Hungary

Travelers must bring their original passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the trip. A Passport Card is not valid for international air travel.

Hungary is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality, residency status, and current government regulations. U.S. citizens are generally allowed to enter the Schengen Area for short-term travel, but travelers should always follow the latest guidance from Carnival US and official sources before departure.

Carnival US can assist travelers with required entry procedures when applicable. Please contact the office for processing fees and estimated processing time.

Carnival US Visa Assistance Service

Carnival US provides visa assistance services for Green Card holders. This service may include preparing the application package, submitting documents, providing flight information, invitation letters, and guiding travelers on documents needed for the biometrics appointment at the nearest consulate or visa processing center.

Travelers should allow at least 2 months for the visa application process.

This service requires an additional fee. Please contact the office for specific pricing and processing time.

Travelers should make copies or take photos of their passport, visa or residency documents, flight itinerary, travel insurance, hotel list, and emergency contact information. Save copies on the phone/cloud and share one copy with a trusted family member.

Do not place passports, cash, bank cards, medication, or important documents in checked luggage.

Important: If missing documents prevent a traveler from departing or entering Hungary or the Schengen Area, Carnival US is not responsible, and the standard tour cancellation policy will still apply.

Each traveler is generally allowed to bring:

One (1) checked bag

One (1) carry-on bag

One (1) personal item

Specific baggage rules may vary depending on the airline listed on the ticket.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage should include most personal belongings such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrush, razors, personal care items, food, beverages, liquids, and other larger items not needed during the flight.

If your baggage exceeds the airline’s permitted weight limit, additional baggage fees may apply. These fees are the traveler’s responsibility and depend on the policy of each airline.

Do not place important documents, passports, money, bank cards, jewelry, or valuable items in checked baggage. Travelers should always keep these items with them in a carry-on bag, personal bag, waist pouch, or crossbody bag.

Allowed Size and Weight for Checked Baggage

The total length + width + height should not exceed 62 inches / 158 cm.

Economy Class: One (1) checked bag up to 50 lbs / 23 kg.

Business Class: Two (2) checked bags, with each bag up to 75 lbs / 32 kg.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage should include small electronics such as a phone, camera, laptop, regular travel camera, money, important documents, medication, and other valuable items. Travelers are encouraged to pack one extra set of clothing, personal medication, a light jacket, and essential toiletries in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Please do not place sharp metal objects or prohibited items in your carry-on baggage.

Power banks must always be packed in carry-on baggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Throughout the trip, travelers are responsible for taking care of their own carry-on items. Money, passport, visa, and important documents should always be kept with the traveler.

Allowed Size and Weight for Carry-On Baggage

One (1) carry-on bag: total length + width + height should not exceed 42 inches / 106 cm.

The carry-on bag should not exceed 17 lbs / 8 kg.

Important: The baggage information above is based on general international travel guidelines. However, each airline may have its own baggage requirements. Carnival US will provide the specific airline baggage rules before departure so travelers can prepare accordingly.

Q&A: What should I do if my luggage is lost?

If your luggage is lost, please go immediately to the airport Lost and Found office or airline baggage service counter to file a lost baggage report. The tour guide will assist travelers with the form when possible.

Please keep all documents, claim tags, and written confirmation provided by the airline. Once the luggage is found, the airline will usually arrange delivery to the hotel.

Travelers should provide the correct hotel address listed on the luggage tag issued by Carnival US before the flight.

Hotels used by Carnival US during the pilgrimage are arranged according to the itinerary and travel route. At some pilgrimage or historical destinations, hotels may be simpler and focused more on comfort and practicality rather than luxury service.

Travelers should understand that a pilgrimage is different from a leisure vacation. The purpose of the journey is centered on sacred places, cultural experiences, prayer, reflection, and group travel rather than luxury accommodations, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly.

Carnival US will send travelers detailed hotel information by email, including hotel names, addresses, and other important details. Most hotels provide basic amenities, but hotel rooms in Europe may be smaller than hotel rooms in the United States.

Check-In / Check-Out

Hotel check-in is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Hotels will try to accommodate early check-in when possible. However, if rooms are not ready, travelers may store their luggage at the hotel and rest or visit the surrounding area according to the tour guide’s instructions.

Hotel check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. To make check-out easier, travelers should carefully check all drawers, nightstands, closets, the bathroom, outlets, luggage area, and hotel safe before leaving the room.

Please make sure no jewelry, cash, passport, documents, chargers, medicine, or personal items are left behind.

Room Keycard

Many hotels use keycards to operate room doors, electricity, lights, or elevators. The layout of switches, outlets, and keycard slots may be different from one hotel to another, so travelers may need to look around the room carefully after check-in.

Travelers should keep the room keycard with them during the stay because it may be used for several purposes:

To open the room door.

To activate electricity and outlets inside the room.

To access the elevator or select the hotel floor in some hotels.

Additional Hotel Services

Some hotels offer paid services such as minibar, entertainment TV, laundry, or room service. If travelers do not wish to use these services, they should avoid pressing payment buttons or opening paid services on the TV.

Some hotel minibars may have sensors. If an item is moved, lifted, or used, the system may automatically record it and charge the room according to the hotel’s policy.

If travelers have questions, they should ask the front desk or tour guide before using any paid service.

Bathroom

All hotel rooms have private bathrooms. Most hotels provide towels, soap, shampoo, Wi-Fi, and a hair dryer, but travelers should still bring their own personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, medication, and items they use regularly.

Please Be Careful in Hotel Bathrooms

In many hotels in Hungary and Europe, bathtubs or bathroom floors may be slippery, especially when wet. Some bathrooms may have high bathtub sides, which can make it difficult to step in or out.

Travelers should place a towel on the floor if needed, move slowly, and be especially careful to avoid slipping. Carnival US always tries to request walk-in showers when possible, but hotels may not always be able to provide them, especially during peak travel seasons or depending on room availability.

Room Cleaning

Many hotels in Europe may not clean rooms daily as frequently as in the past, or they may clean only upon request. This may be due to staffing, cost, energy-saving practices, or environmental policies.

If travelers would like daily room cleaning, they may request it from housekeeping or the hotel front desk, and the hotel will try to assist when possible.

Personal Items to Prepare

Hotels usually provide basic amenities such as towels, soap, shampoo, and Wi-Fi. However, travelers are encouraged to prepare additional personal items, including:

Travel-size toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, body wash, and personal hygiene items.

Personal medication and common medicine, such as motion sickness medicine, headache medicine, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine.

Tissues, sunscreen, and lip balm.

Bandages, ointment, vitamins, and basic first-aid items.

A pen for filling out forms.

Any other personal items needed during the trip.

If travelers need to purchase additional items during the journey, they may ask the tour guide or hotel front desk for assistance.

Hungary’s main international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). This is the main gateway for international flights to Budapest and nearby regions. The airport has modern terminals, check-in areas, baggage claim, immigration procedures, and convenient transfer options into the city.

About 3 weeks before departure, Carnival US will email travelers important flight information, including the flight itinerary, airline names, flight numbers, connection details, and electronic ticket numbers.

Please note that this document is not a boarding pass. Travelers will receive the boarding pass after check-in, usually 24 or 48 hours before departure, depending on the airline.

Travelers may check in online 24 hours before the flight or check in at the airline counter at the airport.

If the seat assignment or flight segment is missing from the electronic ticket, please do not worry. The airline may update this information about 7–10 days before departure.

Seat Assignment

Airline systems usually assign seats about 24 hours before departure. Travelers who wish to choose a specific seat may visit the airline website and pay any applicable seat selection fees directly through the airline.

Q&A: What should I do if I have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, please inform the airline counter staff at the airport so they can help ensure TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass when applicable.

Q&A: How early should I arrive at the airport?

For domestic flights, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.

For international flights, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Q&A: Where can I find my flight itinerary?

Carnival US will provide the flight itinerary by email. The itinerary will show the airline, flight number, departure time, arrival time, and other important travel details.

Special Requests

If travelers need a special meal, such as a vegetarian meal or child meal, or need wheelchair assistance to the boarding gate, please contact Carnival US as early as possible. Special requests are subject to airline availability and approval.

Q&A: Why does my ticket show one airline, but I check in with another airline?

Many airlines work together through codeshare flights. For example, a ticket may show United Airlines, but the flight may be operated by Lufthansa. In this case, travelers may need to check in with the airline that operates the flight.

Q&A: What happens if I want to change my ticket at the last minute?

If a traveler wants to change the flight ticket after it has been issued, additional fees may apply according to the airline’s ticket change or cancellation policy. The traveler may also need to pay any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket.

For this reason, travelers should carefully check all flight information as soon as they receive the ticket to avoid mistakes and unnecessary additional costs.

Arrival Procedures

When the airplane lands in Hungary, travelers should carefully check all luggage and personal belongings to avoid leaving anything behind on the aircraft. After exiting the plane, travelers will be guided through immigration procedures and baggage claim.

Please follow the instructions and the tour guide’s flag to the designated meeting area to avoid getting separated from the group.

If you do not see your tour guide or driver, please look around the nearby area, as they may have stepped away briefly to assist another pilgrim. If you still cannot find them, contact the tour guide using the phone number provided in the final confirmation email.

Important Note: Travelers should not say words related to aviation security threats, such as “bomb” or “explosive,” in any language while at the airport, during baggage check-in, security screening, or on the airplane. Such words may cause serious delays, security questioning, or legal consequences.

When returning to the United States, travelers will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection at the first U.S. airport of entry.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been abroad for more than two days may generally return to the United States with up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompany the traveler upon return.

For travelers who bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case U.S. Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

Travelers must declare food, plants, seeds, medicine, large amounts of cash, and valuable items when required. Certain fresh fruits, meats, plants, seeds, and agricultural products may be restricted or prohibited.

Hungary is a member of the European Union, but the official currency is the Hungarian Forint, written as HUF or shown with the symbol Ft. Hungary does not use the Euro as its main official currency.

Some tourist areas, hotels, or larger stores may accept Euros, but the exchange rate may not be as favorable as paying in Hungarian Forint or by credit card. Travelers should prepare a small amount of cash in Hungarian Forint for local use.

As a general reference, 1 USD is approximately equal to 303 HUF. This means $10 USD is about 3,030 HUF, $50 USD is about 15,175 HUF, and $100 USD is about 30,350 HUF. Exchange rates may change depending on the time of travel, so travelers should check the current rate before departure.

Travelers should remember that the U.S. Dollar is stronger than the Hungarian Forint in value. If an item costs 10,000 HUF, it is approximately $33 USD, depending on the exchange rate.

Q&A: Where can I exchange money?

Travelers may exchange money before departure at a bank in the United States if the bank offers Hungarian Forint. Travelers may also exchange money at legal currency exchange offices at the airport, in Budapest city center, or in tourist areas.

When exchanging money in Hungary, travelers should choose reputable locations, check the exchange rate and service fees before completing the transaction, and avoid unclear or unofficial street exchange offers.

ATMs are also common in Hungary, especially in Budapest and central tourist areas. However, international withdrawal fees and bank exchange rates may apply.

Q&A: Can I use credit cards in Hungary?

Yes. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Hungary, especially at hotels, restaurants, larger stores, supermarkets, and tourist locations in Budapest. American Express and Discover may be less commonly accepted.

Before departure, travelers should notify their bank and credit card companies that they will be traveling to Hungary. This helps prevent cards from being blocked or temporarily suspended due to unusual international transactions.

Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas in Europe, especially in busy parts of Budapest, markets, train stations, bus stations, Danube river areas, popular attractions, and places with many visitors. Travelers should be careful with personal belongings, documents, and money. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry while traveling. Cash should be divided and kept in separate safe places close to the body.

Q&A: Can I pay by phone?

Yes. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and international payment cards can be used at many service locations during the journey, especially at shops, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation services in Budapest. However, travelers should still carry a small amount of HUF cash for places that do not accept electronic payment.

For this section, the better term is Tax Refund / VAT Refund.

Goods in Europe can be expensive, and VAT is often high. Hungary has one of the higher VAT rates in Europe. When purchasing eligible goods that meet the required store and Tax Free conditions, travelers may be able to request a VAT refund.

To receive a VAT refund, travelers must ask the store to prepare the proper Tax Free Form / VAT Refund Form at the time of purchase. Please keep the original receipt, VAT refund form, passport, boarding pass, and purchased items easily accessible.

At the airport, travelers may need to present the VAT refund form and the purchased goods to customs officers before checking in luggage or before leaving Europe. After the form is validated, the refund may be received directly at the airport or returned to a credit card, depending on the refund company and the traveler’s selected refund method.

If purchases are made in another European Union country, travelers must still obtain the Tax Free Form from the store and keep the purchased items available for inspection at the final airport before departing Europe.

Waiting time may be long depending on the number of travelers and the availability of staff at the refund or customs counter.

Please note that the refund amount is usually not the full VAT amount, as service fees may be deducted by the tax refund company. Travelers should keep all receipts and forms carefully and should avoid using or packing purchased items deep inside checked luggage before completing the VAT refund process.

Travelers should not accept or carry luggage or packages for anyone outside the group.

Travelers should also check items carefully to avoid buying counterfeit goods or poor-quality imitations of famous brands. If customs officers or European officials discover counterfeit goods, penalties may be serious depending on the item and situation.

When visiting churches, basilicas, shrines, chapels, or sacred places in Hungary, travelers should dress modestly, neatly, and respectfully.

Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering churches and religious places. Avoid clothing that is too short, too sheer, too tight, or too revealing.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended because Budapest and Esztergom may include cobblestone streets, old town areas, stairs, wide plazas, hills, riverfront paths, and uneven ground.

For Budapest, travelers should prepare for walking through areas such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Danube riverfront. A light jacket or scarf may be helpful, especially in the evening.

For Esztergom, travelers should prepare for a more reflective and religious setting. The basilica area may include steps, stone paths, and open viewpoints near the Danube. Modest clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.

If the itinerary includes an evening Danube cruise, travelers should bring a light jacket or scarf because the river area can feel cooler and windier than the city streets.

Hotel phone calls can be expensive. Travelers are encouraged to use an eSIM, local SIM card, or international roaming plan from the United States.

International roaming plans from U.S. carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile often cost around $10–$12 per day, depending on the carrier and plan.

Travelers should contact their mobile provider before departure to choose the most suitable roaming plan for Hungary and other destinations in the itinerary.

Travelers may also use an eSIM to stay connected during the trip. eSIM prices for Hungary usually vary depending on data amount and length of use. Common price ranges are:

Short plan, 5–7 days, 1–3GB: approximately $5–$10

Medium plan, 7–15 days, 5–10GB: approximately $10–$25

Large plan, 15–30 days, 10–20GB+: approximately $20–$40

Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi for guests. Travelers may use iMessage, Viber, WhatsApp, or other internet-based apps to contact family and friends when they return to the hotel.

Travelers should not depend completely on hotel Wi-Fi. It is recommended to save hotel addresses, tour leader contact numbers, guide phone numbers, and meeting points offline.

For group travel, travelers should make sure their phone is charged each morning and should carry a small power bank in their personal bag.

In case of an emergency in Hungary, travelers may call:

112 – General emergency number in Hungary and Europe for police, ambulance, and fire services.

104 – Ambulance / medical emergency.

105 – Fire department.

107 – Police.

For a real emergency, the easiest and most practical number to remember is 112.

If travelers are separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately.

If travelers lose an item at a hotel, airport, restaurant, church, pilgrimage site, tourist area, or river cruise area, they should report it to the nearest staff member, security point, or tour guide as soon as possible.

For minor health issues, inform the tour guide so they can help contact the hotel, local guide, pharmacy, clinic, or emergency service if needed.

In Hungary, the standard electricity supply is generally 220–230V / 50Hz.

The most common plug types are Type C and Type F, which use two round pins.

Travelers are encouraged to prepare a universal multi-adapter for convenience throughout the journey. A universal adapter can be purchased before departure from stores such as Amazon or Walmart.

Before using hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, chargers, or other electronic devices, please check that the device supports 100–240V. If a device only supports 110V, a voltage converter may be needed.

Power banks should always be packed in carry-on luggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Hungary is a beautiful and welcoming destination with deep history, Catholic heritage, river scenery, and meaningful cultural sites. However, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as airports, train stations, markets, city centers, restaurants, churches, Danube riverfront areas, and major tourist attractions.

Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas in Europe. In Budapest, travelers should be especially careful in crowded areas, public transportation, markets, train and bus stations, the Danube riverfront, central squares, and popular viewpoints.

Travelers should keep passports, cash, bank cards, phones, and important documents secure at all times. Do not keep all valuables in one bag, and avoid placing your wallet or phone in your back pocket. A crossbody bag or front-worn bag is recommended for daily sightseeing.

When visiting churches, basilicas, museums, historical sites, river cruise areas, or crowded viewpoints, please stay with the group and follow the tour guide’s instructions.

Many areas in Budapest and Esztergom may include cobblestone streets, steps, hills, wet surfaces, and uneven walking paths. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended. Travelers should avoid high heels or brand-new shoes during the pilgrimage.

Do not accept packages, luggage, food, drinks, or personal items from strangers. Travelers should only carry their own belongings and should not agree to transport anything for another person.

If travelers become separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately. Do not leave the area on your own unless instructed by the tour guide or Carnival US.

At hotels, keep valuables in a safe place and lock your room when leaving. If going out during free time, travel with others when possible and inform the tour guide if needed.

Carnival US is not responsible for lost personal belongings, accidents caused by personal negligence, or issues resulting from failure to follow safety instructions.

The tour includes breakfast at the hotel. Dinners included in the program will be arranged in either European or Asian style, depending on the day, restaurant availability, and local conditions.

A typical European-style meal usually includes three parts: an appetizer, a main course, and dessert. The main course may include bread, meat, fish, vegetables, or local dishes. A typical Asian-style meal usually includes about 4–5 shared dishes, followed by fruit or dessert.

Some meals in Europe may taste different from what Vietnamese travelers are used to. They may include more bread, meat, potatoes, dairy, or sauces, and fewer vegetables than a typical Vietnamese meal. Carnival US will try its best to vary the menus whenever possible, while also giving travelers the opportunity to experience local flavors.

Travelers may prepare small personal food items such as instant noodles, dried shredded pork, chili, seasonings, snacks, or light food items to use when needed. However, please note that bringing outside food into restaurants in Europe may not always be convenient. Many restaurants serve only the pre-arranged menu, and requests for hot water for instant noodles may not always be available.

Hungarian Cuisine

Hungarian cuisine is rich, warm, and flavorful, with many traditional dishes connected to Central European food culture. Common ingredients include meat, potatoes, vegetables, bread, stews, paprika, and hearty sauces.

During the journey, meals are not only a time to rest and regain energy, but also an opportunity to experience Hungarian culture, hospitality, and local daily life.

If there is an opportunity, travelers may try signature Hungarian foods such as Goulash, Chicken Paprikash, Lángos, traditional stews with paprika, local pastries, and Hungarian desserts.

Goulash is one of Hungary’s most famous dishes, often served as a soup or stew with meat, vegetables, and paprika. It is warm, flavorful, and strongly connected to Hungarian identity.

Chicken Paprikash is a chicken dish cooked with paprika sauce, often served with noodles or small dumplings. It shows how important paprika is in Hungarian cooking.

Lángos is a popular fried bread, often served with sour cream, cheese, or garlic. It is a well-known street food that many travelers enjoy.

Hungary also has a long wine tradition, including famous sweet wines and regional wines. Wine may be part of the local dining culture when appropriate. However, travelers are always encouraged to drink responsibly, moderately, and according to their personal health condition.

Meal Notes

Travelers should inform Carnival US in advance if they have food allergies, dietary restrictions, vegetarian needs, or any special meal requests, so the team can assist within the limits of what is available.

Due to restaurant conditions, pre-arranged menus, and differences in food culture, not all special requests can be fully guaranteed. Travelers are encouraged to keep an open and flexible mindset while experiencing local cuisine.

Hungarian meals are often enjoyed in a warm, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere. A meal is not only for eating, but also a time to rest, talk, and connect with others. During this pilgrimage, each meal can be seen as a quiet pause to relax, recover, and prepare for the next destination.

The pilgrimage sites in Hungary carry a special spiritual meaning because they are deeply connected to the Catholic identity, national history, and cultural memory of the Hungarian people. These places are not only beautiful landmarks, but also spaces where faith, history, prayer, and national heritage meet.

At St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, travelers encounter the legacy of Hungary’s first Christian king, who helped establish the Catholic foundation of the nation. At Esztergom Basilica, pilgrims step into one of the most important Catholic centers in Hungary, a place closely connected to the birth and growth of Christianity in the country. At Matthias Church and other historic sites in Budapest, travelers can see how faith has endured through centuries of change, conflict, restoration, and renewal.

As travelers visit these sacred and historic places, they are encouraged to keep a respectful and prayerful spirit. Some sites may be grand and full of visitors, while others may invite quiet reflection. Modest clothing, comfortable walking shoes, patience, and an open heart will help each traveler experience the journey more deeply.

These pilgrimage sites invite travelers not only to admire architecture or history, but also to reflect on their own journey of faith, family, responsibility, and trust in God.