Hungary: Authorities maintaining COVID-19-related measures as of Feb. 17 /update 37

Event

Authorities in Hungary are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Feb. 17; a COVID-19-related state of emergency is in effect until at least June 1.

Domestic Measures
Nonessential businesses and services remain open but must operate under some restrictions. Facemasks are mandatory on public transport, in healthcare facilities, and in other enclosed environments, such as shops. The limit on private gatherings is 100 people. Only individuals with a "certificate of protection," indicating they have been vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19, may attend events of more than 500 people. Employers have the legal authority to demand that staff be vaccinated if they attend their place of work.

International Travel Restrictions
Travelers from the EU and Schengen Area, as well as those traveling from OECD member countries and certain other countries, including Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, China, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Ukraine, the UAE, and Uzbekistan, may enter the country by presenting a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Entry is also permitted for travelers in possession of an accepted vaccination or recovery certificate, including those issued by Hungary; EU Digital COVID Certificates and certificates issued by authorities in the countries mentioned above are also accepted. There are no restrictions on entry at any land border.

Those who do not meet these requirements will be denied entry, except for Hungarian citizens and residents. Such travelers must quarantine for 10 days on arrival, and those who do not have a residential address in Hungary must quarantine at a government-designated facility. Travelers may leave quarantine early if they present negative results from two COVID-19 tests taken in the first five days after arrival. Exceptions exist for business travelers, transport workers, and individuals in transit.

For further information on entry requirements, including acceptable certificates, click here.

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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Hungarian Government COVID-19 Information (Hungarian)
Accepted Immunity Certificates for Countries with Bilateral Travel Arrangements (Hungarian)
Hungarian Police Application Entry Requirements