Visa application

Most Europeans do not require an entry visa for Hungary. Please consult the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate nearest you for specific details relating to visas or alternatively you can visit the website of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mfa.gov.hu.
Please note that visa application takes 30-60 days and personal procedure is neccessary.

Documents are required usually:

• Valid passport
• Flight ticket confirmation (proof of purchase)
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Conference registration confirmation – paid
• Travel Insurance
• Bank account
• Certificate from the institute / company that you are an employee

Invitation Letter
An official invitation letter will be sent to participants who may need it to obtain visa or funding, etc. on individual request, please mark on the registration form. It does not constitute a commitment to provide any financial support for travelling and staying expenses. The invitation letter will only be sent upon receipt of the registration fee.

Invitation letter has to include:

• Name as written in your passport
• Address
• Date of birth
• Passport number

In every case please contact the Embassy first and ask them to specify what documents are necessary.

Travel

By Plane
Budapest has direct flight connection with every capital of Europe and other major cities and hubs in Europe and world-wide as well. Besides the Hungarian National Airlines (MALÉV) the major Airlines are also presented in Budapest. Any point in the world can be reached to and from Budapest.
Budapest Ferihegy airport has three terminals roughly 28 kilometers from the city.
Since 2004 several low cost airlines have been running their flights between Budapest and the large European cities. (Wizzair, Germanwings, EasyJet, Air-Berlin, Snowflake, Jet2.com, Sterling, Norwegian Air, ,Ryanair)

By Train
Budapest is connected to the European railway system. There are direct railway links between Budapest and 13 capital cities of Europe and 47 international scheduled trains arrive daily in Budapest. Many international trains have dining and sleeping cars or couchettes. Most international express trains arrive and depart from the Eastern (Keleti) Railway Station.

By Coach
Volánbusz Rt., being a member of Eurolines, operates scheduled services to 15 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.

Climate

The climate of Budapest is continental. In August usually nice warm weather can be expected with a max. temperature of 25-30 °C, while the lowest temperature during the night ranging between 15-20 °C. Nevertheless some rainy days can be expected.

Insurance

The registration fees do not include provision for the insurance of participants against personal accidents, illness, cancellation, theft, property loss or damage. Participants are advised to take adequate personal travel insurance.

Currency

The Forint (HUF), the official national currency, is convertible. The exchange rates applied in Budapest banks, official exchange offices and hotels may vary. All the major credit cards are accepted in Hungary in places displaying the emblem at the entrance.
Exchange rate: 1 Euro = 275 HUF in April, 2011.

Credit Cards

In general, VISA, EC/MC and American Express credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, cafés, shops and petrol stations.

Stores and Shopping

The opening hours of Budapest stores are generally 10.00-18.00 on weekdays and 10.00-13.00 on Saturday. The shopping centers are open from 10.00-21.00 from Monday to Saturday and from 10.00-18.00 on Sunday.

Electricity

The voltage in Hungary is 230V, 50 Hz AC.

Recommended Taxi Company

To reach the Hotels or the Congress Venue and to avoid any inconvenience, please use the following taxi company:
City Taxi: +36 1 211 1111

Parking

If you drive a personal or rented car, always try to park at a guarded parking lot and do not leave any valuables in the car. Please note, that Budapest is divided into paying areas, with one parking meter in each street. The maximum parking time duration is 2 hours, tariffs may vary.