Good News for Foreigners with Hungarian Residence Permits – it seems
Updated: Jul 15, 2020
UPDATED Wednesday, 08 July, 10.30
and again Wednesday, 15 July, 10.00
The Hungarian Police have an English language page http://www.police.hu/en
which is jolly good of them. I'm sure it's reassuring for millions of English-speaking visitors and residents alike.
And it has nice photos flashing across it, police rescue boats on Balaton, police on horses splashing in a river somewhere, and a smiling policeman and woman patroling what looks like the western city of Veszprém.
There's just one problem – despite the claim that the site is "continuously updated" - it isn't. Sadly, you can't rely on it being updated on key issues, such as whether you're going to be allowed back in the country if you are a foreigner, with a residence permit.
Help is on hand, however, in the form of the aptly name Helpers Hungary – a commercial operation that helps sort out foreigners' problems.
<Disclaimer: I have no economic or financial links to the company. In fact, from what I remember from speaking to friends that have used them is that they don't come cheap. But if they solves yer problems, and you're happy – they clearly supply a service at market prices. I'm just not their market.>
Whatever, Helpers appear to be more on the ball when it comes to spotting legal changes than the Hungarian police - or at least police website editors.
By yesterday, 6th July, Helpers spies had spotted a change to official entry regulations which applies to non-EU citizens holding residence permits, allowing them to re-enter Hungary. Arrivals must still go into quarantine, unless they can produce tests proving no C-19 infection.
Here's the link for the official news.
and here's the Helpers' breakdown of this, in English.
https://helpers.hu/other/new-regulation-lets-residency-holders-enter-hungary/
Since neither the police, nor several embassies appear to have caught up with this yet (which is a bit of a worry) - I accept no responsibility for this information. And if you are a foreigner with residence permit who can make use of it, might be an idea to keep this link – the official one in Hungarian– on hand if and when you do re-enter the land of the Magyars.
Otherwise, Many Happy Border Crossings to you :)
UPDATE - Wednesday at 10.30 local time - Well, Hooray! The police seem to have spotted the new regulations yesterday afternoon (only three days after the changes) - see http://www.police.hu/hu/hirek-es-informaciok/legfrissebb-hireink/hatarrendeszet/tartozkodasi-engedellyel-rendelkezok
Unless it's gone up a few minutes ago, the English language site still has a bit of translating to do.
NEW UPDATE - Wednesday 15 July - From Helpers Hungary - their latest explanation of the situation
https://helpers.hu/other/entry-to-hungary-based-on-where-you-are-coming-from-green-yellow-or-red-countries/