Omicron Variant: Restrictions Introduced by Hungary

Due to the emergence of the more contagious omicron variant, Hungary is also introducing restrictions on travellers from the Southern African region, details of which have been published in the Hungarian Gazette.

According to the state news agency MTI, the regulations, which come into force this Monday, will apply to seven countries: the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Swaziland, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Under the government decree, Hungarians from the region will be subject to a health check (such as testing) when entering Hungary and, if a coronavirus is suspected, will be placed in designated quarantine or, if there is no risk, in official quarantine at home.

Even if they are not suspected of being infected, Hungarians arriving from the region will be placed in official house quarantine for 14 days.

Foreign nationals are only allowed to enter these countries in person in specific cases: for example, if authorised by the police or because they are involved in official judicial proceedings. Under the new rules, if a foreign national wishing to enter the country has such a certificate, he or she may enter, but will still be subject to a 14-day official quarantine period, which will not be exempted by negative PCR tests.