Entering and leaving Hungary

Entering Hungary

Visas
Tourists holding valid US or Canadian passports are not required to have a visa for stays of less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least another six months from the planned date of arrival into Hungary. All other questions should be addressed to the nearest Hungarian Consulate.

Health Requirements
No immunizations are required.

Currency Regulations
Foreign nationals may bring in Hungarian currency up to a value of 350,000 Ft per person without any restriction on denominations. There is no restriction on the importing of convertible currencies if the amount does not exceed the equivalent of 100,000 Ft. For the import of currencies over this amount, it is advisable to request a "Certification of Values Entered" at the time of entry. This will ensure that the means of payment can be taken out of the country without any problem.

Customs Regulations
In addition to personal travel luggage, limited non-commercial quantities of goods may be brought into Hungary duty free:

• Alcohol - 1 liter of high proof spirits, 1 liter of wine and 5 liters of beer
  
• Tobacco - 250 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g tobacco
  
• Coffee, tea, cocoa and other spices - up to 1kg each (excluding paprika and its mixtures)
  
• Other Goods - Customs duty does not apply if the total value of the goods, in addition to the personal travel luggage, does not exceed 27,000 Ft
  
• Pets - Accompanying pets must have health and vaccination certification dated no more than one week prior to arrival.
  

Appliances - photo camera, non-professional video camera, laptop computer, portable typewriter, portable musical equipment with the necessary accessories - such as disks, records, photographic films up to 10 rolls.

Leaving Hungary

Items purchased or received as a gift worth up to 200,000 Ft are not subject to custom fees.

VAT Refund
Non-resident travelers may apply for a refund of up to 16% of the general sales tax (AFA) on goods purchased in Hungary, with the exception of works of art, collections and antiques, under the following conditions:

• The single or total value of the goods on one original invoice, including AFA, must exceed 50,000 Ft.
• Not more than 90 days may elapse between the time of purchase and the time of export.
• The goods must be taken out of the country in new condition; that is, they may not be used in Hungary.
• At the time of departure the purchase must be presented to the customs officer, together with the AFA refund claim form at the time of departure.

• At the time of departure the purchase must be presented to the customs officer, together with the AFA refund claim form, a detailed fiscal invoice and the Tax Free Envelope. These 3 items must be obtained from the place of purchase. You should also retain the receipts of your currency exchange for Ft and enclose it with your documents. If using a credit card, enclose the credit card receipt. Make sure to get the a customs stamp or the refund is not possible. If departing Hungary by plane, you should go to the customs office immediately after receiving your boarding pass at check-in and before you pass security control. You may receive your VAT refund in cash immediately at the airport (look for the VAT refund desk at the IBUSZ office) or by bank check sent to your home address or as a payment directly to your credit card. Mail refunds must be requested no more than 6 months after date of purchase.
  

More information:

Global Refund
Phone: (800) KNOW-VAT
Website: http://www.globalrefund.com/
E-mail: taxfree@us.globalrefund.com