Do you want to visit Romania and don’t know what documents you need to cross the border? I don’t know where you come from, but I’ll try to help you find the requirements to enter Romania in any given situation. This article about Romania’s entry requirements contains links to trustworthy governmental sources. Please also double-check all the information at the Romanian consulate in your country.
Romania’s entry requirements for EU / EEA / Swiss citizens
Romania is part of the European Union. All European citizens can visit the country with a valid National Identity Card or passport. Identical requirements for entering Romania apply to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Once in Romania, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days in any 180 days. If you remain beyond three months, you must register your residence with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Is Romania in the Schengen area?
Schengen area will partially include Romania and Bulgaria starting 31st March 2024. Only the air and sea border controls will be lifted, enabling unrestricted movement for people and businesses. If you want to enter Romania (or Bulgaria) by a terrestrial border, you’ll still have to go through customs and show your passport or ID card.
Romania’s entry requirements for non-EU / EEA / Swiss citizens
Here are a few possibilities, depending on the agreements between Romania and your country. You will definitely need a passport, maybe a visa, and in some cases even an invitation to Romania.
Here is a list of states whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Romania, but only a valid passport. If your country is on the list, you can stay in Romania for up to 90 days in any 180 days.
Also, consult this list of states whose nationals must have visas when travelling to Romania. If you need a visa, here you can find out about all the requirements for a Romanian visa and how to obtain it.
You can apply for a Romanian visa here. Usually, the fees are (in 2024):
- 80 euros for a short-term visa for adults,
- 40 euros for children between 6 and 12 years old,
- 120 euros for a long-term one.
Fees may vary depending on agreements between Romania and your country. Visas for citizens of North Macedonia, Moldavia, and Serbia are free of charge.
You’ll also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself during your stay and pay for your return ticket to your country.
Romania’s entry requirements for US citizens
For a United States citizen, the requirements for entering Romania are simple. You only need a valid passport, and no visa is required. As a US citizen, you can stay in Romania without a visa for 90 days in any 180 days. If you want to remain in Romania for an extended period, you must apply for a temporary residence permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Is Romania part of the Schengen Visa?
If you plan to visit the entire European Union, a Schengen Visa will be enough to enter Romania. You will not need to apply for a Romanian visa if you already have a valid Schengen Visa with two or multiple entries.
Similarly, you can enter Romania with a visa granted by Bulgaria or Cyprus. You can also visit Romania if you have a (at least) 5-year residence permit issued by an EU country.
Digital Nomad Visa for a long-stay in Romania
Romania ranks among the top 3 desired destinations for digital nomads due to fast speed internet, low cost of living and safety. Romania has similar requirements with the rest of European countries for a digital nomad visa. With a Digital Nomad Visa, you can stay in Romania for 12 months. The visa is extendable for another year after expiration.
Choose a long-stay visa for digital nomads if you work remotely and are self-employed or employed by a company registered outside Romania. Please note that you must be with your company for at least three years when you apply for your visa.
To qualify for a Romanian digital nomad visa, prove your income was thrice the average gross monthly salary in the last six months. The average salary in Romania is around 1400 euros in gross per month (in 2023), so you must prove you make at least 3900 euros per month. I don’t know your lifestyle or specific needs, but with this kind of money, most probably you’ll have a good life in any Romanian city.
You’ll also need a travel medical insurance policy covering at least 30,000 EUR for your stay in Romania.
Through customs: what can you bring with you
Besides documents, ensure your luggage is free of any illegal items. Romania’s entry requirements align with those of the European Union.
Money: You can carry up to 10,000 Euros in cash when entering or leaving Romania. You must declare amounts exceeding 10k to customs. The same rule applies to cash payment instruments equal to or exceeding the equivalent of 10000 Euros per person.
Special objects: You must declare in writing any historical artefacts or art objects brought into the country.
Tobacco products: are only allowed for personal use, with limits of 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, or 1 kg of tobacco (or a combination of them) for those entering from an EU country, and half of those amounts for those coming from a non-EU country.
Alcohol beverages. For travellers from EU countries: 10 litres of alcoholic beverages, including distilled and spirit drinks with an alcohol strength of over 22% volume, or 20 litres of beverages with an alcohol strength under 22%. For travellers from non-EU countries: 1 litre of alcohol over 22% OR 2 litres of alcohol under 22% OR 4 litres of still wines and 16 litres of beer.
Banned imports. The Romanian government prohibits ammunition, narcotics, weapons, explosive materials and hazardous substances. Also, counterfeit goods or goods that infringe on an intellectual property right will not go through customs. There are also restrictions on the import of animal products from outside the EU.
Pets must be identified either by a clear and legible tattoo or by an electronic identification system. The identification must contain details regarding the name and address of the pet owner. Pets can travel only with a valid passport, certifying the validity of anti-rabies vaccination. Any authorized veterinarian can issue the document.