INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET TESTED FOR COVID-19 IN HUNGARY
Based on the currently applicable government decree (341/2020), in case a foreigner enters Hungary from a red country and is obliged to spend 14 days in isolation, he/she can still request an exemption by doing 2x PCR tests in Hungary, 48 hours apart from each other.
Where to send an application to request COVID-19 tests in Hungary?
- This request has to be addressed to the Public Health Department (PHD) of the District Office (DO) of the local Government Office (GO). The request has to be sent by email, and it costs 3000 HUF (I have no information regarding the available means of payment).
Where to find the contact details of the PHD?
- Go to http://www.kormanyhivatal.hu/hu (it is only available in Hungarian, but google translate can convert the pages to English)
- From the list of METROPOLITAN AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES situated on the left side of the page, choose the GO that oversees the administration of the county of your residence (e.g. in case of Debrecen, choose „Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office”
- From the list of DISTRICT OFFICES situated on the left side of the page, choose District offices of Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office, then choose the Debrecen District Office.
- Choose „Department of Public Health”, there you will find the email address of the PHD, in case of Debrecen: nepegeszsegugy.debrecen.jh@hajdu.gov.hu
Within the request you need to indicate the laboratory of your choice that carries out the tests, so before applying for the request, book an appointment with an accredited laboratory around you.
Where to find a laboratory that carries out COVID-19 tests?
- The list of registered laboratories can be found on the page of the National Public Health Center: https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/mintavetel-celjabol-felkeresheto-intezmenyek The map helps you locate a nearby laboratory.
How much does the test cost?
- Each laboratory has its own prices, applicants should ask the chosen laboratory about the price of the tests.
Can I leave the place of isolation for the time of the testing?
- Yes, in case the PHD approved it in its decision on your request.
What to do after the results of the tests arrives?
- Usually the results of the tests are sent by the laboratory electronically to the patient. In case both tests are negative, the applicant must forward them to the competent PHD via email, and request the Chief of the PHD to grant exemption from the isolation. This is then provided via an official exemption letter that is sent via post or email (scanned).
FAQ page about the isolation and the procedure of applying for being tested in Hungary (in Hungarian):
