Hungary Travel Advice 2026: Power Outages, Crime, and Safety Tips

Due to extreme drought and a prolonged heat wave in Hungary, a nuclear power plant in Paks—which plays a significant role in the country’s electricity supply—was temporarily shut down. As a result, the public, industry, and government agencies have been urged to take energy-saving measures. Travelers should keep an eye on this situation, as it may have short-term effects on local infrastructure.

To ensure the drinking water supply, restrictions have also been imposed on non-essential uses, such as watering gardens or filling swimming pools. It cannot be ruled out that the strained situation may lead to temporary disruptions in the electricity and water supply. Anyone planning a trip to Hungary should check for the latest updates on the supply situation before departure and, if necessary, consult with their accommodation provider when making reservations.

Crime and Safety in Daily Life

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs primarily in crowded areas, such as markets, train stations, subway and tram stops, public transportation, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. Burglaries and thefts from vacation rentals are also not uncommon, particularly around Lake Balaton, as are car thefts. In isolated cases, scams and fraud schemes also occur, such as faking vehicle damage to get drivers to stop, or “checks” conducted by people posing as police officers.

Special caution is advised when meeting strangers and when visiting bars and clubs, even if these are recommended by taxi drivers: Travelers are sometimes confronted with heavily inflated bills and pressured to pay them. In Hungary, victim support centers are available in 20 cities, along with a 24/7 hotline for crime victims that also offers German-speaking assistance.

• Keep your money, ID cards, driver’s license, and other important documents in a safe place, and save electronic copies if possible.
• Prefer cashless payments and carry only the cash you need for the day.
• Be especially vigilant in crowded places such as airports, train stations, and on public transportation.
• Park your vehicle only in guarded parking lots and do not leave any valuables in the car.
• During police checks, make sure to verify the officer’s badge number and official identification.

Nature and Climate

Hungary has a continental climate. Bush and forest fires can occur, especially during the summer months, while flooding can occur in the spring, particularly in the northeastern part of the country along the Tisza River. Travelers should always heed warnings, signs, and instructions from local authorities and check the current weather conditions before traveling.

Anyone preparing for a trip to Hungary should keep in mind not only these safety guidelines but also the formal entry requirements. An overview of the relevant visa types will help you determine the appropriate application type; you can then conveniently submit the actual application online.