Hungary: Authorities lift most domestic COVID-19 related restrictions as of May 24 /update 26

Hungary lifts most domestic COVID-19 related restrictions as of May 24. International entry measures remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Hungary are lifting most of the nation's COVID-19 related domestic restrictions after reaching a milestone of five million persons receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. As of May 24 authorities are lifting the daily curfew and the mandate for wearing facemasks in outdoor public areas. In addition, retail stores are as of this date allowed to operate with normal working hours. Furthermore, the limit on private gatherings will be increased from 10 to 50; up to 200 people may attend a wedding. The limit on organized outdoor gatherings is 500.

Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces including public transport. 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, they may visit indoor cultural, leisure, and fitness facilities and be seated at indoor areas of catering establishments

International entry restrictions
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.

Authorities permit COVID-19 vaccinated individuals to travel between Hungary and the Czech Republic without the need to quarantine or test since May 15. Similar bilateral agreements are in place allowing unrestricted travel for vaccinated individuals between Hungary and Bahrain, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey respectively. Travelers must have evidence of vaccination issued by the relevant national authorities. A full list of accepted vaccination certificates by country is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

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.