No, open carry of firearms in Hungary is prohibited under the 2012 Act on Arms and Ammunitions, which permits firearm possession only for specific purposes like hunting, sport shooting, or self-defense with a concealed carry permit. The National Police Headquarters (Országos Rendőr-főkapitányság) enforces these restrictions, and violations may result in criminal charges under the Criminal Code.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Hungary
- Prohibition on Open Carry: Act LXVIII of 2012 explicitly bans the open display of firearms in public spaces, limiting possession to concealed carry for licensed individuals.
- Permit Requirements: Concealed carry permits are issued by local police authorities only after rigorous background checks, including mental health evaluations and justification of necessity.
- Storage and Transportation: Firearms must be transported unloaded in locked containers, with ammunition stored separately, per Police Decree 19/2013 (III. 28.).
Recent amendments, effective January 2026, further tightened compliance by mandating digital permit verification via the National Firearms Registry (Fegyvernyilvántartó Rendszer), reducing administrative discretion in permit renewals. Non-compliance risks immediate revocation of firearm licenses and potential misdemeanor or felony charges.