If you do not intend to travel to an EU country, you do not need to obtain this card at all. To use services within Hungary, it will still be sufficient to show a Hungarian immunity card or a certificate on the  mobile application.

Those planning to travel are advised to check the current entry conditions set by the country of destination before travelling, despite holding an EU Covid Card, and can find all the information on the Consular website.

Based on the rules set by the european union, the eu covid card provides three different ways of proving protection.

The card can be issued to someone,

1. who received the vaccination - vaccination certificate

The validity of the vaccination card is 1 year, but you can also apply for it if you have not had your first vaccination within a year.  All vaccinated individuals can receive a vaccination certificate, regardless of which coronavirus vaccine they have received, but it is up to the Member States to decide which vaccines are accepted. It is also up to the Member States to determine how many vaccinations are required to qualify for protection, how many days after vaccination and for how long they certify protection on the basis of vaccination.

2. who had a confirmed case of infection - certificate of recovery

Under EU criteria, this means that 15 days have passed since your last positive PCR test for coronavirus or a positive rapid antigen test that is acceptable under EU regulation, but 180 days have not yet passed. The maximum validity of this type of card is 180 days, but Member States may set a shorter period. In this case, the card must be issued at the earliest 11 days after the first positive rapid antigen test or negative PCR test. The conditions for the issuance of the Hungarian immunity cards differ from the EU conditions, so the fact of having had the disease will not be sufficient in all cases, because in Hungary the immunity card will be issued even in case of a positive antigen test, while the EU Covid certificate requires a PCR test.

3. who has a negative coronavirus test - test certificate

Anyone with a negative PCR or antigen test can also apply for a card. Member States have agreed on a unified validity period for the tests: 72 hours for PCR tests and 48 hours for rapid antigen tests, if accepted by a Member State. It is up to host countries to determine the type and validity of the test required to enter their country.

Upon entering Hungary a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours is required.

Travelling with children:

As the Pfizer vaccine has already been approved by the European Medicines Agency for 12-15 year olds, they can also receive a card, which parents can keep on their phones if they wish. If a child is  younger than 6 years of age but their parents have a card , the Agency recommends that they should also be able to travel freely, and that children under 6 years of age should be exempt from travel checks. However, for the time being, this is only a recommendation. Some countries, such as Italy, require a negative test above the age of two.

It's also important to know that EU digital Covid card holders can enjoy the same rights when travelling as citizens who have been vaccinated, tested or have had a coronavirus infection in the Member State they are visiting. However, any restrictions still in force in a given country must be respected by holders of a Covid card in the same way, and if any privileges are granted, both citizens and foreigners are entitled to them.

Options to apply:

EESZT mobile application:

The easiest way to download the card is electronically, for those who want to travel this is probably the best option.The name of the application is: EESZT Lakossági (Apple/App Store), or EESZT alkalmazás (Google Play). The app can be used with citizen portal login credentials. The existing application, which previously contained theHungarian immunity card, is not the same as the EU application.

Via the EESZT portal:

The contactless card redemption is also made possible by the Electronic Health Service Space (EESZT) Citizen Portal. After loggingin with citizen portal data , the cards can be downloaded and, if necessary, printed.

Government custom services (Kormány ablak) and the GP:

You can apply for a paper EU card free of charge at government offices and GPs. The card is issued immediately after the application. At government offices, you can apply for EU digital Covid vaccination cards, test and recovery certificates, which can be downloaded and printed in PDF format after application. Paper cards are valid without a stamp or signature, as they are authenticated by the QR code on them.