COVID-19 and expatriation in Hungary

fluffy2560 wrote:

Oh dear, stuffed again...vaccine certificates on paper in Hungary are only in Hungarian.  Austrians require them in German or English.

When you get your second shot in Hungary, ask about getting an English version of the certificate.  I was told I could get one on-site upon getting my second shot.  We'll see if that proves true.

Junior Street wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Oh dear, stuffed again...vaccine certificates on paper in Hungary are only in Hungarian.  Austrians require them in German or English.

When you get your second shot in Hungary, ask about getting an English version of the certificate.  I was told I could get one on-site upon getting my second shot.  We'll see if that proves true.

That's a good tip.

BTW, Mrs F says the EU-Hungary certificate will start to be issued in July.   This might be a better -  more universal and internationally accepted - bet than the HU-only green card.  Just sayin'.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Junior Street wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Oh dear, stuffed again...vaccine certificates on paper in Hungary are only in Hungarian.  Austrians require them in German or English.

When you get your second shot in Hungary, ask about getting an English version of the certificate.  I was told I could get one on-site upon getting my second shot.  We'll see if that proves true.

That's a good tip.

BTW, Mrs F says the EU-Hungary certificate will start to be issued in July.   This might be a better -  more universal and internationally accepted - bet than the HU-only green card.  Just sayin'.

You can also bring one of these with you and ask them to record the vaccination: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Internationa … amp;sr=8-6 Hungarians are doing this.

If they won't do it, you could take it along with thet hungarian certificate to your wife's GP and he can fill it in.

atomheart wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Junior Street wrote:

When you get your second shot in Hungary, ask about getting an English version of the certificate.  I was told I could get one on-site upon getting my second shot.  We'll see if that proves true.

That's a good tip.

BTW, Mrs F says the EU-Hungary certificate will start to be issued in July.   This might be a better -  more universal and internationally accepted - bet than the HU-only green card.  Just sayin'.

You can also bring one of these with you and ask them to record the vaccination: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Internationa … amp;sr=8-6 Hungarians are doing this.

If they won't do it, you could take it along with thet hungarian certificate to your wife's GP and he can fill it in.

Good idea.

That's just the World Health Organisation yellow booklet.   

At the OEK (National Epidemiological Centre) they give them away when you have a vaccination (the booklet is compulsory and accepted for Yellow Fever jabs needed for many Africa countries).

I've already got one so I'll ask them to fill in mine at Janos Korhaz next time. 

I don't know why they don't just give them away anyway. They are universally recognised.

Just going back in time, 15 months ago we had worries they went up and down and I personally still regret not making use of summer time last year (I was just too careful), afterwards there was the worry of excessive infections, then enough vaccines or not, now that we have or can we start to worry about other things (international travel). Of course there are still rules, but we plan to visit Kyrgyzstan in a few weeks. I personally feel well documented and on top of that relatively safe as far as documentation is concerned.

It to compare ourselves with people in Tanzania, Brazil and alike we should feel privileged (and we are), health system and financially.

I made some comments last year (and I stand by them) but I am happy for the current situation. (Health is still good enough that I can even consider travelling (a few acquaintances are not (dead or in a bad condition))

Corona might very well come back in autumn (even with vaccine), now we feel safe and good. Feeling safe is the question, but I really was tired after 14 months of self isolation.

cdw057 wrote:

Just going back in time, 15 months ago we had worries they went up and down and I personally still regret not making use of summer time last year (I was just too careful), afterwards there was the worry of excessive infections, then enough vaccines or not, now that we have or can we start to worry about other things (international travel). Of course there are still rules, but we plan to visit Kyrgyzstan in a few weeks. I personally feel well documented and on top of that relatively safe as far as documentation is concerned.

It to compare ourselves with people in Tanzania, Brazil and alike we should feel privileged (and we are), health system and financially.

I made some comments last year (and I stand by them) but I am happy for the current situation. (Health is still good enough that I can even consider travelling (a few acquaintances are not (dead or in a bad condition))

Corona might very well come back in autumn (even with vaccine), now we feel safe and good. Feeling safe is the question, but I really was tired after 14 months of self isolation.

Brazil and Tanzania are special cases.  Bolsonaro is a total lunatic in Trumpist style and the president guy in Tanzania denied all existence of COVID19 yet died of it.  His successor is likely to be far more of a realist. Africa has such huge potential if only they could universally embrace democracy etc.    Bolsonaro already had COVID19 but unfortunately didn't die and the world is worse off for it. 

Kyrgyzstan should be interesting - just stay away from the border areas which are a bit lawless.  I've been in the area many times and the tourism potential is very good in the region.  It's a little bit undiscovered still.  Infrastructure needs work though.

I'm fed up with  the self-isolation.  UK is saying another 4 weeks post-June 21 which is just rubbish.  It would be almost 1 year since I saw my family and my dear old 97-year old Dad needs help with his daily routine.  I've been away from the UK for these kinds of periods before while working but the fact that it's very difficult to travel rather than an option not to is doing my head in.

Corona or not, family is important, unfortunately my (own) family seems to die early (my dad at 39, my both grand dads before 50) the female strain a bit longer, grandmas before 65. My own mom for whatever reason is 80+ (her sisters though long gone).
I do not understand, family from my mothers side "healthy", no smoking, no drinking but dead, yet me and my mom (also no drinking and smoking) still alive.
Corona from some acquaintances can really change life (not as before), this is not really counted in the statistics (and society will suffer and has to deal with this).

For my wife the family seems to survive longer, but 90+ would be an exception.

Genes are important, but so is Corona.

Sad to see so many people die over the years, I smoke and drink, also not very sportive, yet I live, not fair to others  (although I am happy to be still alive)
Life is not honest, so many good people going away.
In my view it is good that there is heaven for those who have been good during lifetime
PS I am not a religious fanatic, but I believe in good.


Sorry for the chaotic post (just me)

As a side note for Kyrgyzstan, I have to say prices from Turkish airlines are very very competitive. Either from Zagreb or Budapest.

I would say a good time to have a cost-effective additional experience. (Of course I agree better to stay away from tricky border regions, but if staying in Bishkek or near to the lake, things should be more than fine)

cdw057 wrote:

Corona or not, family is important, unfortunately my (own) family seems to die early (my dad at 39, my both grand dads before 50) the female strain a bit longer, grandmas before 65. My own mom for whatever reason is 80+ (her sisters though long gone).
I do not understand, family from my mothers side "healthy", no smoking, no drinking but dead, yet me and my mom (also no drinking and smoking) still alive.
Corona from some acquaintances can really change life (not as before), this is not really counted in the statistics (and society will suffer and has to deal with this).

For my wife the family seems to survive longer, but 90+ would be an exception.

Genes are important, but so is Corona.

Sad to see so many people die over the years, I smoke and drink, also not very sportive, yet I live, not fair to others  (although I am happy to be still alive)
Life is not honest, so many good people going away.
In my view it is good that there is heaven for those who have been good during lifetime
PS I am not a religious fanatic, but I believe in good.


Sorry for the chaotic post (just me)

It's all good.
We all can only live day by day and do the best we can.
I am starting to wonder why I'm still,"kickin" it when so many of my old friends have pasted within these last 18 months or so. I dream about them all almost every night.They were important to me.
My family too usually leaves in their mid 40's  to mid 60's with just my grandfather living to be almost 94.
He didn't stress about much in his life, walked away from being the only son of a wealthy merchant from a strict German backgound to join the Army at age 14 and later ride the rails and then marry a half native American women. He was disowned from the family fortune but never seemed to care about it at all.
Guess the answer is to not get overly emotional about anything and to not worry where your next meal is coming from.
What is weird to me is the older I get ( 66) the more native American I seem to look in my face.
I'm really not a stren person and love to laugh and smile. If I don't smile I seem to have a semi-angry expression  on my face. Typical of old photos of native Americans, can light up a room with a smile or shut it all down with a frown.
I used to ask my older sister why men would seem to run away from me and not her since we looked like twins. She told me my expression was "Don't play games or else".Strange to me since I see myself as very none judgemental and open minded.

cdw057 wrote:

As a side note for Kyrgyzstan, I have to say prices from Turkish airlines are very very competitive. Either from Zagreb or Budapest.

I would say a good time to have a cost-effective additional experience. (Of course I agree better to stay away from tricky border regions, but if staying in Bishkek or near to the lake, things should be more than fine)

Yes, Turkish is the best way to the region but Turkish is really the only option.  The other way is via Moscow on the diaspora flights/airlines (lots of Central Asia expat workers in Moscow etc) but the issue with that is needing a transit visa because most Central Asia flights leave from the other airport, not the main international one.   So it means a transfer inside Russia itself.

The new Istanbul airport is  quite a place.  Never seen areas of asphalt that big.   I think they've improved the signage.  When I first went there they had no signs inside the building.  It was chaos!   I've been there since and it was much better.

It's been so long since we flew anywhere that I know it's going to cost more the next time we go anywhere.
Only flew once myself first class, from S.Ca. to Dallas.
For free too! Job interview with American Airlines.
It was around 1987 and no bubbly was served! Bummer.It was the last flight out of Dallas and no dinner service either...
My husband was placed in first class once from Europe to S Ca. He still desn't know why they asked him to sit in first class as he bought a coach ticket.
Lucky him.I told him it was because he was cute.
My brother and his wife can fly anywhere in the world for just the price of tax on the ticket.
They work for the airlines. He hates flying and doesn't go anywhere. figures, what a waste of a perk.
His wife used to take short 3 to 4 day trips to Europe by herself when she felt like it.
First class usually because people working in the airlines try to treat each other to extras if possible. Guess that's why they placed me in first class, had my new suit on and heels.( pearls and all!)
If you're dressed up they may move you up.
No one in their right mind would chose to fly long haul wearing a suit and heels or a neck tie and dress shoes.
My husband used to have a bussiness liecense here in Hungary.
Might be worth finding out if it's still valid or not to make traveling easier with C-19.

Heard Hungary is starting to inject 12 years old children and older with the parents consent.
The mass vax sites will be closing with just a few locations open for shots.
There will only be Pfizer vaccines   available  from now on.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Heard Hungary is starting to inject 12 years old children and older with the parents consent.
The mass vax sites will be closing with just a few locations open for shots.
There will only be Pfizer vaccines   available  from now on.

Yes, we've got to get our No. 1 Fluffyette in the queue.  No 2 is too young.  I often say to Mrs F that we need to show our kids that having vaccinations is the right thing to do.  Same with dentists.  If they can see Mum and Dad being treated and not being frightened or upset then they will do the same for themselves and their kids.

Looks like Pfizer is the way to go.  I was in favour of the AZ as it was provided at cost.  I wanted to keep solidarity with the idea of public health provision.  But my BIL was asking (and joking) that he wanted to swap my Pfizer for his AZ.  It was a joke of course but clearly it's causing some paranoia amongst some people who think they are unprotected or at significant risk with AZ.    Getting a headache - must be AZ brain problems/blood clots.   Got a cough? Must be AZ.   Yes, sure. Come on people, wake up!

I just wish it would go faster to get back to normality.  UK removal of restrictions is  going to be delayed 4 weeks.  I think this is becoming absurd.  The number of people dying is tiny now compared to the peak and is tiny compared to the number of deaths anyway from other things. It's obvious the vaccination programme has been a great success.  We're going to have to just live with variants of COVID forever.  Fed up with the mollycoddling.

All I can say is enjoy everyday as much as possible because who knows what "evil lerks in the hearts and minds of men".
Looks like Thrusday will be toasty, if the wind stops then it's game on!
Was a bit busy looking this afternoon walking done the Blvd. Many restaruants are going whole hog and overtaking more then half the sidewalk area with empty tables. Perhaps it is getting  a bit busier in the eveings.
Saw a van with Portugise signs on it, the people set up their own bench to sit outside on. Heard people speaking Portugise everywhere today. Guess they rolled into town for the football game.
I swear, I wish such a small event would be the icing on my cake.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

All I can say is enjoy everyday as much as possible because who knows what "evil lurks in the hearts and minds of men".
Looks like Thursday will be toasty, if the wind stops then it's game on!
Was a bit busy looking this afternoon walking done the Blvd. Many restaurants are going whole hog and overtaking more then half the sidewalk area with empty tables. Perhaps it is getting  a bit busier in the evenings.
Saw a van with Portuguese signs on it, the people set up their own bench to sit outside on. Heard people speaking Portuguese everywhere today. Guess they rolled into town for the football game.
I swear, I wish such a small event would be the icing on my cake.

Yes, the football is on Tuesday - Hungary vs Portugal at 18h.  I believe there will be big screens set up somewhere - might be the castle district.  And then there's the actual game as well.  I don't think there will be much social distancing and mask wearing going on.   My BIL will be going to the game and taking No 1 Fluffyette along for fun. Not sure I will be watching as I need to save my energy for more important matters -  England vs Scotland on Friday evening 21h.

In other news, true to form the UK lockdown or in my case, lock out continues.  4 x megabucks COVID tests required for a round trip.  No relief for travel or removal of quarantine until the end of July.    Another month I didn't see my Dad.   I think there may be a revolt in parliament over it (one might hope) and they force a change.

Just some info for people struggling to get an immunity card;

I tried my luck at the Kormányablak @  Baross u. 59 (District 8), after reading some positive stories on FB concerning non-TAJ and English speaking employees.

I visited the place 3 times in total;
- there was a queue outside each time for the immunity card, but the person at the entrance told me that for the Ügyfélkapu (customer portal) registration I could walk right in (he got me a ticketnumber).[I got one even though I knew I wouldnt be able to use the app without a TAJ]
- In the evening I came back with my wife to get her Ügyfélkapu registration, she immediately got an email to activate, and when we were home we were able install and login her app

- for the physical card we decided to try to get there just before opening time, and this time there were only a few people waiting before us. The lady at the door checked if we had our papers (residence card, passport, vaccination proof etc), and gave us a form to fill in  (capital letters and blue pen! ) and a  ticketnumber. I left the TAJ number empty on the form (just an arrow to the passport number), and it wasn't even brought up. The  lady at the counter was kind and helpful,  and her English was fine. I think the people here are used to foreigners and this non-TAJ situation. My wife was helped at a different counter, but had a similar experience. We were told that the card would arrive in our post within 2 weeks (though there was some mention that I could have opted to pick it up as well).

Overall, I can recommend going to this Kormányablak for the immunity card (whether you have a TAJ or not)! Just expect there to be a queue (or try being there before opening time, like we did).

darrom wrote:

Just some info for people struggling to get an immunity card;

I tried my luck at the Kormányablak @  Baross u. 59 (District 8), after reading some positive stories on FB concerning non-TAJ and English speaking employees.

I visited the place 3 times in total;
- there was a queue outside each time for the immunity card, but the person at the entrance told me that for the Ügyfélkapu (customer portal) registration I could walk right in (he got me a ticketnumber).[I got one even though I knew I wouldnt be able to use the app without a TAJ]
- In the evening I came back with my wife to get her Ügyfélkapu registration, she immediately got an email to activate, and when we were home we were able install and login her app

- for the physical card we decided to try to get there just before opening time, and this time there were only a few people waiting before us. The lady at the door checked if we had our papers (residence card, passport, vaccination proof etc), and gave us a form to fill in  (capital letters and blue pen! ) and a  ticketnumber. I left the TAJ number empty on the form (just an arrow to the passport number), and it wasn't even brought up. The  lady at the counter was kind and helpful,  and her English was fine. I think the people here are used to foreigners and this non-TAJ situation. My wife was helped at a different counter, but had a similar experience. We were told that the card would arrive in our post within 2 weeks (though there was some mention that I could have opted to pick it up as well).

Overall, I can recommend going to this Kormányablak for the immunity card (whether you have a TAJ or not)! Just expect there to be a queue (or try being there before opening time, like we did).

Good info.  Thanks for sharing.

I am wondering what the experiences are at other Kormányablak(-ok) around the country.  I have a Kormányablak within 1km of my house so I'd rather go there than have to go into the city.

It wouldbe interesting to know if they will issue both the EU one and the HU one at the same time or it will be an option.  Remains to be seen if the EU card means anything outside the EU of course.

Yes, mile long lines outside our city hall.
Poor people who just need some info about anything else but an immunity card.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Yes, mile long lines outside our city hall.
Poor people who just need some info about anything else but an immunity card.

It's a problem everywhere.  People are being forced online to do civil admin stuff.  It costs a lot less for government to deal with people electronically than in person (one statistic I read was EUR 14 for an over the counter interaction but perhaps EUR 2 for electronic service).  But of course, not everyone is tech savvy.   

Earlier this week I heard on the radio about someone who had no internet access and couldn't follow up on a cancer diagnosis.  Basically had fallen through the cracks in the system.   Government still has to provide a channel for the lowest common denominator (i.e. an unconnected citizen still has equal rights). 

I think about my dear old 97 year old Dad as one of the digitally marginalised.  When he was a kid they were still using steam engines to thrash wheat and horses and carts were commonplace.   He's lucky, he's got kids who know this stuff and gets full on support from his kids.   We're at the stage now where he really doesn't have to do anything.

I know, hard to think about so many changes in one lifetime.
The first time my mother rode in a car she was 8 years old.
2 young wealthy men hit her with their car as she crossed the st.
They picked her up after she came to.
Drove her home and left money for her mother to have a doctor come over to check her out.
A ride never to forget!
That would be a news story now days,young girl hit and kidnapped by 2 men.
Mom would be turning 97 this year, my father would be turning 100!
Many people probably had been in these city hall lines to pay for their yearly parking.
We did it early but some people probably got tickets when they realized the grace period for not payind due to C-19 was over with. We saw car after car with tickets on the them .

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I know, hard to think about so many changes in one lifetime.
The first time my mother rode in a car she was 8 years old.
2 young wealthy men hit her with their car as she crossed the st.
They picked her up after she came to.
Drove her home and left money for her mother to have a doctor come over to check her out.
A ride never to forget!
That would be a news story now days,young girl hit and kidnapped by 2 men.
Mom would be turning 97 this year, my father would be turning 100!
Many people probably had been in these city hall lines to pay for their yearly parking.
We did it early but some people probably got tickets when they realized the grace period for not payind due to C-19 was over with. We saw car after car with tickets on the them .

Yes the free parking is now over.  I can imagine people struggling to follow the rules. They change every 5 minutes. 

Hit by a car - sue them!  Whiplash, brain injury, brain scan, jeez.  People die from a simple knock to the head.

I didn't fly in a commercial plane until I was about 21.  I had been in a small plane when I was 16.   On that first commercial flight I got absolutely drunk.  Free booze in business class!  It was a job interview but I did hold on the booze until I was on the return leg.    The fatal moment was the plane being delayed - more free booze. I could hardly stand up by the time I reached home. My other half was livid as she'd been at the airport for hours.  And as we lived near Heathrow at the time and didn't have a car, we had to get back home on the bus while completely sozzled.  The folly of youth!

My first visit to Hungary was a fog.
Everyone wanted the,"American" to try a shot of palinka everywhere we went.
I gt ill on a late night bus ride home with my husband from Szeged to Erd. It was a long day in the heat with too much drink.
Learned my lesson, good thing I always am prepped, an ex-Girl Scout, always bring a bag with you, tissues, flashlight , if I could I'd bring a napsack everywhere with me full of what if supplies.
My mom was hit by that car at age 8, don't think there was anything like suing back then.
I was thrown from a horse at age 15 and taken home to lay on the cough until I woke up, about 6 to 8 hours after the fact!
I know I'm hard headed, if not I'd be in big trouble.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

My first visit to Hungary was a fog.
Everyone wanted the,"American" to try a shot of palinka everywhere we went.
I gt ill on a late night bus ride home with my husband from Szeged to Erd. It was a long day in the heat with too much drink.
Learned my lesson, good thing I always am prepped, an ex-Girl Scout, always bring a bag with you, tissues, flashlight , if I could I'd bring a napsack everywhere with me full of what if supplies.
My mom was hit by that car at age 8, don't think there was anything like suing back then.
I was thrown from a horse at age 15 and taken home to lay on the cough until I woke up, about 6 to 8 hours after the fact!
I know I'm hard headed, if not I'd be in big trouble.

I've heard that before - bangs on head just put the kid to bed.   Horrific really.  Needs a brain scan.

I keep thinking of Liam Neeson's wife, Natasha Richardson.  Banged her head skiing and then dead a day or so later.  Sonny Bono as well.

I used to be keen on skiing but my knees won't take it now.  But it is so easy to get injured. I did have my share of spills.  I hurt my knee on a tree in the snow and fell over and landed heavily on my wrist.   I still feel it now.   Quite dangerous really.  People weren't built for hurtling down mountains on planks and sticks in their hands.  Not without helmets anyway.

Received this e-mail (in English) from EESZT (TAJ-card people):

"we would like to inform you that you have the option of making an individual vaccination appointment for the administration of the COVID19 vaccine on the following website:Appointment booking without TAJ number

You can make an appointment with the document ID provided during registration and with the following individual PID identification number: XXXXXXXXX

Please note that it is not possible to change the booked appointment on the electronic interface.

Regards,
EESZT Operation"

Took them long enough. Remains to be seen if it really works.  I already have my appointment for jab No. 2 written on my paper vaccination card so going to ignore this appointment system.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

My first visit to Hungary was a fog.
Everyone wanted the,"American" to try a shot of palinka everywhere we went.
I gt ill on a late night bus ride home with my husband from Szeged to Erd. It was a long day in the heat with too much drink.
Learned my lesson, good thing I always am prepped, an ex-Girl Scout, always bring a bag with you, tissues, flashlight , if I could I'd bring a napsack everywhere with me full of what if supplies.
My mom was hit by that car at age 8, don't think there was anything like suing back then.
I was thrown from a horse at age 15 and taken home to lay on the cough until I woke up, about 6 to 8 hours after the fact!
I know I'm hard headed, if not I'd be in big trouble.

I've heard that before - bangs on head just put the kid to bed.   Horrific really.  Needs a brain scan.

I keep thinking of Liam Neeson's wife, Natasha Richardson.  Banged her head skiing and then dead a day or so later.  Sonny Bono as well.

I used to be keen on skiing but my knees won't take it now.  But it is so easy to get injured. I did have my share of spills.  I hurt my knee on a tree in the snow and fell over and landed heavily on my wrist.   I still feel it now.   Quite dangerous really.  People weren't built for hurtling down mountains on planks and sticks in their hands.  Not without helmets anyway.

I am very clumsy at times, I should wear a helmet all day, everywhere.
Being awkward was always my mother's biggest frustration. She used to have my older sisters walk in 5 inch heels in the house while balancing a book on their heads,In my case, it was flat shoes and a comic book on my head. She gave up on me as I've always had 2 left feet.
I remember as a young women trying to walk with all eyes on me, then tipping.Keeps one humble for sure. So much for a grand enterance.
I've given myself black eyes, banged my nose inside my walk in closet in the past.Walked into a door a gave myself a huge black eye and split lip.
Getting thrown from a horse wasn't even as bad.
My mom was on the phone every hour with the family doctor. He told her to wake me up and if I did not wake up then call an ambulance and they would drill a hole in my head to let out the pressure!
This was in 1971.
Now if a child just bumped their skull they would be getting an MRI and CT scan.
Who knows, I may of scrambled my brains a bit but it is what it is.
Makes me also think of Keith Richards falling out of a coconut tree and having brain surgery. Don't think it made much difference in his case either, he already lost a few brain cells.
This this is posted under the wrong topic once again.

fluffy2560 wrote:

darrom wrote:

Just some info for people struggling to get an immunity card;

I tried my luck at the Kormányablak @  Baross u. 59 (District 8), after reading some positive stories on FB concerning non-TAJ and English speaking employees.

I visited the place 3 times in total;
- there was a queue outside each time for the immunity card, but the person at the entrance told me that for the Ügyfélkapu (customer portal) registration I could walk right in (he got me a ticketnumber).[I got one even though I knew I wouldnt be able to use the app without a TAJ]
- In the evening I came back with my wife to get her Ügyfélkapu registration, she immediately got an email to activate, and when we were home we were able install and login her app

- for the physical card we decided to try to get there just before opening time, and this time there were only a few people waiting before us. The lady at the door checked if we had our papers (residence card, passport, vaccination proof etc), and gave us a form to fill in  (capital letters and blue pen! ) and a  ticketnumber. I left the TAJ number empty on the form (just an arrow to the passport number), and it wasn't even brought up. The  lady at the counter was kind and helpful,  and her English was fine. I think the people here are used to foreigners and this non-TAJ situation. My wife was helped at a different counter, but had a similar experience. We were told that the card would arrive in our post within 2 weeks (though there was some mention that I could have opted to pick it up as well).

Overall, I can recommend going to this Kormányablak for the immunity card (whether you have a TAJ or not)! Just expect there to be a queue (or try being there before opening time, like we did).

Good info.  Thanks for sharing.

I am wondering what the experiences are at other Kormányablak(-ok) around the country.  I have a Kormányablak within 1km of my house so I'd rather go there than have to go into the city.

It wouldbe interesting to know if they will issue both the EU one and the HU one at the same time or it will be an option.  Remains to be seen if the EU card means anything outside the EU of course.

I also went to a Kormányablak two weeks ago with the intent of getting the immunity card, but I was told the system was not functioning yet for people like me (without TAJ) and that I should come back the following week.  They wanted to try and process me in the system as if I had been vaccinated outside of Hungary, but I could imagine that creating all kinds of new problems.   I have yet to return... will try on Wednesday.  I will be happy just to have a certificate in Hungarian and English when I get the second shot this Friday.

Hi everyone - new to this so apologies if its relatively old information.

I had 2 jabs in the UK and presented this information to the authoritiea on day 2.

3 weeks later the physical card arrived.

Its in Hungarian/English and the QR element displays the information in English.

Cheers.

Keith R wrote:

Hi everyone - new to this so apologies if its relatively old information.

I had 2 jabs in the UK and presented this information to the authoritiea on day 2.

3 weeks later the physical card arrived.

Its in Hungarian/English and the QR element displays the information in English.

Cheers.

When was this?  Did you physically go to the Kormanyablak?     What was it like passing through the HU airport - i.e. did the immigration people accept your certificate routinely and without quarantine etc?  Was the UK certificate enough to get on the plane in the UK without a PCR test?

I left UK on 29th May. Airline were only interested in whether I met general entry requirements (registration cards).

Hungarian police interested in same but also why I was coming  Hungary (my house is undergoing  renovations  and I need to meet with local authorities).

I mentioned (but was not required demonstrate) 2 vaccinations and Police said I should apply for Immunity Certificate, and if I did that within 2 days of arrival, I would not have to quarantine. I was fast pathed to a separate enrty channel and a form was completed.

Granted entry.


Following day, attended local office (Szentendre) and provided evidence  of identity, registration docs and COVID jabs. What was interesting (and surprising given the technology) was that the UK NHS COVID App meant absolutely nothing. What got me accepted was the little appointment card issued when you get your jabs !!

I have carried around the stamped copy of the application pending the arrival of the card. Got me in to one hotel in Bpest - no problem. 

I now have card.

No evidence of testing required at any stage.

Keith R wrote:

I left UK on 29th May. Airline were only interested in whether I met general entry requirements (registration cards).

Hungarian police interested in same but also why I was coming  Hungary (my house is undergoing  renovations  and I need to meet with local authorities).

I mentioned (but was not required demonstrate) 2 vaccinations and Police said I should apply for Immunity Certificate, and if I did that within 2 days of arrival, I would not have to quarantine. I was fast pathed to a separate enrty channel and a form was completed.

Granted entry.


Following day, attended local office (Szentendre) and provided evidence  of identity, registration docs and COVID jabs. What was interesting (and surprising given the technology) was that the UK NHS COVID App meant absolutely nothing. What got me accepted was the little appointment card issued when you get your jabs !!

I have carried around the stamped copy of the application pending the arrival of the card. Got me in to one hotel in Bpest - no problem. 

I now have card.

No evidence of testing required at any stage.

Good info!  Thanks for sharing.   Yours was a fairly recent arrival so very relevant. 

We're going to attempt to get me the vaccination card as I want to travel to the UK.  I've only had one jab but this might be enough as the card itself has no jab information, the QR code is just a reference to the data held centrally.  So it shouldn't be an issue to get in the queue for the card regardless of the 2nd jab.

UK is now talking about reducing the requirements for amber country travellers entry to the UK.  I guess they're getting the message after the Euro 2020 final needing all those UEFA officials to attend.  If they hadn't let them in then it'd have looked pretty bad and if they let them in, they have to let everyone else in as well.

UPDATE

I went to the kormányablak yesterday and my immunity card is now in process... should have it in two weeks. And today I got my second shot (moved up my appointment one day) and now have a Hungarian/English immunity card for travel purposes.  Now to think about getting my teenager vaccinated.  That might prove to be the most difficult part of this whole experience. :-)

Junior Street wrote:

UPDATE

I went to the kormányablak yesterday and my immunity card is now in process... should have it in two weeks. And today I got my second shot (moved up my appointment one day) and now have a Hungarian/English immunity card for travel purposes.  Now to think about getting my teenager vaccinated.  That might prove to be the most difficult part of this whole experience. :-)

Our No. 1 HU Fluffyette went for vaccination this morning at Semmelweis University.   There was a chaotic queueing system - they do not separate out people with first or second jabs.  And they did not distinguish between people with appointments UNLESS you make sure they know.  Then you get moved up to the front of queue. 

Once again, having a Hungarian speaker and being a bit pushy seems to give a different level of service and responsiveness.

I am going to the Kormanyablak this afternoon and we'll see how long it takes.   We were told queues are large and it could be a wait of some hours.   We shall see!

My queues were quite long. And disorganized.
The HU-issued immunity card system is plagued with problems. I had to go to 2 different offices to get it sorted out and am now waiting within the 10-day period when it should be posted to my home address. I'd say the process would have been nearly impossible without Hungarian language knowledge.

Vicces1 wrote:

My queues were quite long. And disorganized.
The HU-issued immunity card system is plagued with problems. I had to go to 2 different offices to get it sorted out and am now waiting within the 10-day period when it should be posted to my home address. I'd say the process would have been nearly impossible without Hungarian language knowledge.

And now it seems the card will not even be needed once Hungary hits 5.5m vaccinated.  By the time I get mine it might just be a souvenier!  LOL.  Still, I earned it.  I want it.  It was a long wait at the kormányablak yesterday, but they were kind enough to hand out bottles of water.  And having a Hungarian speaker with me was definitely a plus.

Junior Street wrote:

Vicces1 wrote:

My queues were quite long. And disorganized.
The HU-issued immunity card system is plagued with problems. I had to go to 2 different offices to get it sorted out and am now waiting within the 10-day period when it should be posted to my home address. I'd say the process would have been nearly impossible without Hungarian language knowledge.

And now it seems the card will not even be needed once Hungary hits 5.5m vaccinated.  By the time I get mine it might just be a souvenier!  LOL.  Still, I earned it.  I want it.  It was a long wait at the kormányablak yesterday, but they were kind enough to hand out bottles of water.  And having a Hungarian speaker with me was definitely a plus.

I m literally just back from my local Kormanyablak and it took 35 minutes - 30 minutes of waiting and 5 minutes of form filling.   We were told the card would arrive in 10-15 days.   It was all in Hungarian.  I would have had quite a problem if Mrs F wasn't with me.  But they did know what to do.  There were other foreigners in front of us and they took a bit more time.

The next thing is for me to get my 2nd jab and to try and get this EU version of the card so I can travel.   I am wondering how that is going to work.  More Kormanyablak visits or automatically sent out? Who knows.

Auntie Angela (Merkel) has gone bonkers and said all British people should be banned from the EU or at least quarantined. 

That'll go down like a lead balloon in Portugal and Spain with heavy tourist based economies.

Received second shot today. In and out in 5 minutes. In fact I was early for my appointment so I got in early, and left even before my official appointment time.

Do note: I do not live in Budapest, but a smaller village, and I have a TAJ card.

radiumpotato wrote:

Received second shot today. In and out in 5 minutes. In fact I was early for my appointment so I got in early, and left even before my official appointment time.

Do note: I do not live in Budapest, but a smaller village, and I have a TAJ card.

Cool!

Having a TAJ-card is a golden ticket to vaccine nirvana here in HU.

Unfortunate for the rest of us!

fluffy2560 wrote:

Having a TAJ-card is a golden ticket to vaccine nirvana here in HU.

It certainly seems to help.

But do not discount the other half: I live in a small village. The local doctor knows me. When I registered  in the "system" I was assigned an appointment quite far away in a large town. Known to have 30 minute waits. The local doctor called the next day and asked if I wanted to switch to the local clinic and an earlier appointment. Was an obvious decision to say "Yes".   

radiumpotato wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Having a TAJ-card is a golden ticket to vaccine nirvana here in HU.

It certainly seems to help.

But do not discount the other half: I live in a small village. The local doctor knows me. When I registered  in the "system" I was assigned an appointment quite far away in a large town. Known to have 30 minute waits. The local doctor called the next day and asked if I wanted to switch to the local clinic and an earlier appointment. Was an obvious decision to say "Yes".   

Yes, Mrs Fluffy got her shots at her GP.  That seems to have been the normal way.   

There was no way for us un-TAj'd untermensch to get the jab anywhere either through paying or otherwise.  That's regardless of knowing the local docs or not.  We know docs and none of them could give a certificate which would be essential for travel.  That was really absurd.  And it's not even over yet.   

Of course no-one knows what will happen in the booster season.

fluffy2560 wrote:

I m literally just back from my local Kormanyablak and it took 35 minutes - 30 minutes of waiting and 5 minutes of form filling.   We were told the card would arrive in 10-15 days.   It was all in Hungarian.  I would have had quite a problem if Mrs F wasn't with me.  But they did know what to do.  There were other foreigners in front of us and they took a bit more time.

The next thing is for me to get my 2nd jab and to try and get this EU version of the card so I can travel.   I am wondering how that is going to work.  More Kormanyablak visits or automatically sent out? Who knows.

When the system works, it works well. Again, for my experience, it was all waiting in line and then less than 5 minutes at the window, it'll come in the mail. And again, without Hungarian knowledge, it would have been a much longer, more painful process. So 100% agree with you Fluffy.
Happy you have Mrs Fluffy to take care of you! :-)

Should also mention, I have a TAJ-kartya.