Published: November 4, 2024
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Hungary Travel Advisory and Hungary Country Information Page.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Budapest
Szabadság tér 12, H-1054 Budapest
Tel: +36 1 475 4400
After-Hours Emergencies: +36-30-941-4295 or +36-1-475-4444
Hours: 0800 – 1700, Monday – Friday.
OSAC Country Chapter
The Budapest Country Chapter meets four times a year and has approximately 30 members.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Hungary Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Hungary.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Budapest as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Hungary.
Although Hungary is generally a safe place to visit, you should use caution and stay alert. Be especially careful in crowded tourist areas, train stations, buses, trams, and metros.
Hungary's overall crime rate experienced a 6 percent increase nationwide in 2023 compared to 2022, marking the highest crime rates since 2018, according to an analysis of the crime statistics from the Central Statistical Office (KSH). A rise in fraud and theft reported to the police led the increase in the overall number of criminal cases, while homicide rates continued to fall overall. A large percentage of homicides are the result of domestic violence. Consequently, the successful investigation rate is high, since police are usually aware of the suspects.
Budapest had a two percent decrease in physical assault cases and a three percent decrease in drunk driving incidents since the preceding year. However, there was a two percent increase in overall crime rates and a four percent increase in theft-related cases in 2023. Street crime (e.g., pickpocketing, petty theft, theft from unattended vehicles, vandalism) is the most frequently reported type of crime. Budapest's major train stations, public transportation systems, and most tourist-frequented areas are popular venues of such thefts.
Per Hungarian law, non-violent property crime with damages less than HUF 50,000 (approximately U.S. $186) does not appear in the crime statistics, as law enforcement considers those minor offenses. Crimes committed against U.S. nationals are generally crimes of opportunity, not crimes specifically targeting U.S. nationals. Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves.
Reports of overcharging at some restaurants, clubs, and nightspots, especially in those areas of the city tourists frequent, remains a concern. The consumption (or honeypot) scam is one in which criminals grossly overcharge victims (typically men) for drinks. Historically, police have shut down clubs for this activity. Victims of crime should call police immediately. Before entering clubs, always ask about prices.
Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves. The Embassy regularly receives reports of pickpocketing on the trains between Budapest and Vienna, so please be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.
There have been incidents, although rare, where U.S. citizens were unknowingly drugged. Do not accept food or drink from anyone but a server. Additionally, the Embassy has received reports of racially motivated assaults. Please report all crimes to the local police.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not walk alone at night. Stay alert in crowded locations frequented by tourists. Keep your belongings secure and be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
Currently there are no areas in Hungary that are designated as high crime areas or that are off limits to U.S. Embassy personnel.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Hungary.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Budapest as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Hungary.
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad, including in Europe. Hungary has not been a target country for terrorism. Hungarian authorities continue to exercise countermeasures, led by the Counter-Terrorism Center, to prevent attacks from occurring in the country. However, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Budapest as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Hungary. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The constitution and law provide citizens the ability to choose their government in periodic elections held by secret ballot and based on universal suffrage.
Hungary is a multiparty parliamentary democracy. The president appoints a prime minister from the majority party or coalition in parliament following national elections every four years. In parliamentary elections in 2022, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe election observation mission found that the elections “were well administered…but marred by the absence of a level playing field.” Specifically, it highlighted an electoral cycle characterized by “a lack of transparency and insufficient oversight of campaign finances” that “benefited the governing coalition,” and noted, “the bias and lack of balance in monitored news coverage…limited the voters’ opportunity to make an informed choice.”
Protests & Demonstrations
Political gatherings and protests occur frequently in Hungary, mostly in Budapest. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. On multiple occasions in 2023, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds in front of the prime minister’s office, which the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union argued was unjustified, claiming video recordings showed police used tear gas on peaceful protesters without prior warning and did so disproportionately. Authorities denied the allegations, and government officials commended the police response to the demonstrators.
Ethnic nationalist groups have gained popularity in Hungary in past years, in some cases advocating intolerance towards migrants and minorities, including Jews, Roma, and LGB individuals. Although these far-right groups do not engage in violence and are not explicitly anti-United States, you should avoid public demonstrations and confrontations with their members.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is no inherent anti-U.S. sentiment among the Hungarian population, although for political purposes the Government will make incendiary statements against U.S. and EU leadership for policies it views as out of step with its own politics. Following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, government-affiliated personalities frequently repeated pro-Russian talking points and disinformation in Hungarian media.
Law Enforcement
The National Police, under the direction of the interior minister, is responsible for maintaining order nationwide. The Counterterrorism Center (TEK) is responsible for protecting the president and the prime minister and for preventing, uncovering, and detecting terrorist acts; it is directly subordinate to the interior minister. TEK, founded in 2010, remains independent from the National Police, and has primary jurisdiction for nationwide SWAT operations. The Hungarian Defense Forces are subordinate to the Defense Ministry and are responsible for external security as well as aspects of domestic security and disaster response. The National Bureau of Investigation investigates major criminal cases as part of the Interior Ministry’s Riot Police (Készenléti Rendőrség).
Since 2015, under a declared state of emergency prompted by mass migration, defense forces may assist law enforcement forces in border protection and handling mass migration situations. It authorizes police to automatically remove third-country nationals for unlawfully entering or staying in Hungary. The state of emergency has been renewed every six months since its enactment and is still in effect at the time of this publication. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There have been no reports that members of the security forces committed abuses.
Police Response
Hungarian police response is adequate, but may be untimely in more rural areas.
The emergency line in Hungary is 112. The Hungarian police also operate a number specifically for foreign tourists, commonly referred to as the “Tourist Police,” to help English speakers report crime. The office at Vigado utca 4 is available at +36-1-438-8080.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Hungary, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Hungary.
The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. The government generally observed these requirements.
The European Commission and NGOs contended officials and those with close government connections often engaged in corrupt practices with impunity and the government did not implement or apply these laws effectively.
Cybersecurity
According to the Global Organized Crime Index, cybercrime is a growing criminal market in Hungary, though there is no indication that major criminal groups are involved. Malicious software infection and ransomware attacks being the most common forms of cybercrime.
Import/Export Restrictions
There are no restrictions on satellite phone usage in Hungary.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
