Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: ETIAS Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Hungary now need ETIAS authorization (€7) - a straightforward online application that takes about 10 minutes and is valid for three years. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip to avoid delays at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport or other entry points.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages for stamps. Hungary, as part of the Schengen Zone since 2007, enforces these rules strictly at all borders.
Double-check expiration dates well in advance, as some nationalities require additional validity for re-entry to their home countries, and biometric passports are preferred for faster processing.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa in Hungary.
For longer stays, registration with local authorities like the Immigration Office in Budapest is required within 24 hours of arrival, especially if not staying in registered accommodations.
Visa Applications
For required visas, apply through the Hungarian consulate or VFS Global centers using the Schengen visa system (€80 fee), submitting documents like proof of funds (€50/day recommended), accommodation bookings, and round-trip tickets.
Processing typically takes 15-30 days, but can extend to 45 days during peak seasons; start early if planning visits to thermal baths or the Danube Bend.
Border Crossings
Hungary's borders with Austria, Slovakia, and Romania are seamless within Schengen, but expect fingerprinting and photo checks at airports like Budapest or Debrecen for first-time visitors.
Land crossings by train or car are efficient, with ETIAS verification via mobile app; avoid unofficial routes to prevent fines up to €500 for irregular entry.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is mandatory for Schengen entry, covering medical emergencies up to €30,000, trip cancellations, and activities like hiking in the Bükk National Park or spa treatments.
Policies start at €5/day from providers like Allianz or World Nomads; ensure coverage for Hungary's unique thermal waters, which may require specific clauses for water-based activities.
Extensions Possible
You can extend your stay for valid reasons such as medical treatment or business by applying at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing in Budapest before your visa expires.
Fees range from €30-60 with supporting documents like doctor's notes; approvals are case-by-case and limited to 90 additional days maximum.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks or airport exchanges.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Budapest by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for low-cost carriers like Wizz Air serving Hungary's major airports.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at ruin bars or local vendéglő for affordable meals under €10, such as hearty stews or paprika chicken, skipping tourist traps near Buda Castle to save up to 50% on food costs.
Central Market Hall in Budapest offers fresh produce, cheeses, and ready-made dishes at bargain prices, perfect for picnics along the Danube.
Public Transport Passes
Get a Budapest Card for unlimited travel at €25 for 72 hours, including free public transport and discounts on attractions like the Parliament tour.
Intercity trains via MÁV are economical at €10-20 per leg; opt for off-peak travel to cut costs further on routes to Lake Balaton.
Free Attractions
Explore public sites like Heroes' Square, the Danube Promenade, and Gellért Hill viewpoints, which are cost-free and provide stunning cityscapes and historical insights.
Many museums offer free entry on national holidays or first Sundays; hiking in the nearby Pilis Mountains is another no-cost outdoor adventure.
Card vs Cash
Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry HUF cash for rural areas, markets, and small spas where contactless may not work.
Withdraw from bank ATMs like OTP for better rates than exchange kiosks; avoid dynamic currency conversion to prevent extra fees up to 5%.
Museum & Spa Passes
Use the Budapest Card or annual museum passes for entry to multiple sites at €30-50, covering the House of Terror, National Gallery, and thermal baths.
It pays for itself after 3-4 visits, especially when combining cultural tours with relaxing soaks in historic pools like Rudas.
Smart Packing for Hungary
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack layers for Hungary's continental climate, including lightweight sweaters for cool evenings and breathable cotton for hot summers in Budapest.
Include modest attire for visiting churches like St. Stephen's Basilica and quick-dry clothes for thermal bath visits; scarves are useful for cultural sites and variable weather.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F), portable power bank for long days exploring Pest, offline maps via apps like Maps.me, and a waterproof phone case for spa trips.
Download Hungarian phrase apps and EU eSIM for connectivity; a compact camera captures the vibrant architecture and wine regions beautifully.
Health & Safety
Carry travel insurance documents, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for boat rides on the Danube, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for summer festivals.
Include hand sanitizer, insect repellent for Lake Balaton areas, and any allergy meds; Hungary's tap water is safe, but pack a reusable bottle for hydration during walks.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for sightseeing in Buda's hills, reusable water bottle, quick-dry towel for thermal baths, and HUF in small notes for tips and markets.
Bring passport copies, a RFID-blocking wallet for security in crowded ruin bars, and a foldable shopping bag for souvenirs like embroidered linens.
Footwear Strategy
Opt for comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for Budapest's cobblestone streets and extensive pedestrian zones, plus sturdy boots for day trips to the Hortobágy Puszta plains.
Waterproof options are essential for rainy springs or crossing bridges; flip-flops or bath sandals are a must for public thermal pools to maintain hygiene standards.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized toiletries, lip balm with SPF for outdoor wine tours in Eger, and a compact umbrella or poncho for sudden showers common in the Carpathian Basin.
Biodegradable products are ideal for eco-friendly spas; pack hair ties and minimal makeup to keep things light for multi-day itineraries across regions like Transdanubia.
When to Visit Hungary
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures of 10-20°C makes spring perfect for cherry blossom viewing in Budapest parks and exploring the blooming Great Plains without summer heat.
Fewer crowds allow for relaxed visits to wine cellars in Villány; events like the Budapest Spring Festival offer music and arts at lower prices than peak season.
Summer (June-August)
Warm days around 25-30°C are ideal for thermal bathing at Lake Hévíz or outdoor concerts along the Danube, with long daylight hours for sightseeing.
Peak season brings festivals like Sziget, but expect higher prices and crowds in Budapest; it's great for beach time at Lake Balaton, Hungary's "sea."
Autumn (September-November)
Comfortable 15-20°C weather enhances harvest season activities, including grape picking in Tokaj and colorful foliage hikes in the Mátra Mountains.
Lower accommodation rates and events like the Budapest Wine Festival make it budget-friendly; ideal for cultural immersion with fewer tourists.
Winter (December-February)
Cold temperatures of -5 to 5°C bring magical Christmas markets in Vörösmarty Square and ice skating on Lake Balaton, with cozy indoor options like folk museums.
Budget-friendly off-season travel suits spa lovers escaping the chill in heated pools; New Year's fireworks over the Parliament are a highlight despite the frost.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF). ATMs are widespread; cards accepted in most places but cash needed for rural spots and tips.
- Language: Hungarian is official, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas like Budapest; German useful in western regions.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (observes daylight saving)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round or schuko)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance; EU-wide service
- Tipping: Not mandatory but expected at 10-15% in restaurants; round up for taxis and spas
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink in cities; bottled recommended in remote areas
- Pharmacies: Gyógyszertár signs indicate locations; 24-hour options in Budapest