Hungary: Schengen Guide for UK Travellers
Yes, Hungary is a member of the Schengen zone. Every day you spend in Hungary counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance within any rolling 180-day period. Since Brexit, UK passport holders are treated as third-country nationals and must comply with the Schengen 90/180-day rule when visiting.
Hungary is one of Central Europe's most rewarding destinations, centred around its magnificent capital Budapest. The city straddles the Danube, with the medieval Buda Castle district on one side and the grand boulevards of Pest on the other. Beyond Budapest, Hungary offers thermal lake bathing at Heviz, the wine cellars of Eger, and the vast open landscapes of the Great Plain. For UK travellers, Hungary offers exceptional value for money compared to Western European destinations, making it an attractive use of Schengen days.
Key Facts
- Schengen Member: Yes
- EU Member: Yes
- Year Joined Schengen: 2007
- Capital: Budapest
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
- Languages: Hungarian
Hungary joined the Schengen zone in December 2007 as part of the major eastern enlargement that also included Poland, the Czech Republic, and several other Central European nations.
Visiting Hungary?
A long weekend in Budapest might seem like a small dent in your Schengen allowance, but combined with other European trips it all adds up. Track your Hungarian stay with Entorii and always know exactly how many days you have left.
How Long Can You Stay?
UK passport holders can stay in Hungary (and the wider Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. This is a combined limit shared across all 29 Schengen countries. A week in Budapest followed by a weekend in Vienna and a fortnight in Spain all draw from the same 90-day pool.
Most UK visitors to Hungary stay for 3 to 5 days, with Budapest as the primary focus. A longer trip of 7 to 10 days allows you to explore the countryside, including Lake Balaton in summer or the wine regions around Eger and Tokaj. These durations fit comfortably within the 90-day limit unless you are making frequent trips to other Schengen countries throughout the year.
Top Destinations in Hungary
Budapest (3-5 days)
Thermal baths, ruin bars, the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Danube riverfront.
Lake Balaton (3-5 days)
Central Europe's largest lake with swimming, sailing, and wine villages along the northern shore.
Eger (1-2 days)
Baroque town famous for its castle, thermal baths, and the Valley of the Beautiful Women wine cellars.
Pecs (1-2 days)
A cultural city in southern Hungary with Ottoman-era mosques, Roman ruins, and a vibrant arts scene.
Tokaj Wine Region (2-3 days)
UNESCO-listed wine region producing Hungary's famous sweet Tokaji Aszu wines.
Getting There from the UK
Direct flights from the UK to Budapest operate year-round from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted), Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol. Flight time is around two and a half to three hours. Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, and British Airways all serve the route, with Wizz Air offering particularly frequent and affordable flights from Luton. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is well connected to the city centre by bus, train, and taxi, with the journey taking around 30 to 40 minutes.
Travel Tips
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. Exchange rates are favourable for the pound, making Hungary one of the cheapest destinations in the Schengen zone. Avoid exchanging money at the airport and use ATMs or exchange offices in the city centre for better rates. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops in Budapest, but carry cash for smaller establishments and outside the capital.
Budapest's thermal baths are a must-visit. The Szechenyi Baths and Gellert Baths are the most famous, but Rudas and Kiraly offer a more local experience. Buy tickets online to avoid queuing. The city's ruin bar district in the Jewish Quarter is unique to Budapest and lively every night of the week. Public transport is efficient and cheap: buy a multi-day travel card for unlimited use of the metro, trams, and buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hungary in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Hungary has been a member of the Schengen zone since December 2007. All days spent in Hungary count toward the 90-day Schengen limit that applies to UK passport holders after Brexit.
How long can a UK citizen stay in Hungary?
UK citizens can stay in Hungary for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period under the Schengen rules. This is a combined limit across all 29 Schengen countries, not specific to Hungary alone.
What currency does Hungary use?
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Despite being an EU member, Hungary has not adopted the Euro. You will need to exchange currency or withdraw Forints from ATMs. The exchange rate is generally favourable for UK visitors.
Is Budapest safe for UK tourists?
Budapest is generally very safe for tourists. The main risks are petty crime such as pickpocketing in busy tourist areas, particularly on public transport and around the central market. Be cautious in ruin bars late at night and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Bolt rather than hailing cabs on the street.
Can I combine Hungary with non-Schengen neighbours?
Hungary borders Serbia and Ukraine, neither of which is in the Schengen zone. Days spent in these countries do not count toward your Schengen limit. However, Hungary's other neighbours (Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Romania) are all Schengen members, so crossing into these countries continues your Schengen day count.