Border Control: Hungary-Austria Crossing Restrictions Explored

The border between Austria and Hungary has a long and tumultuous history. In the 20th century, the two countries were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed after World War I. This led to a three-year dispute over the territory of Western Hungary, which eventually became the Austrian province of Burgenland. Since then, the border has seen strict controls during World War I, the flourishing of contraband trade, and the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Today, both countries are members of the European Union and the Schengen Zone, allowing for free movement between them. However, there are still occasional border controls in place, with reports of random spot checks and targeted checks for specific individuals. While these checks are not expected to cause significant delays, they are an important reminder of the complex history and ever-evolving relationship between Austria and Hungary.

Border controls between Austria and Hungary were dismantled when both countries joined the Schengen Zone in 2008

Border controls between Austria and Hungary were officially removed in 2008 when both countries joined the Schengen Zone. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This allows for the free movement of citizens and other individuals between these countries. The Schengen Zone was first established in 1985 when the Agreement was signed in the Luxembourgish town of Schengen. The treaty was put into practice through subsequent conventions and has been incorporated into the laws of the European Union through various treaties.

Austria and Hungary joined the Schengen Area on 12 December 2007, along with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, and Slovakia. However, border controls between these countries were not immediately lifted. Instead, they were dismantled in 2008, allowing for the free movement of people between these countries without the need for passports or other forms of identification.

The removal of border controls between Austria and Hungary had a significant impact on the flow of people and goods between the two countries. It facilitated travel and trade, strengthening the economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Additionally, it made it easier for citizens of both countries to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Schengen Area, such as the ability to live, work, and study in any of the Schengen countries without the need for a separate visa or permit.

However, the dismantling of border controls between the two countries also raised some concerns, particularly in light of the European migrant crisis, which began in 2014 and saw a large influx of refugees and migrants entering Europe. In response to the crisis, Hungary erected a fence along its borders with Serbia and Croatia in 2015 to control the entry of refugees and migrants. This move was controversial and sparked debates about the balance between border security and the freedom of movement within the Schengen Zone. Despite these challenges, the removal of permanent border controls between Austria and Hungary remains a significant milestone in the facilitation of travel and trade between the two countries.

Border checks are still required for non-EU citizens

According to the Hungarian police, non-EU citizens must use the "All Passports" lane at border crossing points and undergo thorough checks. A passport control officer may escort the traveller to a separate area for additional checks and provide written information about this process. During the border checks, the officer has the right to inspect vehicles and lawful use of the vehicle, in addition to checking entry conditions.

Travellers must possess a valid travel document, such as a passport or ID card, that satisfies the following criteria:

• Valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States.
• Issued within the previous ten years.

If the traveller is a citizen of a state with a visa obligation, they must also possess a valid visa in addition to their passport. However, a visa is not required if they have a residence permit issued by a Schengen member state. The purpose of the entry can be proven by various documents, such as hotel reservations, invitation letters, or conference invitations.

It is important to note that travellers only need to present sufficient means of subsistence, and under no circumstances should they be required to hand over their financial resources. If such a situation arises, they should immediately contact the commander of the border crossing point or any other police unit and provide the name and identification details of the affected officer.

Additionally, passport control officers are obligated to check the traveller's documents and vehicle in Hungarian and EU databases under the Act on Police (Act XXXIV of 1994). If border crossing permission is granted, the officer will place an entry or exit stamp in the passport. In cases where entry is refused for not fulfilling the conditions, a standard form stating the reason for refusal will be provided.

Travellers are advised to carry a valid travel document when crossing the border

The border between Austria and Hungary stretches over 356.4 kilometres. While both countries are part of the EU Schengen area, and border controls have been largely abolished, there are some exceptions. For example, due to the refugee crisis, there have been more frequent checks at the Austrian-Hungarian border as of October 2023. Random border checks can result in longer waiting times, especially when crossing from Hungary to Austria.

Therefore, travellers are advised to carry a valid travel document when crossing the border. For EU citizens, an ID card or a valid passport is sufficient. If you are not a citizen of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein, you must use the "All Passports" lane at the border crossing point, where you will undergo thorough checks. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States and must have been issued within the previous 10 years. If you are a citizen of a state with a visa obligation, you must also possess a valid visa in addition to your passport. However, a visa is not required if you have a residence permit issued by a Schengen member state.

It is important to note that, while there may not always be passport checks, security checks are obligatory for everyone. Additionally, you must not violate road traffic regulations or harm private property when crossing the border. For example, it is not permitted to drive on roads designated for bicycle traffic only or to cross the border in private areas.

To avoid waiting times at border crossings and toll stations, it is recommended to arrange for a digital vignette for Austria and Hungary in advance. This allows you to pay the toll fees online and register your license plate, enabling you to drive through the toll station without delays.

The Austria-Hungary border is 331 kilometres (205 miles) long

Another well-known crossing is the road crossing at Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN), which holds historical significance as one of the first crossings to open between Austria and Hungary in 1989. On July 27, 1989, Austrian Foreign Minister Alois Mock and Hungarian Foreign Minister Gyula Horn symbolically cut a hole in the "Iron Curtain", marking a pivotal moment in the fall of the barrier that once divided Eastern and Western Europe.

The process of demarcating the border between Austria and Hungary after 1918 was a lengthy and tumultuous affair, influenced by the general post-war upheaval in East-Central Europe. The border-drawing process for this heterogeneous area took years, with both state actors and the local population attempting to shape the outcome. Ultimately, the victorious states in Paris made the final decision, with the territorial decrees of the peace treaties undergoing only minimal modifications.

Within the EU Schengen area, border controls have been largely abolished, including at the Austria-Hungary border. However, exceptions related to international events or security concerns can still lead to border controls. For example, due to increased smuggling activities tied to the refugee crisis, there have been more frequent checks at this border as of October 2023. To avoid potential delays, travellers are advised to carry the necessary documents and purchase digital vignettes for Austria and Hungary in advance, allowing for a seamless drive through the toll stations.

The border is mostly unmarked and invisible

The border between Hungary and Austria is mostly unmarked and invisible. There are no border controls or barriers in the way, and the two countries enjoy peaceful coexistence. The border towns, however, offer a stark contrast between Austrian prosperity and Hungarian economic struggles. The Austrian towns are well-maintained, with freshly painted houses, newer and more expensive cars, and spotlessly clean streets. In comparison, the Hungarian towns have gaudy advertisements for money exchanges instead of banks. The border is also notable for its fluidity, especially at Lake Neusiedl/Lake Ferto, where the border shifts and is scarcely visible.

The ease of crossing the border between Hungary and Austria stands in stark contrast to the strict border controls imposed during World War I and the Cold War. During World War I, border controls were tightened due to the war economy and the flourishing contraband trade. The collapse of the Iron Curtain in 1989 marked a significant shift, and today, travellers can cross the border freely. However, the absence of border controls does not mean there are no requirements for crossing. Travellers must carry valid passports or ID cards, and non-EU citizens may be subject to thorough checks.

The border between Hungary and Austria is also notable for its history. For centuries, the Leitha, March, and Lafnitz Rivers formed the border between the "Habsburg hereditary lands" and the Kingdom of Hungary. This traditional border was reaffirmed by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 and was considered an administrative internal border. After World War I, a three-year dispute between Austria and Hungary over the territory of West Hungary (present-day Burgenland) occurred, resulting in the creation of the new Austrian province of Burgenland. Despite the turmoil and disputes, the border between Hungary and Austria has remained stable since the Treaties of Saint Germain-en-Laye and Trianon in the aftermath of World War I.

Frequently asked questions