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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
At which Embassy/Consulate/ Visa Issuing Authority should you apply? Read More
– If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of that country.
– If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority that is your main destination (i.e. your longest stay).
– If you intend to visit several countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of the country of your first point of entry.

VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Hungary has a mild continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with low overall humidity levels but frequent rain showers, while the winter is cold and snowy. Average high temperature in the summer is 23 to 28°C and average low temperature in the winter is −3 to −7 °C
The best times to visit Budapest are from March to May and September through November. These shoulder seasons are when the weather is idyllic and the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists. However, the climate is always relatively mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding bearable levels.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Country: | Hungary |
Capital City: | Budapest |
International Airports: | – Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport – Debrecen International Airport – Hévíz-Balaton Airport – Győr-Pér International Airport – Pécs-Pogány International Airport |
Area: | 93 030 km² |
Population: | 9,942 Million |
Time Zone: | Central European Time (GMT+1) Daylight savings: between end of March and end of October CET+1 (GMT+2) |
Religion: | 54.5% Roman Catholic, 21% Reformed (Calvinist) Protestant, 6% Evangelical (Lutheran), 18.5% other |
Language: | Hungarian |
Currency: | Hungarian Forint (HUF) |
Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
Credit Card Payment Availability: | Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Hungary. Small businesses may not accept credit cards, or may have a minimum purchase requirement |
ATM Accessibility: | Easily accessible |
Dialling Code: | +86 |
TRAVEL TIPS
Electricity: | Voltage in most places is 220v AC/DC. European plug with two circular metal pins, so it is recommended to carry adapters. |
Water: | It is safe to drink tap water. |
Business Hours: | Shops : Mon – Fri – 08:00 – 16:00 Grocery shops: 07:00 – 18:00; Malls : Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00 Most shopping centres are also open on Sunday |
Banking Hours: | Mon – Thu 08:00 – 15:00 ; but close early on a Fri at 13:00. |
Photography Restrictions: | No restrictions, you may however find the odd museum and church that will prohibit photographing – but this will be clearly sign posted |
Tipping: | Hungarians normally give tips when eating out, having a drink at a bar, or when using a taxi. The tip is usually 10% of the price. It is considered rude if you don’t give a tip to the waiter. It means that you were absolutely dissatisfied with the service. |
Vaccination Requirements: | No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic. |
Dress Code Restrictions: | No restrictions |
Peculiar Customs to Observe: | Refuse a shot of the ubiquitous fruit brandy, Pálinka and risk causing great insult – not to mention confusion. Hungarians never toast with beer |
FESTIVALS
- Busójárás – Mohács – February
- Hollókő Easter Festival – northern Hungary– Easter weekend
- Tihany Lavender Festival – Lake Balaton – June
- Badacsony Wine Weeks – Lake Balaton – July
- Hungarian Grand Prix – July
- Summerfest International Folklore Festival – Central Hungary – August
- Budapest Festival of Folk Arts – Buda Castle – August
- Paprika Festival, Kalocsa – September
- Romantic Reform Era, Balatonfüred – September
- Christmas Market – Vörösmarty square & Basilica mid-November – 01 January
MAP
“Budapest is a prime site for dreams.”
– M. John Harrison