The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. All visitors other than EEA members must have the equivalent in hard currency of 1,000 Ft per day, or a major credit card, a letter of invitation
or proof of accommodation. A document authorizing the visitor to withdraw cash from a bank in Hungary, return or onward tickets (or sufficient funds to buy one) and all necessary documents for next destination are also required.
Americans: United States citizens must hold a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
UK nationals: British citizens must have a valid passport, but a visa is not required. Passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject with the right of abode in the UK, do not require a visa for 90 days.
Canadians: Canadian nationals must hold a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Australians: Australian nationals do not need a visa to visit Hungary for a period of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least the period of intended stay.
South Africans: South African nationals need a visa and must hold a passport valid for at least six months after the expiry date of the visa.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. No visa is required.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay in Hungary of up to 90 days. A passport, valid for the intended period of stay, is required.
Health
No vaccinations are required and standards of public health are good, but a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers. Tap water is safe to drink and food poisoning is not considered a high risk, although visitors are recommended to vaccinate against typhoid, unless on a short stay and only eating at major hotels and restaurants. Travelers intending on visiting forested, grassy, lakeside or rural areas in spring and summer should consider a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine. Bird flu was discovered in wild birds in March 2006, but no human infections have been reported. The risk to travelers is low, but as a precaution visitors should ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked, and contact with live birds is avoided. A reciprocal health agreement with countries of the EU provides nationals with free emergency health care on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All towns have pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a supply with them as most medicines are of Eastern European origin. Health insurance is recommended.
Safety
Most visits to Hungary are trouble-free, but normal precautions against petty crime should be taken. Pick pocketing and bag snatching are common in Budapest, especially on crowded public transport and other places frequented by tourists. Some bars, clubs and restaurants in Budapest charge outrageous prices by means of scams that target foreigners in particular. Be cautious of invitations off the street to dine in certain establishments or of recommendations by taxi drivers who are often in on the scam. All political demonstrations should be avoided, as they have led to violence in the past.
