Travelers will no longer be required to take tests or show proof of vaccination
Right after Ireland announced the removal of all its travel restrictions, Hungarian authorities took similar actions. As of March 7, 2022 Hungary lifted covid restrictions for travelers, becoming the 9th country in the world to do this.
On Friday, the government published decree No.77 of 2022, abolishing the majority of covid mandates imposed during the pandemic starting this Monday. It was announced by Gergely Gulyás, the Prime Minister’s Chief of staff, at the government briefing.
Now travelers —regardless of their nationality—can enter the territory of Hungary by public road, air traffic, water, or railway, presenting just the traditional documentation required previous to the pandemic (like a passport for example), making entry like it was in 2019.
Hungarian authorities will no longer require PCR or Antigen tests or proof of vaccination for tourists, and now the land’s borders have been reopened for neighboring countries and international travelers. This information has already been updated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as of March 8, 2022.
The mask mandate has also been removed and it’s optional to wear face-coverings in Hungary, but there are still a few internal rules to consider. Within the following days, authorities will provide more details, and travelers interested in visiting this country should stay tuned.
What has changed in Hungary? Internal Rule Recap
Before March 7 travelers had to show a negative PCR test, and once in Hungarian territory, everyone had to wear masks in public transportation, at all types of events, and in shops and shopping centers.
Now, once tourists arrive in Hungary, they will not be required to wear masks or show proof of vaccinations, but they must comply with the internal rules. These are the main considerations:
- Masks are not mandatory in outdoor or indoor spaces including public transportations, shops, at the post offices, theaters, museums, cinemas, shopping malls, events (sportive, cultural, musical, or dancing events), and in stations. This applies to everyday people and employees as well.
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to enter establishments or for work. Public administration employees will no longer need to be vaccinated.
- Masks are required in health care services. Those who need medical attention must wear face-covering.
The Budapest Transport Center (BKK) published a post on their official website reminding users that they will no longer need to wear face masks but encouraged to follow a few recommendations: “Please use the hand sanitizer placed near the entrance at the personal sales points. We recommend contactless payment with a debit card, as well as the possibility to use the BudapestGO app, which allows you to plan your journey, buy tickets, or check the current traffic situation in one single interface.”
Hungary’s Touristic Offer
Now Hungary joins the list of countries that scrapped travel restrictions—Ireland, Jordan, Iceland, Bahrain, El Salvador, Slovenia, Mexico, and Norway— gaining more tourism opportunities among other European countries.
The new decree comes during the crisis of the Russian invasion in Ukraine and after the US Government’s advice to not travel to European countries bordering Ukraine, in part as a strategy to reduce the impact and negative effects of these matters.
Without travel restrictions, Hungary expects to attract more tourists, empower the tourism industry and boost the economy. This eastern European country has a lot to offer: from traditional Hungarian events to picturesque towns, beautiful natural landscapes, and magnificent cities.
Foreign visitors can experience vibrant cities like Budapest, the country’s capital, also known as “the city of lights”. In Budapest, travelers can visit Buda Castle (Budavári Palota) —a UNESCO World Heritage Site—, experience their famous baths and visit the Gellért Thermal Bath where Jane Fonda and Ryan Gosling have been guests.
There are also upcoming events like the World Stamp Exhibition, the Hans Zimmer Europe Tour, and the Sziget festival —one of the largest music festivals in Europe— that now visitors will be able to enjoy without masks.
