Safety and Security

Although Hungary is generally a safe place to visit, you should use caution and stay alert. Be especially careful in train stations, crowded tourist areas, crowded buses, trams, and metros. In addition, you should avoid demonstrations and political rallies. In a few instances where demonstrations have turned violent, authorities have used riot police and water cannons to control crowds.

In recent years, extreme ethnic nationalist groups have gained popularity in Hungary advocating intolerance towards Jews, Roma, and homosexuals. Although these groups are not explicitly anti-U.S., you should avoid public demonstrations and confrontations with their members. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to what the local news media have to say. Many demonstrations and large gatherings are announced on the Demonstration Notices page on the U.S. Embassy Budapest website.

 To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Hungary on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime in Budapest is a concern. Be careful during your visit and exercise the same caution you would in any big city. Do not walk alone at night. Keep your belongings secure at all times. Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves. Keep items in a safe place and be aware that pockets, purses, and backpacks are especially vulnerable, even if they close with a zipper. We recommend you use a travel money belt that keeps your cash and passport under your outer clothing and well out of view. Be sure to secure these items when you get back to your hotel or residence.

There has been increasing reports of pick-pocketing on the trains that run between Budapest and Vienna, as well as at the Vienna train station. Please be especially mindful of your belongings when traveling this route.

There also have been reports of both foreign males and females possibly being drugged for either robbery or sexual assault. Visit only reputable establishments and do not accept food or drink from anyone but a server. Be sure to watch anything you consume and do not allow anyone to put anything into your food or drink after you are served.

The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section has a special web page with further details on common scams and crimes in Hungary.

Scams targeting motorists occur. Motorists are advised to be careful when stopped at gas stations and rest areas, or while fixing flat tires or other mechanical problems, especially at night. One scam involved an individual who attracts your attention by claiming there is something wrong with your car to get you to pull over and then robs you. Do not leave your luggage and valuables unattended inside any vehicle for any length of time, even to load or unload items or to check in to a hotel.

Another common scam involves young women asking foreign men to buy them drinks. When the bill arrives the drinks cost hundreds of dollars each. You should avoid bars and restaurants suggested by cab drivers or people on the street. Every bar and restaurant should provide a menu with prices on it. Look at the prices before you order anything, including drinks. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the following places as they are known to engage in scams.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Hungary is 112. Operators can speak English.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.