Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Hungary is a generally safe EU and Schengen country. Watch for pickpockets around Budapest transport, tram routes and the nightlife district.
- Overall risk
- Low; a popular and stable tourist destination
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing on the metro, trams and busy sights
- Emergency number
- 112 (all services)
- Hungary is centred on Budapest and is broadly safe for visitors. Stay alert around the Chain Bridge, St Stephen's Basilica, the metro and the ruin bar area of District VII at night.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Use normal caution around the nightlife of District VII and near main stations at night.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- At night
- Party district (District VII) and around Keleti/Nyugati stations
- Petty crime is more likely late at night in the party district and around major railway stations. Keep valuables secure and stay in well-lit, busy areas.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Hungary is landlocked with low disaster risk. Occasional river flooding on the Danube and Tisza and summer heatwaves are the main concerns.
- Flooding
- Rare flooding along the Danube and Tisza rivers
- Summer
- Heatwaves can affect central regions
- Seismic risk
- Low
- Large-scale natural disasters are uncommon. Follow local warnings during periods of high water on major rivers and stay hydrated during summer heat.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Hungary has good healthcare. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are possible in forested areas; thermal baths are well maintained.
- Healthcare
- Good standard; private clinics common in Budapest
- Forests
- Tick precautions for TBE and Lyme disease
- EU cover
- EHIC/GHIC valid for necessary state care
- Medical facilities are good, especially in Budapest. Use insect precautions when hiking in forests, and note that Hungary's thermal baths are generally well managed for hygiene.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Watch for taxi overcharging, overpriced "consumption" bars and currency exchange scams. Use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- Taxis
- Book Főtaxi or use apps like Bolt; avoid hailing on the street
- Bars
- Beware consumption scams where strangers invite you and bills are inflated
- Money
- Change money at banks/official offices, not street changers
- Reported scams include inflated taxi fares, bars where people are lured in and charged excessive prices, and poor rates or trickery at informal money changers. Book taxis by app or phone and keep receipts.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Hungary is a stable EU democracy with no specific travel warnings for tourists. Demonstrations are usually peaceful.
- Stability
- Stable EU member state
- Protests
- Occasional peaceful demonstrations in Budapest
- Advice
- Check your government's latest travel advice before travel
- There are no specific security concerns for typical visitors. Avoid political demonstrations as a precaution and check your own foreign ministry for the most current guidance.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Hungary has a zero-tolerance drink-driving limit and strict public transport ticket checks. Drug offences are treated seriously.
- Drink-driving
- Zero-tolerance; 0.0 blood-alcohol limit
- Transport
- Validate tickets; fines for travelling without a valid ticket
- Drugs
- Illegal; penalties can be severe
- Never drink and drive. Validate and keep public transport tickets for inspections, and note that drinking alcohol is restricted in some public places. Illegal drugs carry serious penalties.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
The unified emergency number is 112. Direct lines are police 107, ambulance 104 and fire 105. Hungary's country code is +36.
- All services
- 112 (unified emergency)
- Police / Ambulance / Fire
- 107 / 104 / 105
- Country code
- +36
- Dial 112 for any emergency; operators often speak English. Save your embassy's contact details and note the direct-line numbers as a backup.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Europeans can use an EHIC/GHIC where valid; all other travellers should carry comprehensive travel insurance. Schengen visa applications may require insurance.
- EU/EEA/UK
- EHIC or GHIC covers necessary state care
- Others
- Comprehensive insurance with medical cover
- Include
- Medical, cancellation and personal belongings
- An EHIC/GHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, trip cancellation and belongings; a Schengen visa application may require proof of insurance.