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Security and Safety

Warden Messages

February 20, 2009

During the upcoming months, the probability of both scheduled and unscheduled rallies, protests and demonstrations is high.  Over the past two years many of these gatherings have involved direct police action.  Here are some tips for personal security if you get caught in one such action:

  • Immediately leave area, by the quickest means, by personal vehicle, on foot, by taxi, or by public.  Know where you are and have a plan.
  • Do not resist any uniformed police officer; simply identify yourself as an American by carefully producing your passport or other identification.
  • If tear gas is used, get to an area free of smoke; symptoms should dissipate quickly.  If you have respiratory problems, ensure you carry your rescue inhaler when leaving home.
  • The Hungarian National Police utilize colored dye in water cannons to identify troublemakers; do not get in an area where you are in direct contact with these water cannons.
  • In past cases of direct police action, some public transportation stops close -- especially bus and tram stops.  If public transportation is unavailable, have a secondary means of transportation or route.
  • When traveling to a specific area of town, know where areas of refuge (safe havens) can be found.  Examples would be hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
  • Areas of concern include, but are not limited to:
    Parliament
    Kossuth tér
    Szabadság tér
    Hősök tere

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S Embassy in Budapest is located at Szabadság tér 12, tel (36-1) 475-4400.  The after-hours emergency number is (36-1) 475-4703/4924.