Hungary Travel Advice

• There have been reported cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Hungary including a number of deaths. Enhancing personal hygiene and wearing a face-mask can help to protect against Swine Flu. If you have symptoms, you are advised to stay home and avoid any travel until fully recovered.

• There is a low threat from terrorism in Hungary, however, please be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

• You are advised to beware of bag snatching and pick-pocketing in Budapest. Be extremely careful on busy public transport, in train stations, markets and other places frequented by tourists.

• You are advised that theft of and from vehicles is common in Hungary.

• You are advised not to carry large amounts of cash with you and avoid using street money changers. Extra care should be taken when receiving bank notes as some banknotes that are no longer valid are still in circulation.

• There are occasional political demonstrations against the Government in Budapest and elsewhere in the country. These tend to take place on or close to important national holidays with a political relevance - such as 15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 Anti-Soviet Uprising). There have been some cases where generally peaceful political demonstrations ended in violence. As a precaution, you are advised to avoid all political demonstrations.

• You are advised that it is illegal to drive in Hungary after any alcohol consumption.

• You are advised that the use of headlights is compulsory on roads outside towns even in daytime.

• Vehicles using the Hungarian motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7 need to be in possession of a motorway vignette/sticker which is obtainable at petrol stations and post offices. Motorway tolls can also be paid online.

• Foreign visitors to Budapest are often caught out by the public transport ticket/fare system and fined by ticket inspectors. You are advised to follow the passenger information notices and make sure that you validate your ticket before starting your journey (i.e. before you get to the platform if travelling by Metro; and immediately after boarding buses, trams or trolley buses). You should keep your ticket until the end of your journey and show it to inspectors on request. Please note that you have to validate another ticket every time you change lines. A special ticket is required for use on the night service network.

• There is a requirement in Hungary to show some form of identification as requested by local officials. You are advised to carry personal identification with you at all times, preferably a passport or document with a photograph on it. A photocopy is not acceptable.

• You are advised that under the Hungarian laws, the penalties for possession and use of drugs are very strict.

• You are recommended to obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.