Is there border Control between Hungary and Austria?

Published: July 21 2023

A common query among travelers planning a trip across Europe is whether border control exists between countries in the Schengen Area, such as between Hungary and Austria. The short answer is - it depends. While the Schengen Agreement generally allows for open borders, contingent situations like migrant crisis or Covid-19 pandemic may result in temporary border checks.

Hungary and Austria are both signatories of the Schengen Agreement, an agreement between 26 European countries which abolishes their international borders, allowing for unrestricted movement of people. This means, under normal circumstances, travelers within the Schengen Area are not required to present their passports or go through border control while crossing the borders.

However, exceptions can occur. Temporary border controls may be reinstated due to unexpected situations that may warrant security precautions. For instance, during the 2015 European migration crisis, Austria temporarily reinstated border controls with Hungary to handle the influx of refugees. Likewise, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries within the Schengen Area temporarily reintroduced border checks to limit the spread of the virus.

The current status of border control between Hungary and Austria is subject to change based on the state of the pandemic and regional political decisions. It’s advised to stay plugged in to updated information from reliable sources such as government websites and news. As we come out of the pandemic, many countries are gradually lifting their border control measures. Remember that despite the status of border check between Hungary and Austria, it is always advisable to carry your passport and other identification documents.

While the Schengen Agreement largely ensures free movement between Hungary and Austria, temporary checks can be established in extenuating circumstances. Therefore, it's important to stay updated about the current status directly from reliable sources and always carry essential travel documents while crossing the borders. Safe travels!