Travel Vaccines and Advice for Hungary
As one of the oldest European countries, Hungary boasts tremendous history and culture. Its capital city, Budapest, features a unique split of sides, Buda and Pest, across the banks of the Danube.
Buda is more suburban, but still has beautiful medieval history. Pest has the urban angle with markets, riverside promenades and café houses. Both sides are combined in Budapest to make for one truly unique capital city.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Hungary?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Hungary
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Hungary?
What Is the Climate Like in Hungary?
How Safe Is Hungary?
Relaxing at Lake Balaton
What Should I Pack for Hungary?
U.S. Embassy in Hungary
Do I Need Vaccines for Hungary?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Hungary. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Hungary: hepatitis A, polio, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Tick-borne Encephalitis –
Ticks –
Typically found in the western and northern areas of the country. Low risk of infection in other areas. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Hungary |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Ticks | Typically found in the western and northern areas of the country. Low risk of infection in other areas. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Hungary |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection spread through tick bites, potentially leading to severe neurological complications. Protecting against TBE requires vaccination, particularly in areas with high transmission risk.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral infection, spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Timely vaccination is crucial to prevent the disease in humans. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals, while post-exposure prophylaxis is essential after potential exposure.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
Infections not commonly found in North America, like measles and pertussis are in Europe. While there is no active outbreak in Hungary, make sure you’re protected before you go.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Hungary
Prevent Bug Bites in Hungary
Bug bite prevention strategies involve wearing appropriate clothing and utilizing EPA-approved repellents such as DEET or picaridin, as suggested by the CDC. Stay cautious during peak bug activity periods, clean the affected area, refrain from scratching, and consider over-the-counter remedies while promptly consulting a healthcare professional for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Hungary
When traveling, prioritize food safety with CDC’s advice: consume fully cooked foods, avoid raw seafood, and pick clean eateries. Opt for bottled drinks, exercise caution with ice, and practice responsible alcohol consumption. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary conditions.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Hungary?
You do not need a tourist visa to travel to Hungary for stays of up to 90 days. A passport with at least three months’ validity after planned departure is required for entry.
Hungary Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Hungary? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Hungary and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Hungary?
The climate in Hungary fluctuates between hot, mild and cold.
Summers can be quite hot, with July being the warmest month and temperatures rising as high as the mid-90’s. Rainfall is light, but well distributed throughout the year. Thunderstorms sometimes occur in the later parts of the day.
Winters can be very cold when the temperatures in the teens, with January being the coldest month. South Hungary is a little warmer. But, it experiences snowfall in the Winter along with the rest of the country. Due to Bora (cold, powerful northeasterly winds) winters are colder, especially in the mountains. The country can occasionally experience snowstorms.
How Safe Is Hungary?
While Hungary is part of the European Union, it is still developing in many ways.
It is important to carry your passport with you at all times. Police may require you to show documentation to confirm your identity.
Be particularly careful on trains between Budapest and Vienna as there are regular reports of pick-pocketing on them. Foreigners have been drugged for robbery or sexual assault. Do not accept food or drink from anyone other than a server and keep your wits about you.
Remember not to walk alone at night and always keep your belongings secure. The U.S. State Department recommends that travelers only use metered taxis. This helps avoid shaky arrangements with taxi drivers on an un-metered fare.
Relaxing at Lake Balaton
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Lake Balaton is a popular tourist destination in Hungary. It is a beautiful place with clear water and great views of the surrounding area. People visit the lake for many reasons including outdoor activities like swimming and sunbathing. The lake is also a great place to try water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and fishing.
Visitors can also explore the area around the lake, which has charming towns and villages. Each has historic buildings, local crafts and traditional Hungarian food. Wine lovers can tour vineyards and wineries to taste some of Hungary’s best wines.
Families with kids can have fun at amusement parks, water parks, and adventure parks around the lake. Visitors can also relax and unwind at the lake by soaking up the sun on the beach or getting a spa treatment at one of the many wellness resorts.
Lake Balaton is a great place to visit in Hungary for people of all ages who are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation.
What Should I Pack for Hungary?
When you travel to Hungary, it is important to pack the right things.
You will need comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking. Depending on the time of year you visit, you will need warm clothes for cold weather or light clothes for warm weather.
Bring a power adapter for your electronic devices and any medicine you need. You should also bring a camera to take pictures, a travel guidebook to help you plan your trip, and cash and credit cards for purchases.
Hungary has many thermal baths and hot springs, so bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to take a dip. You may also want to buy travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events.
Finally, bring a reusable water bottle to save money and help the environment.
U.S. Embassy in Hungary
All Americans visiting Tunisia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Hungary, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Budapest
Szabadság tér 12
H-1054 Budapest, Hungary
Phone:(36-1) 475-4400
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some services may be limited or not available. It’s important to check the embassy’s website for the latest information.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Hungary
Overall rating: 5 stars – 3 reviews
★★★★★
“Very Thorough and Personalized“
“I was very impressed that Passport Health took the time to compile a personalized information booklet about my upcoming trip to Hungary in addition to thorough information about the prerequisite immunizations and health issues or the region. The travel kits will definitely prove invaluable!”
Submitted by: William
★★★★★
“Great Visit!“
“Not only was my visit informative about the potential diseases from Hungary and risks one assumes from overseas travel it was a pleasure to speak to the nurse who is very personable, friendly and knowledgeable!”
Submitted by: James
★★★★★
“India Vaccinations“
“The office was lovely. The nurse made the 4 of us feel very comfortable since we were uncertain of what to expect. She provided valuable information that we will definitely use on our trip to Hungary.”
Submitted by: Kathleen
“I was very impressed that Passport Health took the time to compile a personalized information booklet about my upcoming trip to Hungary in addition to thorough information about the prerequisite immunizations and health issues or the region. The travel kits will definitely prove invaluable!”
“Not only was my visit informative about the potential diseases from Hungary and risks one assumes from overseas travel it was a pleasure to speak to the nurse who is very personable, friendly and knowledgeable!”
“The office was lovely. The nurse made the 4 of us feel very comfortable since we were uncertain of what to expect. She provided valuable information that we will definitely use on our trip to Hungary.”
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