Navigating Romania VISA Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines
Romania, a beautiful country in Eastern Europe, offers a well-structured visa system for travelers worldwide, catering to tourism, business, study, and family visits. Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, you may require a short-stay Schengen-type visa, a long-stay visa, or, in some cases, may be exempt from visa requirements under international agreements.
Romania’s visa policies provide clear guidelines on eligibility, required documentation, application procedures, fees, and processing timelines, ensuring a transparent and smooth experience for applicants. Whether planning a brief holiday, a professional assignment, or long-term residence, understanding these regulations is crucial for a hassle-free journey.
Do You Need a Visa?
Since 1 January 2025, Romania has joined the Schengen Area, meaning that for a short stay (up to 90 days) in Romania or other Schengen countries, most non‑EU citizens now require a Schengen Visa (Type C).
However, citizens of certain countries—like the U.S., Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and others—enjoy visa‑free access for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period. Check the European Commission’s list to confirm if your passport is exempt.
Types of Visas and Their Uses
Romania offers several visa categories depending on the purpose and duration of stay. Below is a comprehensive overview of available visa types:
| Visa Type | Code | Purpose | Validity | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa | C Type | Tourism, business, transit, private visits | Up to 90 days within 180-day period | All non-exempt foreign nationals |
| Airport Transit Visa | A Type | Transiting through international zone of Romanian airports | Up to 24 hours | Citizens of specific countries requiring airport transit visa |
| Long-Stay Visa | D Type | Employment, studies, family reunification, long-term residence | Up to 90 days with right to apply for residence permit | Those intending to stay longer than 90 days |
| Seasonal Work Visa | D/AM | Temporary seasonal employment in agriculture, tourism | Up to 6 months within a calendar year | Non-EU seasonal workers with employment contract |
| Study Visa | D/SD | Full-time studies at Romanian educational institutions | Duration of study program + 30 days | Accepted students at recognized Romanian institutions |
| Family Reunification Visa | D/VF | Joining family members who are Romanian residents | Up to 90 days with residence permit application right | Family members of Romanian citizens/residents |
Visa Exemptions
Citizens of the following categories do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Romania:
- EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
- Citizens of countries with visa waiver agreements (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.)
- Holders of valid Schengen visas, Bulgarian or Cypriot visas (under certain conditions)
- Diplomatic and service passport holders from specific countries
Schengen Visa Requirements (Type C)
Regardless of the visa purpose, applicants typically need:
- A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date, issued within the past 10 years, with at least two blank pages.
- A fully completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
- Two recent passport-style photos.
- Itinerary details: travel tickets, hotel bookings, invitation letters (if applicable).
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for emergencies & repatriation.
- Proof of financial means: Romania requires roughly €50 per day, minimum €500 total (some nationalities may need fewer funds or provide an invitation letter).
- Additional documents depending on the purpose: e.g. business letter, employer letter, university acceptance, or invitation from family.
General Visa Requirements
All visa applicants must submit the following documents (specific requirements may vary by visa type):
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- Completed application form:Signed and dated
- Passport-size photos:Two recent color photos (35mm x 45mm)
- Valid passport:With at least two blank pages, issued within last 10 years
- Travel medical insurance:Minimum €30,000 coverage for entire Schengen area
- Proof of accommodation:Hotel reservations or invitation from host
- Proof of financial means:Bank statements from last 3-6 months
- Travel itinerary:Flight reservations or detailed travel plan
- Purpose-specific documents:Invitation letters, employment contracts, enrollment certificates, etc.
Additional Requirements Based on Visa Type
- Business visa:Invitation from Romanian company, employer letter
- Study visa:Letter of acceptance from Romanian institution, proof of tuition payment
- Work visa:Employment permit from Romanian Immigration Office, employment contract
- Family reunion:Proof of family relationship, residence permit of sponsor in Romania
- Transit visa:Visa for final destination (if required), proof of onward travel
Application Process
A. e‑Visa Portal
Start your application at Romania’s official e‑Visa portal (evisa.mae.ro), available 24/7 . Upload supporting documents (translated into English or Romanian if required).
B. In‑Person Appointment
Once online steps are done, schedule an in‑person appointment at your nearest Romanian embassy, consulate, or visa‑application center for biometric data and document submission.
C. Timing
Apply up to 3 months before travel, but at least 15 calendar days in advance (long‑stay visas should be filed at least 45 days prior). Decisions are usually issued within 15 calendar days, though exceptional delays may extend this to up to 30–60 days in rare cases.
Visa Fees
Visa fees vary based on visa type, applicant’s age, nationality, and processing time. All fees are in Euros (€) and are non-refundable regardless of application outcome.
Romania, as a member of the European Union, maintains a standardized visa fee structure for both short-stay and long-stay visas. The fees are established by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are subject to periodic review and adjustment.
Important Notice: Visa fees are generally non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome. Some categories of applicants may be exempt from visa fees or eligible for reduced fees based on bilateral agreements or specific circumstances.
Short-Stay Visa Fees (Schengen Area)
| Visa Type | Description | Fee in EUR | Approximate USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa (Type C) | For stays up to 90 days within 180-day period (tourism, business, visit) | 80 EUR (Standard) | ~87 USD |
| Children 6-12 Years | Applicants between 6 and 12 years of age | 40 EUR (Reduced) | ~44 USD |
| Airport Transit Visa (Type A) | For transit through international zones of Romanian airports | 80 EUR (Standard) | ~87 USD |
Long-Stay Visa Fees (National Visa)
| Visa Type | Purpose / Description | Fee in EUR | Approximate USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Stay Visa (Type D) | For stays exceeding 90 days (employment, study, family reunification) | 120 EUR (Standard) | ~131 USD |
| Study Visa | For long-term study programs at Romanian institutions | 120 EUR (Standard) | ~131 USD |
| Work Visa | For employment purposes with valid Romanian work permit | 120 EUR (Standard) | ~131 USD |
| Family Reunification Visa | For family members of Romanian residents/citizens | 120 EUR (Standard) | ~131 USD |
Extension & Other Fees
| Service Type | Description | Fee in EUR | Approximate USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Extension | Extension of short-stay visa (if eligible under Romanian law) | 90 EUR (Standard) | ~98 USD |
| Express Processing | Expedited visa processing (when available, subject to approval) | +50% (Additional) | ~Varies |
| Visa Fee Exemption | Children under 6, certain diplomats, official delegations | 0 EUR (Exempt) | 0 USD |
Payment Methods
Visa fees must be paid at the time of application submission. Accepted payment methods may vary by application center:
- Bank transfer (preferred by some embassies)
- Credit/Debit card (Visa, MasterCard)
- Cash (in local currency equivalent)
- Bank draft or certified check
- Online payment (if applying through eVisa portal)
Visa Processing & Entry Guidelines
- Biometric data: Collect ten fingerprints and a digital photo unless you’ve done so in the past 59 months.
- Entry/Exit System (EES): Launching 12 October 2025, gradually replacing passport stamps. Manual stamping phase‑out by April 2026.
- ETIAS authorization: Starting late 2026, visa‑exempt travelers will need an ETIAS permit, valid three years or until passport expiry, fee around €20, transitional period applies.
Regulatory Policies & Compliance
Romanian visa regulations are established in accordance with EU directives and national legislation. Key regulatory frameworks include:
Legal Framework
- Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002:Primary legislation regulating the regime of foreigners in Romania
- EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009):Harmonized procedures and conditions for issuing visas
- Romanian Immigration Law (Law 157/2011):Regulations for long-term stays and residence permits
- Bilateral Agreements:Visa facilitation agreements with several countries
Key Regulatory Policies
- Visa Reciprocity:Romania applies reciprocity principle – visa requirements mirror those imposed by other countries on Romanian citizens
- Biometric Data Collection:Fingerprints and facial image are collected from applicants aged 12+ (stored for 5 years in VIS)
- Mandatory Travel Insurance:Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation
- Proof of Accommodation:Required for entire duration of stay (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)
- Sufficient Financial Means:Minimum €50 per day of stay, with at least €500 or equivalent for entire visit
Compliance Requirements
- Visas cannot be converted from one type to another within Romania (exceptional cases only)
- Overstaying a visa results in fines, possible deportation, and entry bans up to 5 years
- Work on tourist visa is strictly prohibited – requires proper work visa/residence permit
- Visa does not guarantee entry – border police make final admission decision
Travel Policies & Entry Requirements
All travelers to Romania must comply with entry requirements and travel policies established by Romanian authorities.
COVID-19 Related Policies
- No COVID-19 restrictions:Romania has lifted all pandemic-related entry requirements
- No vaccination certificates, tests, or quarantine requiredfor any travelers
- Health authorities recommend having travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage
Standard Entry Requirements
- Valid Passport:Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date from Romania
- Visa (if required):Must be valid for the entire duration of stay
- Proof of Purpose:Documents supporting reason for visit (invitation, conference registration, tour itinerary)
- Return Ticket:Evidence of onward/return travel arrangements
- Financial Means:Proof of sufficient funds for stay (bank statements, cash, credit cards)
Customs Regulations
- Duty-free allowances:Standard EU limits apply (800 cigarettes, 10L spirits, etc.)
- Currency declaration:Must declare if carrying €10,000+ in cash or equivalent
- Restricted items:Weapons, drugs, protected species products require special permits
- Pets:Require EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination
Border Crossing Points
Romania has international airports in Bucharest (OTP), Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Timișoara (TSR), and other cities. Land borders with neighboring countries are open with standard immigration checks. Romania is not yet part of Schengen, so passport checks are conducted at all borders
Travel Preparation: Pro Tips for Professionals
- Ensure travel insurance policy meets Schengen standards.
- Booking refundable or flexible flights helps in case of delays.
- Avoid overstaying: Schengen rules cap short‑stays at 90 days per 180‑day rolling window. Leaving and re‑entering doesn’t reset this clock.
- Keep passport pages accessible; carriers may refuse boarding without valid visa or proof.
- Maintain access to €50/day funds: bank statements, credit card limits, or sponsorship letters are acceptable.
- Document translations: official translator safety; always carry originals + copies.
Key Updates to Watch:
- Romania now fully in Schengen—visa requirements align with other Schengen countries as of 2025.
- Entry/Exit System (EES) in effect from 12 October 2025—digital entry records.
- ETIAS travel authorization will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers starting late 2026 .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Romania Visa
Quick Summary
Romania Visa FAQs
- Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, family visits, medical, events (up to 90 days).
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For transit through Romanian airports.
- National Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For study, work, residency, family reunification, stays over 90 days.
- Book an appointment at the Romanian Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
- Fill out the Schengen visa form online or manually.
- Prepare documents: passport, photos, travel insurance, bank statements, invitation letter (if applicable).
- Submit application in person at the visa center and provide biometrics.
- Pay the visa fee and wait for processing.
The standard Romania Schengen visa fees are:
- €80 for adults
- €40 for children aged 6–12
- Free for children under 6
- Valid passport (3 months beyond return date + 2 blank pages)
- Recent passport-size photos
- Completed Schengen application form
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Travel insurance covering €30,000 emergency expenses
- Bank statements for last 3–6 months
- Proof of employment or business registration
The typical processing time is 15 calendar days. However, it may take:
- 30–45 days during peak travel seasons
- Longer for applicants requiring additional background checks
Yes. The Schengen area requires all applicants to have travel medical insurance worth at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries, covering medical emergencies and repatriation.
A Schengen visa allows up to 90 days stay within a 180-day period across all Schengen states.
Visa extensions are only granted under exceptional circumstances such as:
- Medical emergencies
- Humanitarian reasons
- Serious unforeseen events
Yes. Every child, including infants, must have a separate Schengen visa unless they are citizens of visa-free countries.
Nationals of non-EU/EEA/Schengen countries typically need a visa, except those included in the Schengen visa-exempt list such as:
- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Australia
- GCC countries (visa-free for short stays)
Citizens of South Asia, Africa, and many Middle Eastern countries usually require a Schengen visa.
Disclaimer: Visa rules may change; always consult official embassy instructions.