Border crossing – Határátkelés (szókincsfejlesztés hanganyaggal)

If you live in an EU member country, you are probably not used to border checks and border agents going through your documents. Generally, when travelling by car, bus, or train, you can just whizz through borders without stopping or experiencing any delay.

Crossing a border can be more difficult when you leave the European Union because of the different laws and regulations. If you go by car, you can expect border guards to check not only your documents but your car and belongings as well to prevent you from smuggling or taking restricted goods into or out of the country.

Before you leave, it’s wise to check the country’s regulations concerning customs rules to save time and prevent unpleasant surprises at the border. But even if you are well prepared in advance, be ready for a long wait at the border anyway, and keep enough food and water in the car for emergencies.

Crossing the border when you fly is a bit less complicated, or at least you know what is awaiting you. You have to have valid travel documents—a passport or your identity card, depending on where you travel—and a visa if it’s a requirement from your destination country.

You have to go through a security check, and you are not allowed to take safety hazard items on board the plane. Checking in usually takes time, and you have to queue more than once at the airport, so being at the airport on time is indispensable.

When the plane lands in the destination country, customs officers and border guards check your documents again, but it’s usually a shorter process than it is when you start your journey from the departure airport.

If you travel to the US, though, anticipate a tough time. Immigration officers tend to be very thorough in their investigations, and they will want to know the purpose of your visit, how long you are planning to stay, and even the address of your accommodation.

Travel regulations keep rapidly changing, so before making any travel plans and setting out on a journey, it’s advisable to check the current regulations of the given country on the webpage of the Hungarian consulate to avoid difficulties. It’s better safe than sorry.