Enjoy a trouble-free Sziget Festival in Hungary
Read our essential advice for festival goers - how to stay safe so you can have a good time at Sziget Festival.
Sziget Festival this year takes place in Budapest, Hungary between 10-17 August 2016.
If you are attending, read through our useful advice. Whilst the vast majority of festival goers have a great time with no problems, most who do need help almost always do so because their passport has been lost or stolen. This is the last thing you want to deal with - replacing it can be a hassle, is expensive and could mean you miss out on the festival fun.
Abuse of drugs can be a problem, too – the purchase, consumption and possession of illegal drugs are criminal offences in Hungary. Note that even if the use of a particular drug is not a criminal offence in your country, you are still obliged to comply with Hungarian law, and will be held accountable to the same standards as a local person. Read the full guide about the drug law in Hungary.
Before you set off, do these six simple things:
- get travel insurance and check what it covers
- leave a photocopy of your passport with your family in the UK and in your inbox
- fill in the last page of your passport with your emergency contacts
- check with the festival organisers if you can pre-book a safety locker at the festival
- check our Travel Advice page
- follow us on Twitter and Facebook for further advice
When you arrive, make sure you:
- lock your valuables in one of the lockers available on site, if applicable
- if camping, don’t leave anything valuable in your tent
- keep your original passport in a safe place – e.g. in hidden pocket separately from your wallet, or in lockers available at the festival (you must be able to show some form of ID if requested. A photocopy is not acceptable).
- have one of your cash cards and some cash separate from the rest of your valuables just in case
- be extra careful in large crowds, keep your cash in a zipped pocket or bag
- follow the instructions of the event organisers and Hungarian Police whenever necessary
After it’s over, be extra vigilant:
- bear in mind you will be tired, which could make you more vulnerable
- don’t fall asleep on the festival premises if you have your valuables on you
- public transport can be busy so give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport or to get your train
If something goes wrong:
Our consular section is available to offer help and support if you have been hospitalised, arrested or are a victim of crime.
You can call us on 00 36 1 266 2888 if you need help, advice or an Emergency Travel Document.
Take a look at Our Services to see what else the Embassy can and cannot do for you.
Don’t forget that the festival organisers can also support you. For more information visit Sziget Festival’s website, Facebook page, or Sziget Festival UK on Facebook.
Video: Enjoy the music festival
Take a look at our Sziget festival flyer and the Summer Checklist below:
