Last updated October 26, 2021
Yes, Hungary is open to American tourists
Hungary effectively opened to American (and Canadian, and any other nationality) tourists on June 23rd 2021, arriving from one of Hungary’s EU neighbors (Croatia, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia) and have valid travel documents (a valid passport). Arrival via land borders with Ukraine is not allowed. From August 7th 2021, Hungary resumed allowing tourists from the US (and any other country) to enter the country by air, providing they have a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival.
As of August 10th, the US Embassy in Hungary’s website had not been updated with this information.
Entry Requirements
If arriving by air, a negative PCR test taken in the preceding 72 hours is required.
Antigen or PCR Testing for Returning Home
If you need to get tested for your journey home, whether it is required by the airline or for re-entry into the U.S. we will help you schedule that at the most convenient location possible, at the appropriate time. For re-entry to the US you need to have a negative result from a Covid-19 viral test up to 3 days before departure (not counting the day of departure, so for a flight at 1pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.) Since May 12 2021, the CDC have approved Antigen tests for travel. Antigen tests are quicker (results in 30 minutes, not 24 hours) and cheaper (around 1/3 the price or less) than PCR tests and often more readily available. If you are flying direct back to the US, the only test you’ll need is an Antigen test. If you are transferring in another country on the way back to the US other requirements may apply. We advise to check with the airline in this case.
General COVID-19 measures to be aware of
- maintain physical distance (1.5 meters)
- maintain hand hygiene and disinfection (we will provide a personal bottle of hand sanitiser to you upon arrival)
- wearing protective masks is mandatory only in hospitals (we will provide one disposable mask per day of your vacation upon request)
Curfews and Movement Restrictions
There is no curfew in place.
Restaurants
There are no restrictions for indoor or outdoor dining.
Sightseeing
There are generally no restrictions but some sites may be operating at reduced capacities and should be booked ahead. If there is a site you are particularly interested in visiting, please let us know ahead of time so we can check for you.
Shops and Beauty Services
All shops and beauty services are open with regular working hours.
Updates from JayWay’s Locals
From Norbi, based in Budapest
The time has finally come when we can put down our masks and don’t have to wear them on the streets anymore. Unfortunately, it is still mandatory to wear them indoors but to be able to breathe again, literally and metaphorically too, is something we have all been looking forward to. People are smiling, having fun, drinking beer, eating out. Just like two years ago, when everything was considered normal. Budapest has finally started gaining back its glory and crown in tourism, as Hungarian is not the only language that can be heard in the streets anymore. Hotels are reopening, bars and restaurants are fully booked, and the smell of fresh popcorn in the cinemas is something that truly brings joy to many people.
Estimate for next change in measures
As of July 1 2021, when the only remaining measure is mandatory face masks in hospitals, there are no significant restrictions.
Useful Links
US Embassy in Hungary’s Covid-19 Info Page (not frequently updated)
Hungarian Border Police Statement on Entering via Land Borders