People come to Hungary to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the cities, the picturesque landscapes of nature and the health of the therapeutic baths where the ancient Romans bathed.

It is a wonderful resort where there is always something to see and something to do. There are many thermal springs with therapeutic waters, located in the country. Ancient baths built by the Turks have been preserved since the 17th century.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has been a resort city for almost a century. And all because there are no fewer than 118 natural wells and springs. The country's showpieces are Lake Balaton (it is called the Hungarian Sea because of the purity of its water and sandy bottom) and Hévíz.

Advantages of tourism in Hungary:

• Pleasant climate;
• Pleasant and sociable people;
• Relatively low prices for holidays;
• Opportunities for rest and recuperation;
• Good conditions in hotels (even the 3-star ones have a high level of service, beautiful rooms and a buffet table);
• English is widely spoken.

Visa rules

Citizens of EU countries do not need a visa to travel to Hungary. Residents of Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus, Montenegro, Switzerland and other countries are also exempt from obtaining one. They only need a valid travel document. In this case, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days.

If your country is not on the list (you can see it here), you must apply for a Schengen visa. This can be done at the Consulate General of Hungary in your country.

All documents must be submitted in person by the applicant or his/her representative. In order to apply for a Schengen visa, you must provide your biometric data, usually fingerprints (except for children under the age of 12).

The following documents should be submitted to the Consulate General:

• Foreign passport and a certified copy of it (validity period must have a reserve of at least 180 days);
• A questionnaire completed by hand;
• For children - birth certificate and a copy thereof;
• Two passport photographs;
• Certificate from work on salary;
• Certificate from your bank that the necessary funds are available in your account (assuming a minimum of €50 per day of stay in Hungary for 1 person).

You will also need to pay a consular fee (when submitting your documents). It costs €35 for adults and is free for children under 18.

A visa is not issued to:

• Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, Somali passport holders;
• If you have a Schengen visa refusal in your passport.

Hungary's customs regulations

The country's customs regulations are similar to all European ones. In particular, the value of goods imported into Hungary must not exceed €300 (€430 for air travel). This does not apply to gifts or personal items.

20 kg of sugar, 200 cigarettes or 10 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, no more than 2 litres of alcohol, 4 litres of grape wine, 16 litres of beer.

Additional information on the rules related to the duty-free clearance of goods is published here.

If you enter Hungary in your own vehicle, you must have an international driving licence. The tank of your car can hold no more than 10 litres of fuel.

Animals can be transported, but only if they have an international animal passport. It is recommended that the animal has a microchip or other means of identification.