Indian Embassy in Hungary Issues Advisory for Indians' Evacuation via Hungary

Students should carry a valid passport, student ID card, residence permit and vaccination certificate for crossing.

More than 470 Indian students were evacuated from Ukraine via Romania on Friday, 25 February. 

(Photo: India in Ukraine/Twitter)

In its latest advisory, the Indian Embassy in Hungary on Saturday, 26 February, instructed for a smooth evacuation of Indian students, stranded in Ukraine, to Hungary through the Zahony-Uzhhorod border crossing.

"For this, a liaison unit from the Embassy of India has been stationed at Zahony and it is coordinating with the Consulate General of Hungary in Uzzhorod," the advisory read.

It also added that the border can only be crossed via van or bus and that walk-in is not allowed.

Students should carry a valid passport, student ID card, residence permit and vaccination card/certificate along with them.

"Stranded Indians are being brought in batches through this check point for onward travel to Budapest for returning to India on Air India flights."

Advisory issued by Indian Embassy in Hungary

"In case you are close to Kpp Tysa border crossing and planning to move on your own into Hungary, it is recommended that you move back to Uzhhorod and stay in touch with the Hungarian Consulate General and Dr Amrik Dhillon of Uzhhorod National University (Contact No [phone]), Mr Ankur from Embassy (Contact No 036304644597). This will ensure that in case of any delays at crossing, students do not get stuck at the crossing and spend night in open," the Indian Embassy in Hungary advised.

They have also allowed students to also cross into Hungary from other border crossings. For this the student should carry an Indian passport, resident permit, visa and a valid vaccination certificate.

However, the embassy does not recommend the above step and warns that there is a very long waiting time at these check points with "no presence of Indian Embassy unit to facilitate entry into the Hungarian side".

"Students who are close to these other check points and wish to enter Hungary through these border crossings on their own should try to travel to Budapest through public transport," the advisory further read.

Other travel options include commercial flights from Budapest.

"For any facilitation or advice, after reaching Budapest, such students should stay in touch with Mr Sanjay Sharma, President BSH (Contact No.+36305990509) and Sh Radhe Lal, Attache, Embassy of India (Contact No.+36308644595)."

Initial Notices

The Indian Embassy in Ukraine had earlier in the day cautioned Indian citizens in the war-torn country to not move to any of the border posts without prior coordination with the Indian government.

"All Indian Citizens in Ukraine are advised to not move to any of the border posts without prior coordination with Government of India officials at the border posts (helpline numbers established) and the Emergency numbers of Embassy of India, Kyiv," the advisory had read.

The Indian Embassy further said that the situation at various checkpoints is sensitive and that the embassy in Ukraine is working continuously with embassies in other countries for evacuation of Indian citizens.

The armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified in the early hours of Saturday after Russian forces encircled Kyiv, the capital city. Russian forces since 24 February have launched a major assault on Ukraine, firing missiles on cities and military installations.

India Starts Evacuation Through Romania, First Flight  Lands in Bucharest

According to the Indian Embassy in Ukraine, more than 470 Indian students were evacuated from Ukraine via Romania on Friday, 25 February.

In a statement, Air India said, “Air India will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi & Mumbai to Bucharest (Romania) and Budapest (Hungary) on 26 February as special Government Charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens.”

The first special flight, AI-1943, has landed in Bucharest.

(With inputs from IANS)