Update on pandemic related restrictions in August in Hungary

August 10, 2021

Last updated on 28 January 2022.

You can find the latest updates for November here. However, rules pertaining to border crossing are detailed below.

With around 60% of the population vaccinated against the coronavirus, Hungary is currently among the safest countries in the EU. In July, most restrictions related to the current pandemic were relaxed, and recently even border crossing was made easier. Read on to find out more.

Border crossing

The rules introduced in September 2020 (and complemented by rules pertaining to business travel in March 2021) are relaxed further. You can enter Hungary without restrictions (without a police clearance and without observing the 10-day quarantine) in the following cases:

You can enter Hungary on land or water if you are coming from any of the neighboring countries:

  • Austria
  • Croatia
  • Romania
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Ukraine

As of 8 August, you can also enter Hungary via air travel with just a negative PCR test done in the last 72 hours from the following countries:

  • EU member states or EU member state candidates
  • OECD member states
  • NATO member states
  • Russia
  • China
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Bahrein
  • Turkic Council member states (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan)

You can enter Hungary with an EU Digital Green Certificate, a Hungarian immunity card or with an immunity card issued in a country that accepts the Hungarian immunity card. The list of such countries keeps extending; our list was last updated on 28 January 2022.

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Bahrein
  • Cape Verde
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Egypt
  • Georgia
  • India
  • Iran
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Maldives
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • North Macedonia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • Uzbekistan

State of emergency

UPDATE: The state of emergency is currently extended until 1 June 2022. No update has been provided concerning the state of emergency, which means that it is still supposed to end late September or early October (15 days after the first time the Parliament meets in the autumn session). Regarding daily life, its most visible effect is that documents expired since 4 November 2020 continue to be accepted as valid in Hungary. However, please note that since the expiry date on the documents themselves does not change, they might not be accepted abroad.

  • The validity of Hungarian documents is extended until 60 days after the end of the state of emergency.
  • The validity of the documents of third-country nationals in Hungary is extended until 30 days after the end of the state of emergency.

Read more about the validity of expired Hungarian documents here.

Daily prevention measures

While social distancing is still recommended, wearing a mask is not obligatory anymore in public spaces, shops, or in public transport. You only need to wear a mask in health-care facilities and nursing homes.

Regarding participation at private events:

  • Up to 100 people are allowed to participate at private and family functions without restrictions
  • Up to 400 people are allowed to participate at wedding receptions without restrictions

You still need an immunity certificate to visit mass events, sporting events, and concerts or bars where you can dance.

Health-care procedures

Starting from 9 August, if you must undergo an invasive therapy (surgery) that is not an emergency measure and could theoretically be postponed, you should produce an immunity certificate (only children under the age of 6 are exempt). If you are not yet vaccinated, you need a negative PCR test that was done within 48 hours before the procedure.

The PCR test is financed by the government for minors (under 18) and for those who did not get vaccinated for a medical reason. Otherwise, you must pay for the test on your own.

Please note: in Hungary every procedure at the dentist is considered an invasive therapy (not only a root canal treatment but also a simple filling). Unless you are vaccinated and can prove it, you will need a PCR test before your dentist appointment.

Need assistance? Let us help you!

Helpers Hungary offers assistance related to immigration and business to foreigners in Hungary for more than 15 years, and we are committed to making your immigration to Hungary as simple as possible. Let us take care of the paperwork and focus on what matters to you the most! If you need help, just fill in the form below, and a colleague will get back to you.



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