Hungary

Recommended Vaccinations For Hungary

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

**Travellers who plan to visit the provinces of Vas and Zala during early spring to late autumn and hike or camp in rural or forested areas that provide a habitat for the ticks that carry the virus should consider obtaining this vaccine.**

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Those travellers whose employment or activities bring them into direct contact with wild animals may want to consider vaccination.

Recommended Medications For Hungary

There are no recommendations for Hungary at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Hungary

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Hungary through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Hungary.

For Some Travellers

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact withann infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies

The risk of rabies in this country is low since the virus is found only in wild animals. Those travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with wild animals may be at risk.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

**There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the provinces of Vas and Zala. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.**

Safety & Security in Hungary

Personal Safety

Hungary maintains a low overall crime rate with violent crime rarely affecting tourists. Petty theft is the main concern, particularly pickpocketing and bag snatching in Budapest and other major cities. These incidents concentrate in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, train stations, and popular attractions along Vaci Street and near major landmarks. Scams targeting tourists are common and include unlicensed taxi drivers with rigged meters, bars and restaurants charging exorbitant prices, and venues that pressure patrons to pay inflated bills at cashpoints. Some establishments work with taxi drivers who receive commissions for bringing tourists to these locations. Crime in nightlife areas poses specific risks, with reports of drink spiking in clubs and scams involving sex workers in certain districts. In late 2024, an American tourist was killed after meeting someone at a bar. Budapest’s outer districts, particularly areas of District 7, 8, and 9, along with certain parts of Jozsefvaros and Ferencvaros, show higher crime rates than central tourist zones. Poorly lit underpasses and side streets should be avoided after dark. Districts 5, 6, and 7 are generally safe in central areas but require extra vigilance in crowded spaces. The 8th district has undergone gentrification in some areas but retains pockets with higher crime. Most reported incidents remain non-violent, and mugging or kidnapping of tourists is extremely rare. Police maintain a visible presence in major tourist areas. The overall environment is safe for business travelers and tourists who exercise basic awareness of their surroundings and secure their belongings.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime against tourists in Hungary is rare. The homicide rate stands at 0.83 incidents per 100,000 people, one of the lowest globally. In 2019, Hungary recorded 60 intentional homicides. Registered crime cases have decreased significantly, falling from approximately 447,000 per year in 2010 to 154,000 in 2021. Most criminal incidents that do occur affect locals from poorer backgrounds rather than visitors. Muggings and kidnappings of tourists are not regularly reported. Budapest specifically has no widespread reports of violent crimes targeting foreign visitors. While Hungary shares a border with Ukraine where an ongoing conflict continues, this has not affected safety within Hungary. The war remains concentrated in eastern Ukraine, far from the Hungarian border. Terrorist attacks in Hungary cannot be ruled out given the broader European context. There is a general terrorism threat across Europe. While no major terrorist incidents have occurred in Hungary in recent years, authorities remain vigilant. A 2016 explosion in Budapest raised concerns, but no subsequent major attacks have materialized. In 2024, three arrests for right-wing terrorist offenses were made in Hungary as part of broader European law enforcement actions. The country also arrested individuals in connection with neo-Nazi activities, including those related to the annual Day of Honor event that has occurred since 1997. Human trafficking remains a concern in Hungary though it typically does not affect tourists. Most security incidents tourists face involve property crime rather than violence against persons.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations occur regularly in Budapest and across Hungary, particularly on national holidays such as March 15 (anniversary of the 1848 Revolution) and October 23 (anniversary of the 1956 anti-Soviet Uprising). Protests increased significantly in 2024 and 2025 as opposition to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government intensified. Large protests took place in April 2024 when thousands demonstrated against corruption. In June 2025, around 15,000 protesters gathered in Budapest in what organizers called the beginning of a resistance movement. In October 2024, thousands protested outside the state media headquarters against what they described as government propaganda. In March 2025, demonstrations erupted after parliament banned LGBTQ Pride events, with protesters blocking the Margaret Bridge. Additional protests occurred in April and May 2025 against proposed legislation targeting civil society organizations and media. While most demonstrations remain peaceful, some have turned violent. Police have used disproportionate force to disperse demonstrators on several occasions in 2023 and 2024. The government operates under a continuous state of danger decree originally issued in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, granting authorities extraordinary powers to rule by decree. Teacher protests over working conditions in 2022 and 2023 led to strikes and government crackdowns. The political climate has become increasingly tense with the rise of opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, which finished second in the 2024 European parliamentary elections with nearly 30 percent of the vote. Magyar has become the most serious political challenge to Orban since he took power nearly 15 years ago. Visitors should avoid demonstrations and monitor local media for information about planned protests. Move away from large crowds when demonstrations occur.

Areas To Avoid

Hungary does not have areas that present extreme danger to visitors, but certain districts in Budapest require extra caution. District 8 (Jozsefvaros) is Budapest’s most problematic area for tourists. While parts of this district have undergone gentrification with new bars and restaurants, sections around Baross Street and certain outer areas maintain higher crime rates with pickpocketing and petty crime more common. Vaci Street, despite being a popular tourist shopping area, frequently sees bag snatching and pickpocketing. The outer parts of Districts 7, 8, and 9 should be avoided at night. Specific areas of concern include Jozsefvaros in District 8, Kobanya in District 10, and Angyalfold in District 13. The former Hos Street slum area had extremely high crime rates and began liquidation in recent years due to deep poverty and serious drug problems. District 9 (Ferencvaros), particularly southern sections around Gubacsi Bridge and Ulloi Avenue, shows higher criminality. Deak Square in the city center has seen violent incidents, including a double murder in 2020. The nightlife zones centered around Districts 6 and 7 require vigilance. While these areas offer extensive bars and clubs, scams targeting tourists are common, including overcharging and drink spiking. Police regularly raid establishments here to maintain order. Underpasses throughout the city should be avoided at night or when poorly lit. During daytime, police monitor these areas, but evening hours present higher risk. The area around Keleti railway station and certain tram lines like the 4-6 tram route warrant additional caution. Rural areas and smaller towns outside Budapest are generally safer than the capital. Most tourist attractions in central Budapest including the Castle District and Districts 5 and 6 along the Grand Boulevard are safe during both day and night.