Hungary: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from March 8 /update 20

Hungary to tighten COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from March 8. Entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Hungary plan to tighten the nation's domestic COVID-19 related restrictions. Starting March 8, all non-essential businesses will be closed; supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations will remain open, however. This measure will be in place until at least March 22. In addition, kindergartens and schools will be closed March 8- April 7.

The country's existing 2000-0500 curfew will remain in effect; nonessential movement is prohibited during these hours. Commuters are permitted to travel to work. Restaurants and cafes are limited to delivery services only. Public gatherings are prohibited; family gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people, with funerals being capped at 50 attendees. Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces.

International entry restrictions
Hungary has recently eased international entry restrictions for certain business travelers. More specifically, Hungarian nationals returning from business trips in countries that are members of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), or are candidates for EU accession, as well as the UK, US, Bahrein, UAE, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, and Ukraine may now enter Hungary without restrictions; these travelers are no longer subjected to self-isolation upon arrival.

Entry to Hungary is generally only permitted for Hungarian citizens and residents and their immediate families; exceptions may be granted for essential work and study purposes or urgent health or family reasons. All permitted incoming travelers are subject to health screening on arrival and must self-isolate for 10 days unless otherwise indicated. Self-isolation can be ended early if the individual can provide proof of two negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 tests taken within 2-5 days of each other. The first test can be performed in Hungary, a Schengen Area state, the US, or Canada; the second test must be performed in Hungary. The restrictions do not apply to transport workers, diplomatic officials, and business travelers returning from certain countries.

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.