two negative COVID-19 tests are presented in the first five days.

Persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to travel between Hungary and the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Bahrain, Croatia, Montenegro, Ukraine, Morocco, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Turkey without the need to quarantine or test. Travelers must have evidence of vaccination issued by the relevant national authorities.

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.