Everything you need to know about the current travel restrictions in Hungary
Based on the government’s announcements, the key terms for the following period will be ‘a strict timetable’ and ‘a gradual approach’. The easing of restrictions and the introduction of new measures that provide more freedom of movement have already started in Hungary, but several decrees remain in force.
With the gradual resumption of air traffic, people want to know how they are allowed to return to Hungary. Forbes has gathered the available information about the safety measures and restrictions currently in place.
Passengers must still undergo body temperature measurement at the airport
The Budapest Airport Police Directorate reported that all passengers on incoming flights must undergo ID or passport control and body temperature measurement performed by medical professionals. “The current quarantine rules are determined by the 81/2020. (IV. 1.) Government Decree that came into force on 1 April 2020.”
“Non-Hungarian citizens arriving from abroad − with the exception specified in sections (1), (2), and (5) of 4§ − cannot enter the territory of Hungary. In cases that deserve special evaluation, the Deputy Chief of National Police may grant an exemption.”
Non-Hungarian citizens can enter if they travel to Hungary for business purposes between affiliated companies from the following countries: Czech Republic, Poland, Korean Republic, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. In the case of suspected COVID-19 infection, isolation is implemented, and passengers are placed in quarantine.
The decree further specifies that
“those who are not suspected of having COVID-19 infection are required to undergo epidemiological surveillance at their permanent or temporary residence for 14 days.”
This means that these passengers have to stay in compulsory home quarantine, and they are registered and checked by the police during the period of isolation.
Is isolation necessary in all cases? No.
Incoming passengers will be quarantined in most cases, but there are some exceptions. Hungarians returning from abroad are not obliged to stay in quarantine when they undergo body temperature measurement and do not show any symptoms,
- they have recovered from COVID-19 infection and show no symptoms, or
- they have undergone epidemiological surveillance for at least 14 days prior to their arrival.
Non-Hungarian citizens still cannot enter the country
Only Hungarian citizens, permanent resident card holders of the European Economic Area (EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway), other permanent resident card holders who have close Hungarian relatives, and diplomats with resident cards are able to enter Hungary.
Source: forbes.hu
Please advise what the exceptions” are as listed in sections 1, 2 and 45 of the rules under 80/2020. (IV.1.)
Thank you
Yes I agree, the exemptions from what the other person mention
My wife and I need to return to our permanent residence in Bulgaria, This would require transit through Hungary, we are both Uk citizens with Bulgarian residence. Most countries are allowing transit for EU citizens to return to their home country but Hungary appears to have taken a more robust stance,in order to protect its citizens. Despite e-mails to consuls and Hungarian police I am still unaware of the latest restriction exemptions.Any guidance would be appreciated.