Hungary

We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Hungary based on HIV status.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Hungary does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.

We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in Hungary based on HIV status.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Hungary does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.

We are aware of some reports of restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Hungary.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Hungary does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.

According to the website of the National Directorate General for Aliens Policing, ‘Documentary evidence [for a National Residence Card] must be submitted as proof that the applicant has access to comprehensive health insurance services covering all healthcare services or that (s)he can cover the costs of such services.’

Additionally, the Application for Residence Permit form includes the following two questions:

• To your knowledge, do you have any contagious disease that requires treatment, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, syphilis, leprosy, typhoid fever, or are you a carrier of the infectious agent of HIV, hepatitis B, typhoid or paratyphoid fevers?  
• If you suffer from any of the diseases specified above, or if contagious or a carrier of infectious diseases, do you receive compulsory and regular treatment with regard to the said diseases?  

According to information available on the Háttér Society website: ‘Among other things, you need to declare your HIV status as part of the application. This, however, does not mean you have to take a separate HIV test for this purpose, only that you need to report your HIV status according to your knowledge. It has happened in a few cases that OIF rejected the applications of those living with HIV, regardless of whether they received treatment. However, this practice is prejudiced and unlawful, HIV status alone cannot serve as the basis for rejecting your residence permit application. According to the experience of Háttér Society, in all cases where such decisions were appealed, the appeal was successful, OIF admitted that the rejection was unlawful. In their official letter to Háttér Társaság, the Director General of the OIF (the authority was called Immigration and Citizenship Office at the time) also clarified that: “The immigration authority cannot deny foreigners entry or stay in Hungary solely because they are HIV-infected.” You can refer to this letter if you experience difficulties regarding your HIV status during the immigration procedure. Your HIV status should not discourage you from applying for a residence permit.’

Anecdotal information shared by a user supports this information that we have on the restrictions in Hungary. See the case studies section below.

The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Hungary. There is some evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.

Hungary’s public healthcare system is state-funded through social security contributions, and is generally free for Hungarian citizens and non-nationals working for local companies. Foreign students studying full-time in Hungary may access public healthcare if their studies are recognised through an international agreement or a fellowship from the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities. Public healthcare covers basic services, but additional fees may apply for certain medications, medical equipment, or extra services.

Non-EU citizens, including tourists, automatically receive emergency first aid care at state-owned facilities. However, treatment is free only if their home country has a special agreement with Hungary. Without such an agreement or insurance, individuals will be billed for medical services. EU citizens, on the other hand, can receive urgent care at public institutions at no cost by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though this only covers emergency treatment, not routine or non-urgent care.

In emergencies, patients can contact the nearest public hospital or clinic, or call 112 for an ambulance. Treatment will be provided, but non-covered individuals will receive a bill, so it’s important to bring a passport and insurance card. Private clinics and hospitals in Budapest offer additional care options but must be paid for directly.

It is advisable for visitors to Hungary to purchase private travel insurance, as this will cover medical needs beyond emergency care. Asylum seekers in Hungary are entitled to essential medical services similar to those available to legally residing third-country nationals, with general practitioner visits covered and emergency specialised care free only upon referral.

For information on HIV testing centres and treatment centres, you can contact the HIV hotline of Hátter Society at +36-1-6-333-455 An English speaking operator is available every Sunday.

• UNAIDS
• US Department of State
• National Directorate General for Aliens Policing
• Háttér Society website

Migrant populations

Refugees and asylum seekers