Travel and Testing Procedures
Starting July 15th, the government of Hungary implemented a system to handle arrivals from foreign countries, categorizing foreign countries as either "Red" (Restricted), "Yellow" (Caution) or "Green" (Safe) The list of countries is being reviewed by the government on a weekly basis, and revised as necessary. These classifications come with various conditions for entry into Hungary.
List of Countries:
The full, up-to-date list maintained by the Hungarian government can be found here: https://net.jogtar.hu/jogszabaly?docid=a20k9381.egk
All countries not found on this list are classified "Green."
Testing
The following is what we are asking of our students arriving from countries according to these classifications.
Testing before arrival:
In all cases, the tests should be of the PCR test variety.
Coordinating Travel with WOL Hungary
International students requiring a test in Hungary after their arrival should plan on arriving to Hungary between September 6th and September 23rd. Other students should arrive on September 28th-29th.
For internationals arriving from countries classified “caution” or “restricted,” in addition to your passport and COVID-19 test results, you will need an invitation letter from Word of Life Hungary explaining that you are coming here as students. Other International students will also need this letter if flying into Hungary on any flight from any country (including “safe” countries.)
If traveling from a country classified as “Yellow” or “Red”, we must individually communicate and coordinate with each student and their family about travel dates before our students purchase their tickets, as we must stagger the arrivals while considering the capacity of our ‘welcome rooms’ that these students will be quarantined in while awaiting their test results. In addition, those coming from "Red" countries must receive official government permission prior to entry. We must know the date you are intending to enter the country in order to request permission. And you should wait for official permission before purchasing the tickets.
We highly recommend those who would be purchasing airline tickets to purchase directly from an airline as opposed to a 3rd -party booking site or travel agency, and to purchase tickets with the option to reschedule or cancel.
Health Insurance
We require students to have health insurance that would cover the event of a hospital stay or other serious illness, including COVID-19 Having health insurance is always required and is necessary to apply for a residence card at the immigration office, however the typically chosen travel insurance policies may not cover hospital stays. We will be asking for proof of insurance before arrival. In addition, the Hungarian hospital system does not work submit bills to insurance companies and wait for reimbursement. They require payment no later than release from the hospital. Be sure your insurance is set up to handle this. If not, we have some recommendations for supplemental insurance. WOL Word of Life Hungary Foundation cannot take any responsibility for any medical expenses of students including COVID-19 testing.
List of Countries:
The full, up-to-date list maintained by the Hungarian government can be found here: https://net.jogtar.hu/jogszabaly?docid=a20k9381.egk
All countries not found on this list are classified "Green."
Testing
The following is what we are asking of our students arriving from countries according to these classifications.
Testing before arrival:
- Those from "Green" countries will be required by Word of Life Hungary to have at least one COVID-19 test result within 5 days of arrival on our campus. They will also be asked to sign an affidavit stating they have not displayed coronavirus symptoms for the past 14 days or been in direct contact with anyone who has tested positive during that time.
- Those from either "Red" or "Yellow" countries should arrive with two (2) negative SARS-CoV-2 test results (molecular biology examination in compliance with professional medical practice). These two tests must be taken at two different times with at least 48 hours between them in the course of the preceding 5 days before arrival in Hungary. The official results for these should be in English or Hungarian.
- In addition, those arriving from "Yellow" countries will be required to stay in quarantine on campus while receiving one more negative test result shortly after arrival in Hungary before joining the general student body.
- Those arriving from "Red" countries will need to stay in a 14-day quarantine on campus before joining the general student body.
In all cases, the tests should be of the PCR test variety.
Coordinating Travel with WOL Hungary
International students requiring a test in Hungary after their arrival should plan on arriving to Hungary between September 6th and September 23rd. Other students should arrive on September 28th-29th.
For internationals arriving from countries classified “caution” or “restricted,” in addition to your passport and COVID-19 test results, you will need an invitation letter from Word of Life Hungary explaining that you are coming here as students. Other International students will also need this letter if flying into Hungary on any flight from any country (including “safe” countries.)
If traveling from a country classified as “Yellow” or “Red”, we must individually communicate and coordinate with each student and their family about travel dates before our students purchase their tickets, as we must stagger the arrivals while considering the capacity of our ‘welcome rooms’ that these students will be quarantined in while awaiting their test results. In addition, those coming from "Red" countries must receive official government permission prior to entry. We must know the date you are intending to enter the country in order to request permission. And you should wait for official permission before purchasing the tickets.
We highly recommend those who would be purchasing airline tickets to purchase directly from an airline as opposed to a 3rd -party booking site or travel agency, and to purchase tickets with the option to reschedule or cancel.
Health Insurance
We require students to have health insurance that would cover the event of a hospital stay or other serious illness, including COVID-19 Having health insurance is always required and is necessary to apply for a residence card at the immigration office, however the typically chosen travel insurance policies may not cover hospital stays. We will be asking for proof of insurance before arrival. In addition, the Hungarian hospital system does not work submit bills to insurance companies and wait for reimbursement. They require payment no later than release from the hospital. Be sure your insurance is set up to handle this. If not, we have some recommendations for supplemental insurance. WOL Word of Life Hungary Foundation cannot take any responsibility for any medical expenses of students including COVID-19 testing.