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901 mi away
£1 HUF 410
Today
9:57 am
+2h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Hungary
Hungary
23°
Slight rain
Mon
17°
23°
Tue
7°
17°
Wed
7°
16°
Thu
7°
19°
Fri
10°
16°
Sat
9°
19°
Sun
12°
20°
SPF level in Hungary
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Hungary
What British travellers need to know
You can travel to Hungary without a visa and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist.
Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before you arrive in Hungary, and an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
At border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket, proof of enough money for your stay, and proof of accommodation like a hotel booking.
You may need to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photo upon entry into the Schengen area under the new Entry/Exit System, and allow extra time for this.
Visits to any Schengen country in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Good to know:
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Hungary, with exceptions for some baby foods and medical diets.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if their value is 10,000 euros or more upon entry, or your money could be seized when you leave.
Safety in Hungary
Tips when travelling
Hungary is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your original passport as you must show ID if the police ask and a copy is not acceptable.
Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common in cities, especially on busy public transport, at train stations, in markets, and in tourist areas.
Always ask to see a menu with prices before ordering food or drink and check your bill carefully, as some bars and restaurants overcharge tourists.
There have been reports of drink spiking in bars, particularly in Budapest, so buy your own drinks and keep sight of them.
Use official ATMs inside banks if possible and keep your bank card in sight when paying to avoid card fraud.
Bonus tips:
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Hungary.
You must use dipped headlights on roads outside towns even during the daytime.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Hungary
A UK driving license is accepted in Hungary. Consider carrying an International Driving Permit if your license doesn't include a photo or is not printed in Latin characters.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Hungary drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Hungary
As a UK resident, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will be accepted in Hungary, giving you access to state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. However, it is still advisable to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover costs that the EHIC/GHIC may not, such as repatriation or private healthcare.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Hungary has good standards of healthcare. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and a valid EHIC/GHIC. Check the Fit for Travel website for up-to-date health advice specific to Hungary. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in larger establishments, especially in cities. Smaller shops and rural areas may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Hungary
Tipping is customary in Hungary for good service. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation. Service charges are sometimes included in restaurant bills, so check before tipping.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill if service is not included. If included, an additional 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
Bar/Café
10% of the bill, or rounding up the bill for smaller amounts.
Taxi
10% of the fare or rounding up to the nearest convenient amount.
Hotel Porter
200-500 HUF per bag (~£0.45-£1.15).
Hotel Housekeeper
200-500 HUF per day (~£0.45-£1.15), left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's roaming regulations no longer apply to UK citizens. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Hungary. They may offer specific travel packages. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper data rates.
Local SIM
50GB for 7000 HUF (~£16)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Hungary
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Hungary has good internet connectivity, especially in urban areas. Free WiFi is common, but quality can vary. Mobile data is a reliable alternative.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
107
Ambulance
104
Fire
105
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Hungary
Country code
+36
To call a Budapest number (area code 1) dial 00 36 1 and then the local number.
The country code for Hungary is 36. When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 36, followed by the Hungarian number.
Languages in Hungary
UK Embassy
British Embassy Budapest
Budapest, Harmincad utca 6, 1051 Hungary
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
20 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Clarification that you need to allow more time at border controls when departing the Schengen area.
- The sentence 'You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border' has been moved to later in the paragraph.
Entry requirements
24 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- EES information is now fully integrated and manual passport stamping guidance is removed. The text 'Until the Entry-Exit System (EES) is fully rolled out, make sure you get your passport stamped...' is no longer present.
- An exemption for long-term residents has been added. Long-term residents of Schengen countries are now exempt from EES in all Schengen countries.
Safety and security
26 days ago
Political situation
- The specific reference to the upcoming national elections on 12 April 2026 has been removed.
Airports in Hungary
Beaches in Hungary
Frequently asked questions
Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Hungary. However, bottled water is readily available if you prefer it, and may be preferable in some rural areas.
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Hungary. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
The best time to visit Hungary is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summers (June-August) can be hot, especially in the cities, and winters (November-March) are cold with occasional snowfall.
The local currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While some establishments in tourist areas may accept Euros, it's generally better to use Forints for transactions. ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns.
Be wary of overcharging by taxi drivers, especially at airports and train stations. Also, watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Avoid street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
It is customary to greet people with a handshake. When entering someone's home, it is polite to remove your shoes. Tipping is expected in restaurants (around 10-15% of the bill) if service is not included.
There isn't a strict dress code in Hungary for everyday wear. However, when visiting religious sites, such as churches or synagogues, it's respectful to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. For upscale restaurants or events, smart casual attire is appropriate.
Public transport in Hungary, especially in Budapest, is efficient and affordable. Budapest has an extensive network of buses, trams, metro lines, and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at stations or from newsstands. Consider purchasing a travel pass for unlimited travel within the city.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.