Hungary travel restrictions: what you need to know in 2025

Hungary travel restrictions: If you are planning to travel to Hungary in 2025, it is important to understand the current travel restrictions and entry requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Hungary and Schengen

Hungary is a member of the Schengen Area, which allows many travellers to enter without a visa for short stays. Citizens of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European Union nations can visit Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free stay applies to tourism, business, family visits, and short-term studies.

To enter Hungary, your passport must meet specific criteria. It should have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. Additionally, your passport must not be reported lost or stolen. At the border, Hungarian officials may request proof of onward or return travel, evidence of sufficient funds, and confirmation of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation.

For travellers from countries that are not visa-exempt, including India, Bangladesh, Russia, and China, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to travel, even for short stays of less than 90 days. The Schengen visa permits travel across all Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you plan to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before arriving.

To avoid any complications at the border, it is advisable to check your passport’s validity carefully. Ensure that it was issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and that it will remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area. If your passport does not meet these requirements, it is important to renew it before travelling.

Hungary travel restrictions and ETIAS

Looking ahead, there are some upcoming changes to be aware of. The The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will launch in late 2026. Once implemented, travellers from visa-exempt countries will be required to apply for electronic travel authorisation before entering Hungary or any other Schengen country. Additionally, the Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to begin in October 2025, will electronically record travellers’ entry and exit data to better enforce Schengen rules.

More details on Hungary travel restrictions

Hungary enforces strict customs regulations. Travellers are prohibited from bringing meat, milk, or related products from outside the European Union, except in certain cases, such as baby food or for medical reasons. If you are carrying cash amounting to €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it at the border. There are also restrictions on weapons, certain medicines, plants, and pets. Occasionally, travellers may experience delays at land borders with Austria and Slovakia due to additional checks, including those related to animal health.

As of 2025, Hungary has lifted all COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Upon entry, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine is not required. However, it is still recommended to have travel health insurance that covers your stay in Hungary.

Local laws include bans on smoking on public transport and near educational buildings. While Hungary is generally safe, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so travellers should remain vigilant. Additionally, you may be denied entry if you have unpaid fines from previous visits.

Border controls with Hungary due to foot-and-mouth disease

Following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary in March 2025, several neighbouring countries implemented border control measures to prevent the spread of the disease. These measures primarily affect the transportation of live animals and cross-border traffic.

Austria’s border measures

Austria introduced some of the strictest controls. From 5 April to 20 May 2025, Austria closed all minor border crossings with Hungary. Major crossings for lorries and commercial traffic (e.g., Hegyeshalom, Sopron, Kópháza, Kőszeg, Bucsu, Rábafüzes) remained open, but 21 smaller crossings were shut down. These include Rajka–Deutsch Jahrndorf, Várbalog–Halbturn, Jánossomorja–Andau, Sopron–Baumgarten, and Ágfalva–Schattendorf, among others.

The Austrian measures were prompted by the identification of FMD at a cattle farm in Kisbajcs, Hungary, in March 2025—the first such case in over 50 years.

Slovakia’s restrictions

Slovakia also implemented significant restrictions. From 8 April to 7 May 2025, Slovakia introduced temporary border controls along its border with Hungary, clSlovakia also implemented significant restrictions. From 8 April to 7 May 2025, Slovakia introduced temporary border controls along its border with Hungary, closing 16 minor crossings entirely. These include:

• Rajka – Dunacsúny
• Neszmély – Dunaradvány
• Ipolydamásd – Helemba
• Letkés – Szalka
• Bánréve – Sajólénártfalva

These measures were taken after new infection hotspots were found near Bratislava, Trnava, and Nitra. Slovak authorities aim to prevent further spread of the disease.

Croatia’s precautionary measures

Croatia introduced temporary measures to reduce the risk of FMD entering the country. From 15 April 2025, the entry of susceptible live animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, etc.) from Hungary and Slovakia is prohibited.

While Croatia did not completely close its borders, it implemented the following regulations:

• Live animals and raw milk from other EU countries transiting through Hungary or Slovakia, as well as raw milk shipments, may only enter at two designated border crossings: Duboševica–Udvar and Goričan–Letenye.
• These shipments are subject to inspection and disinfection at the border.
• Empty vehicles intended for transporting live animals or milk must be disinfected before entry.

These measures do not apply to other types of animal products.

Czech Republic’s related actions

Although the Czech Republic does not share a direct border with Hungary, it reintroduced border controls with Slovakia on 21 March 2025 to prevent the spread of FMD. The Czech Republic also banned the import of susceptible animals and animal products from Slovakia. These measures may indirectly affect shipments from Hungary to the Czech Republic that transit through Slovakia.

In summary: Hungary travel restrictions

Hungary welcomes most international travellers with minimal restrictions, following standard Schengen Area rules. Always verify your passport’s validity and visa requirements, and stay informed about upcoming changes such as ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System (EES). For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Hungary’s travel restrictions, consult your airline and the Hungarian embassy before your trip.

Read here for more news about Hungary travel restrictions and border control

Read details:

New Hungarian government decree modifies multiple rules on guest workers, read details HERE

Serious accusation from Hungarian expert: Guest workers could have brought deadly virus to Hungary, details HERE