Budapest is world-renowned for its thermal spas, but none are as emblematic as the Gellért Baths. With their colourful Zsolnay ceramic tiles, stained glass, and grand domes, the baths are a masterpiece of early 20^th-century architecture. Designed by Hungarian architects Ármin Hegedűs, Artúr Sebestyén and Izidor Sterk, the complex opened in 1918 and quickly established itself as a symbol of luxury and elegance. Over the years, it has welcomed numerous high-profile guests, including US President Richard Nixon, Iran’s Shah Reza Pahlavi, and actress Jane Fonda.

The baths will be closed for the next three years while BGYH, the municipal company that operates the city’s seven thermal baths, carries out a full reconstruction. This coincides with the ongoing renovation of the adjoining Gellért Hotel, which has been closed since work began in November 2021.

According to BGYH, it made sense to renovate both properties simultaneously, as the thermal baths were already suffering from the noise and dust caused by the hotel renovations, as well as “difficulties in the daily operation of the baths and in providing adequate service to guests”. In 2022, the hotel was purchased by the BDPST Group, a private equity firm owned by István Tiborcz, the son-in-law of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The spa usually attracts 1,500–1,800 visitors a day, and its last major renovation was completed in the 1980s.

Plans for the baths’ overhaul had been in preparation for several years. The structure has been significantly weakened by continuous exposure to thermal water, steam and cleaning chemicals, prompting the need for a renewal aimed at enhancing both safety and visitor experience.

In a statement, BGYH said that “after fifty years, due to the deteriorated basic infrastructure and the static problems that have arisen, a comprehensive renovation, architectural, mechanical and technological modernisation [of the Gellért baths] is inevitable”.

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The company further explained that the ‘thermal water, steam, cleaning of pools and spaces according to regulations, and the use of various chemicals’ had caused deterioration of “equipment, tools, all kinds of coverings and metal objects or surfaces, and even the building’s structure”.

The city is set to invest 20 billion Hungarian forints (approximately €51 million) in the project. The restoration project will prioritise protecting and renewing the site’s historical Art Nouveau features, restoring them to their original grandeur while introducing sustainable, energy-efficient systems to improve heating and thermal water management.

The baths’ operators said that the aim of the reconstruction is also to strengthen Budapest’s reputation in Hungarian and international spa tourism. The exact reopening date is not yet known, but it is expected to be in 2028. Works are set to begin in 2026.

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While Gellért Baths embark on its three-year rejuvenation journey, visitors keen to experience the spa can enjoy the city’s other thermal landmarks, such as Széchenyi, Rudas and Lukács, or lesser-known gems like Dandár and Pesterzsébeti baths. 

With Gellért’s usual 1,800 daily visitors set to be redirected elsewhere, these spas may be busier than usual, so advance booking is recommended.

L’article Budapest’s Gellért Baths close for major renovation until 2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

By 2030, Hungary’s officials plan to transform the city of Debrecen, located in the East of the country, into a regional hub for education and culture. With that in mind, a former sports ground on the northern edge of Debrecen’s Great Forest will be welcoming a new Natural History Museum which will replace the current museum in the country’s capital Budapest.

“Natural history is a subject dear to me – so dear that I named my oldest son Darwin; To that end, it is a great honor to have been entrusted with the authorship of the Hungarian Natural History Museum in the Great Forest of Debrecen,” said Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director at BIG.

The new 23,000-square-metre museum has been commissioned by the Museum and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. It will house permanent and temporary exhibition halls, educational and research facilities, and public amenities. The design for the building has been confided to BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group, who’s also in charge of the new Bhutan airport amongst other projects) in collaboration with Vikár és Lukács Építés Stúdió, Museum Studio, and TYPSA.

“Our design is conceived as an intersection of paths and lineages. Intersecting ribbons of landscape overlap to produce a series of niches and habitats, halls and galleries, blending the inside and the outside, the intimate and the mastodontic in seamless continuity. The result is a manmade hill in a forest clearing; geometrically clear yet softly organic – an appropriate home for the wonders of the natural world,” explains Bjarke Ingels.

Outdoors and indoors overlap

The first images of the future building have been unveiled and show an interesting mix of architecture and nature. The design consists of three overlapping ribbons, rising from the forest floor, with a timber façade. As the roof will be covered with native tress and other species, it will become part of the forest’s ecosystem.

“Rather than simply preserving the site, the building restores and enhances it – regenerating biodiversity while quietly adapting to its surroundings,” BIG partner Hanna Johansson said.

The interior consists of six exhibition wings, a reception hall, a library, and a restaurant overlooking the forest canopy. downstairs, a learning hub integrates a space for workshops and research labs. The thermal mass of the ground allows for on-site energy systems, including geothermal loops. Complemented with photovoltaic panels, a stable indoor climate is guaranteed year-round.

L’article Plans unveiled for new Hungarian Natural History Museum est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Unlimited flights for the cost of three and a half

Hungary’s low-fare carrier, Wizz Air, is the firm behind the offer, which sees 10,000 unlimited annual subscriptions up for grabs. The deal was priced at €499 until 16 August 2024, but has now risen to €599, with an extra €9.99 flat fee payable on booking.

Not a bad offer in theory. The average cost of a Wizz Air one-way flight is €168.54 (£143.52), based on all 34 destinations available to book from London Gatwick a maximum of 72 hours in advance, the window the airline is imposing on the deal. (Travel Tomorrow research on 16 August 2024, based on an exchange rate 1 GBP = 1.17447 EUR). This means passengers could get unlimited flights for the price of around three and half averagely priced tickets, depending on the destination.

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However, in 2023, the average Wizz Air ticket came in at just €39.70, according to the airline’s annual report, making many people question how useful the deal actually is unless you are not only a frequent flyer, but one who books tickets last minute.

Check the small print

Given the 72-hour window, consumers face the prospect of finding there are no available flights for their preferred departure airport or chosen destinations when they try to book. It should also be noted that add-ons such as baggage or seat selection are not included, and can quickly rack up. Customers who buy into the subscription but change their mind afterwards for any reason, can avail themselves of fortnight’s cooling off period in which they can still cancel. 

Worst airline in the UK

Wizz Air has also suffered some reputational issues. Despite flying 17 million more passengers than British Airways last year, it holds the title for the worst airline in the UK for flight delays for three consecutive years, according PA News Agency analysis, and has also been named and shamed by Which? consumer champion as the UK’s worst airline for customer service.

In addition, Hungarian authorities recently fined the carrier €770,000 for misleading customers with its communications and its upselling techniques – a penalty the airline is challenging through its own legal channels, according to BBC News.

“Like adding wood to a burning fire”

Despite its poor reputation for misleading advertising, service, and punctuality, Wizz has garnered praise for its eco-credentials, winning “Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline” for four years on the trot at the World Finance Sustainability Awards.

But despite claims that the deal will increase plane’s load factor and decrease individual emissions, the latest subscription scheme could see the airline fall from its green podium, with critics pointing out that inciting people to fly more often could be seen as irresponsible.

“Wizz Air’s decision to launch an ‘all-you-can-fly’ subscription service in the middle of a climate crisis is like adding wood to a burning fire,” environmental campaign group Stay Grounded told Euronews Travel. “It shows the industry has no intention of reducing their emissions and cannot be trusted.”

L’article Wizz Air offers unlimited annual flights but faces green backlash est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Another passenger recorded a video showing the soldier crying and saying, “How am I going to get home?” According to local media, some passengers were informed by the crew that the passenger had been removed due to inappropriate behavior. The aircraft eventually took off to Warsaw without him.

The response on social media was one of anger against the Hungarian airline. One user wrote: “Wizz Air, is this the way you treat people who fight for you?”. The user also made reference to the Hungarian government’s stance on Russia, mentioning, “Seems that your Hungarian heritage stays true.”

The airline eventually reacted to the criticism online and posted on Twitter an apology. “We apologize for the upset caused regarding a passenger on our Tel Aviv flight to Warsaw recently”.

The airline announced that the passenger was distressed when boarding the aircraft and that as much as they wanted to help the passenger get home to his family, the flight crew “acted with the safety of the other passengers on board”. According to Wizz Air, “If there is any indication that a passenger has a medical condition that might put them at risk while flying,” the airline is “obligated to deny boarding”.

L’article Wizz Air under fire after injured Ukrainian war veteran was asked to get off a plane est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On its press statement released on Friday August 19th, Wizz Air made no mention of the criticism received on social media, which included some calls to boycott the airline, but referred only to “industry supply chain limitations”, without specifying what those limitations were.

On Twitter, the airline responded to the criticism by saying the flight would be operated by its Abu Dhabi company, which is a UAE-registered airline operating in accordance with the Gulf state’s regulations. Other UAE airlines were operating in Russia, it added.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi regrets to inform its customers that the airline has had to postpone the start date of its flight to Moscow until further notice

Wizz Air

Earlier this month, the airline had announced the resumption of operations to the Russian capital with daily flights starting October 3rd at fares as low as 359 dirhams (about 97 euros). By flying from Abu Dhabi, the airline had allegedly found a way to bypass the ban imposed on European airlines, which in practice did not allow them to operate routes to and from Russia. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a subsidiary of Hungarian based Wizz Air, founded in 2019. Wizz Air holds airline operating certificates (AOCs) in Britain and Hungary.

The majority of the Emirati company belongs to the state-owned Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), while Wizz only has 49% shares, so the subsidiary does not have to comply European regulations. Soon after announcing the restart of the flights to Russia, Wizz Air has also revealed it would offer 100,000 free tickets to Ukrainian citizens, available over 800 routes operated by the airline.

“Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s ultra-low fare domestic carrier, regrets to inform its customers that the airline has had to postpone the start date of its flight operations from Abu Dhabi to Moscow until further notice due to industry supply chain constraints,” the carrier said in a statement.

The airline is offering cash refunds, among other options, to passengers who have booked tickets. “Passengers booked on these flights will be contacted by email and presented with their options for refunds in the original payment method or 120 percent of the ticket fare in WIZZ credit to be used for WIZZ flights and services, all possible directly through their customer accounts on wizzair.com,” it added.

Crisis public relations consultant Mark Borkowski told CNN that Wizz’ decision to restart flights to Russia is a risky one, as customers might not fully understand, or care about, the difference between the airline and its subsidiary. Boycotts have already started online with people saying they are cancelling their reservations.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates services to 34 destinations, including Alexandria (Egypt), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Amman (Jordan), Aqaba (Jordan), Athens (Greece), Baku (Azerbaijan), Belgrade (Serbia), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait City (Kuwait), Kutaisi (Georgia), Manama (Bahrain), Malé (Maldives), Muscat (Oman), Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan), Salalah (Oman), Santorini (Greece), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tel-Aviv (Israel), Tirana (Albania) and Yerevan (Armenia), among others.

L’article Wizz Air suspends relaunch of flights to Russia amid growing criticism and calls for boycott est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Justice Minister Judit Varga wrote on Facebook that an investigation launched in June found that the Ireland-based airline engaged in “unfair commercial practices” and would therefore impose a fine of 300 million forints (roughly 340 million euros).

It is the first fine linked to the tax which led Ryanair and other airlines to raise prices. The Hungarian government has warned that the cost of the tax should not be passed on to consumers. According to Simple Flying magazine, Ryanair has cancelled some routes off Budapest, reduced frequencies on others. The company is also threatening to move the lost capacity to neighboring countries.

These flight cuts are caused solely by the stupid and illogical decision of the Hungarian Government to impose an “excess profits” tax on the airline industry.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO

Ryanair’s CEO announced that “we will immediately appeal any unjustified fine”. It pointed to a European Union law that allows airlines to raise fares within the continental bloc without government interference. O’Leary warned that if necessary he will appeal to EU courts.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government argues that various sectors, from banks to insurers to airlines, have enjoyed “extra profits” from the post-pandemic surge in demand, and should now contribute to economic recovery. His government blames the war in Ukraine and EU sanctions against Russia for problems such as fuel price increases, a falling currency and inflation that rose to 12.6% in June.

The government estimates that the tax will raise 815 billion forints ($2.1 billion) to maintain a program that reduces utility bills for citizens and funds the armed forces. “Economic circumstances require multinational companies that earn additional profits to pay their share of the costs of public protection and national defense,” Varga wrote.

Economists agree that some sectors such as hydrocarbons and banking are receiving higher-than-normal profits, but that most are not. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has called the tax “armed robbery” and “idiotic” and called on the government to repeal it. Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air have warned that they will increase each ticket by about €10 to compensate for the new tax.

1. Canceled routes

• Kraków (KRK)
• Lappeenranta (LPP)
• Riga (RIX)
• Turin (TRN)
• Bordeaux (BOD)
• Bournemouth (BOU)
• Cologne (CGN)
• Kaunas (KUN)

2. Routes with frequencies reduced

• Sofia (SOF)
• Tel-Aviv (TLV)
• Warsaw (WAW)
• Amman (AMM)
• Bristol (BRS)
• Pisa (PSA)
• Prague (PRG)

L’article Ryanair begins fight against Hungary over new tax est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. History

Sziget was born in 1993 when a program called Diáksziget with the motto “We need a week together” created a big festival called Pepsi Sziget. This named was used from 1996 to 2001, then in 2002, it became Sziget Festival. There is no music genre discrimination in Sziget. If at first it was almost all alternative rock, throughout the years it has gathered almost all genres; non-stop hard rock, world music, electric dance music, alternative style, blues, and jazz as well!

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2. What you can do?

Visitors, or better Szitizens, are provided with a bracelet that allows entrance and exit from Obuda island without restriction. There are a lot of services like banks, pubs, restaurants, shops, but also many youth programs and activities like theatre plays, modern dance, exhibitions, literature, classical concerts, opera, circus. also sports programs. It is not just a festival, it is a community. In this non-stop week of music, you can grow in a multicultural experience where difference is not a wall but a source of new ideas and collaboration.

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3. Not just a festival

The message behind Sziget is that despite the different backgrounds we come from, we are all connected to the world we live in. For this reason, our differences do not separate us, but make us stronger to create a better place to live. A lot of initiatives such as the love revolution are embedded into the Festival Days, like those promoting sustainability and energy revolution

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4. Visiting the city during the Festival

Do you feel split between visiting and enjoying the concert? There’s no need! You can easily do both by deciding not to participate in the concerts you are not so interested in and benefitting from visiting the fascinating city of Budapest in your free time. The Danube divides the old ‘Buda’ from the new part of the city, ‘Pest’ making the city unique. Both are breathtaking and you mustn’t miss them!

1. Castle Hill: Buda is charming and it is not only famous for its beautiful castle but also for Matthias Church and the Fisherman Bastion along the way. These are perfect spots for Instagram lovers.
2. Parliament: This is the biggest and most famous building in Budapest. You can visit its 691 rooms in a 45 minutes tour
3. Széchenyi Thermal Baths: If you want to relax from concerts of the night before, thermal baths are for you. It is one of the most famous places in Hungary and calls people from all over Europe. These baths are not only extremely beautiful from an architectural point of view, but also really fun to visit. You can choose your pool depending on which temperature you prefer. Pay attention at the weekends as it can reach full capacity!
4. Climb to Liberty Statue: It’s not just Americans who have their statue! Budapest has its own on Cittadella Hill, where you can enjoy a stunning upper view of the city.

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L’article Sziget Festival, it’s not just about music est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Lukács Beer Spa is located in the hall of Lukács Thermal Bath. It was completed in 2020 and awaits its guests with 9 tubs. The Beer Spa has 4 changing rooms and enough lockers for comfortable changing. The bathroom also has thermal showers.

Széchenyi Bath is the largest thermal bath in Budapest with 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. The spa offers a variety of treatments and day hospitals. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is called “Szecska” by the locals.

There are two Beer Spas in Széchenyi Thermal Bath. The first opened in 2016 and the other in 2018. One of the Beer Spas is available for those who also buy Széchenyi tickets and the other is designed for those who visit Széchenyi only for beer bathing. Both Beer Spas have 6-6 acacia tubs ready for use. From the beer taps next to the tubs, guests can pull their own beer. Both Beer Spas fit well into the building of Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Zsolnay tiles frame the walls of the Beer Spa.

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A ticket to the Beer Spa experience includes your 45 minute Beer Spa session plus (optionally) an all day pass into the great Széchenyi Bath or Lukacs Bath. Both Public Bathes are over 100 years old with a great selection of thermal pools plus a myriad of steam rooms and saunas at various temperatures.

The Bath Master then shows visitors the dry ingredients: hops, malt, yeast and a beer salt that are added to the wooden bathtub filled with 36 degree hot medicinal water.

Malt is full of vitamin B which is great for your skin and will leave you baby smooth. Yeast is also full of vitamins, those of which are particularly beneficial to your nails and hair

Thermal Beer Spa

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The beer salt is a special salt that is shipped from the Czech Republic. It has the standard ingredients of beer in it plus it has a rich yet delicate smell.The Bath Master will stir these ingredients into the bathtub with a big spoon and explain how to use a beer tap.

The beer tap is right next to the bathtub so little effort is needed to refill the visitors’ beer mug. Some of the best known beers in Hungary are Dreher, Arany Ászok and Soproni. The tubs have seats at either end.

Visitors have 45 minutes to enjoy the experience, soak up the relaxing atmosphere while soaking their skin the beer ingredients. The Bath Master will only interrupt to bring in some traditional Hungarian snacks and check that the temperature of the water is as desired.

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According to the Thermal Beer Spa, these are some of the ingredients’ properties:

• Hops: Hops are a very old herb that have a sedative effect. It can be used to treat sleeping disorders, anxiety and nervous exhaustion. It is a natural stress reliever. In the field of brewing, it is widespread in most countries of 8th century Europe. Its cleansing, flavoring, and preservative properties made it popular. Its soothing effect is significant as well. Scientists have discovered more than 150 ingredients in the hops.
• Malt: Malt is a product made by germinating barley, wheat and other grains. Barley fiber contains beta-glucan. Research shows that it reduces insulin resistance and cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of obesity and strengthening the immune system.
• Brewer’s yeast: The bath helps the blood circulation, opens the pores of the skin and thus toxins are removed from the body. Yeast regenerates the layers of the skin thanks to its vitamin B and protein content. It mainly contains water, minerals, fat, carbohydrates and vitamin B.
• Sea salt: A salty bath allows the salt to be absorbed into the top layer of the skin and bind the water and the active ingredients dissolved in it. The abundance of minerals in sea salt has a good effect on our muscles. It makes our skin radiant, firm and youthful, it is great against stress as well.

The Thermal Beer Spa experience is available every day from 4:30pm to 6pm and starts at €45 per person.

L’article Dip in beer: The unique beer spa experience in Budapest est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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1. Roaming Between Buda and Pest

Budapest arose from the unification of two distinct cities located on the banks of the Danube. On one side is Buda, the mountainous part where the nobility lived, occupied for the longest time, full of houses and medieval buildings. On the other is Pest, the most recently formed flat section, where institutional buildings are located and most of the population lives.

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2. Admire the beauty and immensity of the Hungarian Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament, on the Pest side of the capital, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The photos will surely be among the most beautiful that you will take during your days in the city. The view is more impressive when from the opposite side of the river to where the Parliament is located.

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3. Walk along the Danube River at night

The landscapes of the city are impressive in the sunlight, but it is during the night that they reach their peak. With special lighting, the main attractions such as the Castle, the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, and the Citadel, take on another life, making a second visit essential.

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4. Dive into the famous hot springs

On your list of things to do in Budapest, take a moment to visit at least one of Budapest’s hot springs, whether in summer or winter.

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5. Visit the synagogues of the Jewish Quarter

Getting to know Budapest also involves seeing up close the different cultures that make up the Hungarian population. In the main tourist routes, the Jewish quarter stands out, despite being in an advanced process of gentrification, for still maintaining some of its characteristics and keeping its three synagogues standing, even after years of Nazi and Soviet occupation.

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6. Visit the Fishermen’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) has terraces that provide one of the best panoramic views of Pest and the Danube and it is easily distinguished on the horizon because of its 7 towers. The towers represent the 7 tribes that founded the city. They call it a fortress, but it is not. Despite its medieval appearance, it is from the early 20th century in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style and serves purely decorative purposes. The best view of the Bastion is down some stairs towards the park and mainly in the morning light.

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L’article 24 Hours in Budapest est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Can I travel to Hungary?

As of September 1, 2020, the Hungarian Government imposed new restrictive entry measures to Hungary. These measures are reinstating border control on the Schengen border and effectively only citizens can enter (with some exceptions). The former colour code system has been abolished.

Border crossing is only possible at designated border crossing points. The designated border crossing points can be found on the website of the police under the border information menu item.

The following categories can enter Hungary without being subject to restrictions:

• Those crossing the border in freight traffic,
• Persons holding diplomatic or a diplomatic service passport or a service passport for seamen,
• Persons reporting to entry holding a private passport or other travel document for the purpose of official visit (the purpose of official visit shall be proved with documents),
• Those providing satisfactory proof while entering Hungary that they have undergone COVID-19 infection within 6 months prior to reporting to entry.

1. Border crossing regulations for Hungarian citizens

Hungarian citizens and their family members not bearing Hungarian citizenship (hereinafter referred to as Hungarian citizens) arriving in passenger traffic may undergo – unless otherwise specified by law or government decree – medical check to which he/she is required to submit.

In case of a Hungarian citizen, should a medical check reveal the suspicion of infection, the person concerned would be accommodated in a quarantine designated by the epidemiological authority or – should it not pose an epidemiological risk – in mandatory home quarantine?

In case of a Hungarian citizen, should a medical check not reveal the suspicion of infection and

• the Hungarian citizen has a home address or residence in Hungary, she/he will be placed into mandatory home quarantine for 10 days;
• the Hungarian citizen not living abroad and in the absence of home address or residence in Hungary, she/he will be placed into in a quarantine designated by the competent epidemiological authority for 10 days;
• the Hungarian citizen living abroad without home address or residence in Hungary, she/he will be placed into a quarantine or official home quarantine designated by the competent epidemiological authority for 10 days.

Upon request by the quarantined person, the competent epidemiological authority responsible for issuing the quarantine order may allow for him/her to undergo a molecular biology examination in compliance with professional medical practice – SARS-CoV-2 PCR test – performed at two different times with at least 48 hours between them in the course of the preceding 5 days in order to be exempted from quarantine rules.

The first test (molecular biological test in accordance with health professional rules – the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test) made in a Schengen member state, in the United States of America or in Canada must be taken also into account. The result of the test must be certified in Hungarian or English.

If the molecular biology examination – SARS-CoV-2 PCR test – performed at two different times proves that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was not detected in his/her body at the time of the tests, the epidemiological authority responsible for issuing the quarantine order shall grant an exemption from the quarantine order.

2. Persons entitled to the same rights as Hungarian citizens are:

• family members of a Hungarian citizen;
• persons entitled to permanent residence in Hungary and their family members (such a right must be certified by a document);
• persons holding a valid residence permit issued by the aliens policing authority allowing for the residence in Hungary for a duration exceeding 90 days and presents this document upon entry (“D” type visa is equivalent);
• competitors or sports professionals of a Hungarian sports organization in accordance with the Sports Act, if he/she enters the territory of Hungary after participating in an international sports event held abroad;
• persons participating in an international sports event held abroad and holding a nominative invitation letter issued by a Hungarian sports organization or delegated persons, if he/she enters the territory of Hungary after participating in an international sports event held abroad;
• an employee of a Hungarian cultural institution, if she/he enters the territory of Hungary after participating in a cultural event abroad as an artist/performer or the member of the technical staff.

Border crossing of non-Hungarian citizens

Foreign citizens arriving from abroad in passenger traffic – unless otherwise specified by law or government decree – shall not enter Hungary.

The competent local police body located at the place of the planned entry into the territory of Hungary – in case of crossing the border at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport the BRFK XVIII District Police Headquarters – may grant an exemption upon request.

The police authority may allow entry if the applicant proves that the purpose of entry is

1. participation in a Hungarian court or public authority proceedings and the participation is certified by a document of a Hungarian court or an authority,
2. receiving health care service, certified by a document issued by the health care institution or by other appropriate document,
3. meeting study or exam obligations under student status certified by a document which is issued by the educational institution,
4. taking part in cargo related passenger traffic if the aim of the travel is either to get to the cargo transport’s point of departure, or to get home after carrying out such cargo transport duty, if certified by a document which is issued by the employer,
5. participation in family events (wedding, funeral, christening),
6. taking care of a relative pursuant to the Act V of 2013 on Civil Code,
7. taking part in an international religious event of a special significance;
8. other justifiable reasons outside that covered by point (a)-(h).

The request may be submitted

• (a) only electronically in Hungarian or English,
• (b) by a legal representative or through an agent with a certification of an authorisation granted in a private document with full probative value.

If the entry takes place at the same time and the reason for entry is the same, an authorized representative may submit an application on behalf of several persons if the receipt of the authorization of the persons concerned is attached.

In the case of crossing the border for the same reason and time, it is sufficient to submit an application for close relatives living in the same household as the applicant.

The application shall indicate the purpose of the entry, the identity document to be used for crossing the border, the identification number of the document and the application shall be accompanied by the following:

• (a) a copy of the document – where possible due to the reason of the request – certifying the purpose of entry,
• (b) the authorization letter if acting through an agent.

The request can be submitted only

• a) using the electronic administration portal sending the necessary electronic form via client gateway or company official gateway,
• b) in the absence of the possibility to use a company official gateway or client gateway: it can be submitted by filling in and submitting an intelligent e-form which available on the police website.

The competent police authorities will reject the application if

a) any doubt exists in relation to purpose of entry

2. The entry poses

• (ba) epidemiological risk,
• (bb) risk to public order or security
• (bc) risk to national security.

An appeal against the decision of the competent police authority shall be reassessed and adjudicated by the county police headquarters, which has right of adequate oversight.

The original copy of the document submitted in order to prove evidence for the justification of the application (hereinafter referred to as: the document certifying the justification) shall be presented by the person exempted from the entry ban (hereinafter referred to as: licensee) upon entry into the territory of Hungary at the request of the police officer. The entry shall be refused if the licensee does not present the original copy of the document proving the validity, or if its authenticity is in doubt at the time of entry.

Upon entering Hungary, the person may undergo a medical examination to which he/she is obliged to submit:

• a) a person who is suspected of being infected by a health inspection or test cannot enter into territory of Hungary,
• b) who is not suspected of being infected during the health inspection shall be placed in quarantine or official home quarantine designated by the competent epidemiological authority for 10 days.

At the request of the quarantined person, the epidemiological authority competent to issue the quarantine decision may allow the quarantined person to undergo, within 5 days, at least 48 hours difference, twice a molecular biology examination in compliance with professional medical practice – SARS-CoV-2 PCR test – attend in order to grant the waiver.

The first test (molecular biological test in accordance with health professional rules – the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test) made in a Schengen member state, in the United States of America or in Canada must be taken also into account. The result of the test must be certified in Hungarian or English.

If the two molecular biological tests, the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, attest or confirm that person in the quarantine SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was not detectable at the time of the test, the competent epidemiological authority shall issue a decision on the quarantine order to  grant an exemption.

2. Special cases for some foreign citizens

Foreign citizens might apply for a special entry permission in cases listed below:

• Persons who have to present themselves in front of a court for legal purposes, proven by official documents from a Hungarian court;
• Business travel or work related entry, with an invitation letter signed by either a central governmental administrative body, an autonomous regulatory body or an autonomous state administration body;
• Persons with healthcare appointment, with an official letter from the destination healthcare institution;
• Foreign students studying in Hungarian universities;
• Travel related to freight traffic – foreign nationals can be transported to the place of origin of a transport job and can be taken back home, proven by the employer;
• Attending family events (marriage, christening, funeral);
• Taking care of a relative;
• Attending important international sports, cultural and religious events; or
• Any reasonable reasons beyond the aforementioned points.

Request of entry has to be submitted electronically on the platform at the website of the Hungarian Police. Beyond stating the reason for entry, all requests has to be accompanied with official documents. Groups travelling together may submit one application together. The aforementioned quarantine rules and requirements apply here as well.

The new regulation does not apply to transit freight traffic, entering the country with diplomatic passports and people who can prove that they went through COVID-19 within the past 6 months.

Transit traffic – if the health screening upon entry does not detect any proof of illness – can legally enter Hungary, with a proof of destination. The person has to prove that he is entitled to enter the destination country and other countries on the transit route. During the transit, travellers cannot deviate from the assigned route and have to leave Hungary within 24 hrs.

Transit route information on the website of the Hungarian police

Business travel of executives and employees working for parent- and subsidiary companies of Hungarian companies are allowed to enter Hungary without restriction if they are in the possession of sufficient proof of business.

Professional athletes (not spectators!) wishing to participate in an international sports event organized in Hungary may enter if they are in the possession of an official invitation by the organizers. Any professional athlete, invited by an official Hungarian sports organization, can enter Hungary without quarantine, if:

• They are in possession of proof of two negative PCR tests within 5 days, and 48 hrs apart;
• If they are acting in accordance with UEFA protocol, which requires one negative PCR test within 3 days prior entry.

L’article Travel restrictions in brief: Hungary 🇭🇺 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.