Travel Restrictions Are Coming Back From 15 July

• Published date: 22 July 2020
• Subject Matter: Government, Public Sector, Government Contracts, Procurement & PPP
• Law Firm: Schoenherr Attorneys at Law
• Author: Ms Alexandra Bogn'r

After a few weeks in which European travel restrictions were eased, the Hungarian government has adopted new rules applicable to travellers coming to Hungary. The new rules are applicable to private travellers. Freight traffic is exempt. So, must holiday bookings and business trips be put on hold yet again?

The answer depends on the country the traveller is coming from as the new rules establish a classification system for countries based on the severity of its pandemic. Countries are assigned colour labels - green, yellow and red - with green being the least severe and red being the most severe.

1. Restrictions for Hungarian citizens and non-Hungarian citizens having permanent residence in Hungary

Travellers coming from a green country face no restrictions.

Travellers coming from a yellow or red country must undergo a COVID test when entering Hungary. If the test results are positive the traveller must stay under officially set or supervised home quarantine. If the test results are negative, the traveller must stay under supervised home quarantine for 14 days unless they have two consecutive negative tests (taken 48 hours apart within five days prior to entering Hungary).

2. Restrictions for non-Hungarian citizens

Travellers coming from a green country face no restrictions However, if COVID symptoms are experienced within 14 days after entering Hungary, they must stay at their accommodation and inform the pandemic authorities.

Travellers coming from a yellow country must undertake a COVID test when entering Hungary. If the test results are positive, they may not enter Hungary. If negative, they may enter Hungary but must stay under officially set or supervised home quarantine unless they have two consecutive negative tests (taken 48 hours apart within five days prior to entering Hungary).

Travellers coming from a red country may not enter Hungary.

3. Transits

For the purpose of transit, travellers may enter Hungary if they undergo a COVID test and the test results are negative. Transit travellers must leave the country within 24 hours.

4. Leniency application and business trips

Under the general rules, the police may accept leniency applications if certain circumstances allow for such special appreciation, e.g. participation in a court procedure, family reasons, etc.

The new rules also left some room for business travel among joint...