Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Romania's Schengen Progress
Romania has partial Schengen access for air and sea travel since 2024, meaning no border checks for flights to major airports like Bucharest. Full land border integration is expected by 2026, but ETIAS is not yet required—monitor updates as Romania aims for complete Schengen membership, which could introduce the €7 ETIAS fee for visa-exempt travelers.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Romania, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. EU citizens can use national ID cards for entry.
Always verify with your issuing country's rules, as some nationalities face additional biometric requirements or validity periods for re-entry to home countries.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, UK, and most EU countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business.
Over 120 countries enjoy this privilege, but always confirm with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as extensions for work or study require separate permits.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply at a Romanian embassy or consulate with documents including a completed form, passport photos, proof of accommodation, financial means (at least €50/day), and travel medical insurance covering €30,000 minimum.
The short-stay Schengen-type visa costs €35-€80 and processing typically takes 15 days, though it can extend to 30-60 days during peak seasons—apply at least two months in advance.
Border Crossings
Airports like Bucharest Otopeni and Cluj-Napoca offer seamless Schengen-style entry for eligible travelers, with quick passport checks. Land borders with Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Ukraine may involve waits of 30-90 minutes, especially at busy points like the Danube Bridge.
Train and bus crossings are efficient; declare valuables and ensure your passport is stamped to avoid overstay fines up to €100.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory for visa-free entry, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (up to €50,000), trip delays, and activities like hiking in the Carpathians or skiing in Poiana Brasov.
Affordable policies start at €3-€5 per day from international providers; ensure it includes COVID-19 coverage and repatriation for peace of mind in remote areas.
Extensions Possible
Short-stay extensions for up to 90 additional days are available for compelling reasons like medical issues or family emergencies, applied for at the local Immigration Office (IGI) before your current stay expires.
Fees range from €50-€120, requiring proof of funds and accommodation; approval isn't guaranteed, so plan accordingly to avoid penalties of €100-€500 for overstays.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Bucharest or Cluj by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for low-cost carriers like Wizz Air serving Romania.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for traditional eateries (hänci) or markets for meals under 30 RON, avoiding tourist traps in Sibiu or Brasov to cut food costs by up to 60%.
Fresh local produce from piata markets and set lunch menus (prânz) offer hearty portions like mamaliga and grilled mititei at bargain prices.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase a CFR rail pass for unlimited second-class travel starting at 200 RON for 5 days, drastically reducing costs between Bucharest, Timisoara, and the Black Sea coast.
City cards in Bucharest (1-3 days for 50-100 RON) bundle metro rides, museum access, and discounts on attractions like the Parliament Palace.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like the painted monasteries of Bucovina, Danube Delta boat viewpoints, or walking tours in old towns of Sighisoara and Brasov for authentic, no-cost experiences.
Many national parks offer free entry, and public festivals like the George Enescu Festival have open-air performances; check for first-Sunday free museum days.
Card vs Cash
Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry RON cash for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where contactless may not work.
Use bank ATMs (BCR or BRD) for withdrawals to get favorable rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge up to 10% fees.
Museum Passes
The Europa Regina Pass or regional cards (e.g., Transylvania Card at 100 RON) grant access to multiple castles, museums, and thermal baths, recouping costs after 3-4 visits.
It's ideal for cultural itineraries, including discounts on entry to Dracula's Bran Castle and the fortified churches of Transylvania.
Smart Packing for Romania
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Layer for Romania's diverse climates: pack breathable cotton for Black Sea summers, wool sweaters for Carpathian winters, and quick-dry synthetics for hiking in the Apuseni Mountains.
Include conservative attire for Orthodox churches and monasteries, plus a scarf for both cultural respect and wind protection in open landscapes.
Electronics
Bring a Type C/F adapter for 230V outlets, a portable charger for long train rides across Transylvania, and apps like Google Translate for Romanian phrases or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas.
A good camera or smartphone with extra storage is key for capturing Dracula legends sites, bear habitats, and medieval fortified churches.
Health & Safety
Pack travel insurance docs, a comprehensive first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for winding mountain roads, prescription meds, and high-SPF sunscreen for sunny Danube Delta excursions.
Include DEET-based insect repellent for summer mosquito-prone areas like the Black Sea coast and basic water purification tablets for rural hikes.
Travel Gear
A lightweight backpack for day trips to painted monasteries, a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe in cities but boil in villages), and a compact rain poncho for unpredictable Carpathian showers.
Secure a money belt or neck pouch for cash and passport, plus laminated photocopies of important documents to safeguard against pickpockets in bustling Bucharest markets.
Footwear Strategy
Choose waterproof hiking boots for trails in Retezat National Park or Bucegi Mountains, and versatile walking shoes for cobblestone streets in Sibiu's historic center.
Pack sandals for Black Sea beaches and insulated boots for winter visits to Ice Hotels in Balea Lac, ensuring comfort for up to 15,000 steps daily in exploring.
Personal Care
Travel with eco-friendly toiletries in 100ml sizes, moisturizer for dry mountain air, and a multi-tool pocket knife (non-bladed for carry-on) useful for picnics with local cheeses and wines.
A small laundry kit with detergent pods helps extend your wardrobe during extended stays in rural guesthouses without frequent washing facilities.
When to Visit Romania
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather of 10-20°C brings blooming orchards in Maramures and wildflowers in the Danube Delta, with fewer tourists for peaceful monastery visits in Bucovina.
Ideal for birdwatching migrations and Easter celebrations, though early spring may see light snow in higher elevations—perfect shoulder season savings on accommodations.
Summer (June-August)
Peak warmth of 25-35°C suits Black Sea beaches in Constanta, music festivals like Untold in Cluj, and hiking in the Fagaras Mountains without winter chill.
Expect crowds at Dracula sites and higher prices, but long days are great for road trips along the Transfagarasan Highway—book ahead for coastal resorts.
Autumn (September-November)
Comfortable 10-20°C temperatures highlight golden foliage in Transylvania's forests and harvest festivals with wine tastings in Dealu Mare vineyards.
Lower crowds and rates make it prime for cultural tours in Timisoara or bear watching in the Carpathians; early autumn avoids summer heat while offering vibrant colors.
Winter (December-February)
Cold snaps of -5 to 5°C transform the country into a winter wonderland for skiing in Sinaia or Predeal, and magical Christmas markets in Sibiu and Bucharest.
Budget-friendly off-season with fewer visitors; bundle up for sleigh rides in rural villages or ice festivals, though rural roads may close due to snow.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Romanian Leu (RON). ATMs are widespread; exchange offices charge fees. Cards accepted in urban areas, but cash needed for rural spots.
- Language: Romanian is official, with English common in tourist hubs like Bucharest and Brasov. Learn basics like "mulțumesc" (thank you) for rural interactions.
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer with DST from late March to late October)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round or Schuko)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance—EU-wide service with English support
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; add 10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares
- Water: Tap water safe in major cities like Bucharest; opt for bottled in rural or older infrastructure areas to avoid stomach issues
- Pharmacies: Easily found (Farmacie signs); 24-hour options in cities stock international meds