Romania eVisa & Travel Information (2026)
Romania is an EU member joining the Schengen Area. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
ETIAS will be required for visa-exempt non-EU nationals visiting Schengen countries (expected 2025-2026). €7 fee, valid 3 years. Not yet mandatory — check official ETIAS site for launch date.
Status: Not yet in effect. No action required at this time.
| Key Facts — Romania | |
|---|---|
| ℹ️ ETIAS (upcoming) | Not yet mandatory — Expected 2025-2026 for visa-exempt non-EU nationals. Check status |
| Schengen Zone | Partial (air/sea since March 2024; land borders pending) |
| EU Member | Yes |
| Visa-free stay | 90 days (varies by nationality) |
| Romanian Visa Fee | €35 (short stay), €120 (long stay) |
| Processing Time | 30 calendar days |
| Passport Validity | At least 3 months beyond intended stay |
| Capital | Bucharest |
| Currency | Romanian Leu (RON) |
| Main Airports | OTP (Bucharest Henri Coanda), CLJ (Cluj-Napoca), TGM (Tirgu Mures) |
Introduction
Romania is a South-Eastern European country known for its stunning Carpathian mountains, Transylvania region, Danube Delta (a UNESCO biosphere), painted monasteries of Bucovina, and vibrant Bucharest nightlife. Main airports are Henri Coandă International (OTP) in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) and Timișoara (TSR). Romania is an EU member and joined the Schengen Area for air and sea borders in March 2024; full Schengen integration (including land borders) is expected in stages. The General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) handles immigration matters.
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many others (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) visit Romania visa-free. Nationals not on the exempt list must apply for a Romanian visa (which will also function as a Schengen-compatible visa as integration completes). Romania retains its own national visa system alongside Schengen rules for air/sea travel.
Tourist & Short Stay
Citizens of EU/EEA, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many other countries can enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days. Nationals of other countries require a Romanian Short Stay Visa (Type C). Required documents: valid passport (3 months validity beyond departure), proof of funds, accommodation proof, return or onward ticket, and travel insurance.
Business Visa
Short business travel uses the Romanian Short Stay Visa (Type C) with: company invitation letter, proof of your employment or business, bank statements, and a cover letter. For long-term business activity or employment, a Work Permit and Romanian Long Stay Visa (Type D) are required.
Work & Long-Stay
- Work Permit (Aviz de Angajare) — the Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Annual quotas apply for non-EU workers.
- EU Blue Card Romania — for highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree and a job offer above 1.5× average gross salary (approx. RON 10,000/month in 2024).
- Long Stay Visa (Type D) — applied for after work permit approval at the Romanian embassy.
Student Visa
Non-EU students need a Long Stay Visa (Type D for Studies). Required: acceptance letter from a Romanian higher education institution, proof of financial means (approx. €200/month), health insurance, and accommodation. Romania offers affordable university education, often taught in Romanian or English, at competitive tuition rates for international students.
Airport Transit
Nationals of some countries need a transit visa to pass through Romanian airports. Check the list at mae.ro.
Required Documents
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (2+ blank pages)
- Two passport photos
- Return or onward flight reservation
- Accommodation proof
- Travel insurance
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Proof of purpose of visit (employment, enrollment, business)
- Visa fee payment
Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Short Stay Type C (single entry) | €35 |
| Long Stay Type D | €120 |
How to Apply
- Check visa requirements at mae.ro
- Complete the visa application form
- Book appointment at Romanian consulate
- Submit documents and pay fee
- Collect passport with visa when approved
Official Links
Who Is Visa-Exempt?
EU/EEA citizens plus nationals of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and many others are visa-exempt for short stays. Full list at mae.ro.
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
📋 Complete Visa Categories for Romania
Romania offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | 90 days in 180 | Free or EUR 80 | Not yet in Schengen area but accepts Schengen visas |
| Airport Transit | N/A | EUR 80 | For transit passengers |
| Long Stay Visa D | 1 year | EUR 120 | Work, study, family, business |
| Work Permit | 1 year | EUR 120 | Employer sponsorship through IGI |
| Student Visa | Duration | EUR 120 | University acceptance |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 1 year | EUR 120 + EUR 100 | EUR 3,700/month income, remote work |
Fees and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify at the official immigration authority.
⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Romania Visas
Processing times vary by visa type, nationality, and time of year. Apply well in advance of travel.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Standard Fee | Expedited | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | 15 days | Free-EUR 80 | N/A | N/A |
| Long Stay D | 1-2 months | EUR 120 | N/A | N/A |
| Work | 1-3 months | EUR 120 | N/A | N/A |
🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Romania
No mandatory vaccinations. Travel health insurance recommended. Romania joining Schengen air borders March 2024, land borders pending. Good healthcare in Bucharest, variable elsewhere.
🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Romania
90-day stay not extendable without long-stay visa. Apply for residence permit at IGI after D visa. Overstay: fine, deportation. Romania joining Schengen will change rules.
❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Romania
Standard European refusal reasons. Appeal to court within 30 days. Romania has moderate acceptance rate for visas.
This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Romania immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.