Hungary
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
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Illegal drugs carry severe penalties in Hungary — expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling them, including when transiting through the airport.
Long jail sentence and heavy fines; applies to transit passengers.
§ UK FCDO — HungaryCannabis
Cannabis is illegal in Hungary — expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling it, including when transiting through a Hungarian airport.
Long jail sentence and heavy fines; applies to transit passengers.
§ UK FCDO — HungaryMedications
Carry prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor's prescription, and check with the government of Hungary that your medication is legal there before you travel.
§ US State Dept — HungaryCustoms & Cash
Declare funds over EUR 10,000 (or equivalent) on entry and exit between Hungary and a non-EU country; no declaration needed to/from other EU countries.
Fines for non-declaration.
§ US State Dept — HungaryTobacco
Smoking is banned on all public transport and at stops in Budapest, within 5 m of school entrances, and in restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Large fines apply.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — HungaryDriving
Hungary has a no-alcohol driving policy — it is illegal to drink any alcohol at all and then drive.
Severe penalties including significant jail time for driving under the influence.
§ UK FCDO — HungaryYou may drive on a valid US license for up to one year only if a certified Hungarian translation is attached; an AAA-issued International Driving Permit used with your state license is also accepted.
If you contest a fine, police will confiscate your passport and issue an invitation letter to the police station; the passport is returned after the dispute is resolved or paid.
§ US State Dept — HungaryPhotography & Drones
Drones are legal in Hungary but heavily zoned: No Drone Zones cover the controlled airspace of Budapest (LHBP), Kecskemet (LHKE), Szolnok (LHSN) and Papa (LHPA) airports, and you may not fly within 300 m of protected state facilities, prominent national heritage sites or designated critical infrastructure.
§ HungaroControl Aeronautical Information Service (Hungarian AIS)LGBTQ+ Safety
Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but Hungary has passed legislation allowing the banning of rallies and marches that depict or promote LGBT+ identities to minors — the government classified Budapest Pride 2025 as illegal under it.
Fines up to 200,000 Hungarian forints for participating in a banned rally.
§ UK FCDO — Hungary