How to Enter Romania
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
You must have a valid passport to enter Romania. U.S. citizen visitors are granted 90 days of stay without a visa within a given six-month period. For stays longer than 90 days, you must obtain an extension of stay from the Romanian Immigration Office in the area of your residence. If you stay longer than 90 days, you will need an exit visa. We do not recommend “extending” the 90-day period by traveling to another country for a short period and then returning to Romania; people attempting this are often denied re-entry to Romania as the Romanian Government is enforcing visa regulations more vigorously than in the past. Visit the Embassy of Romania website for the most current visa information, or contact the Romanian Embassy at 1607 23rd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone number (202) 232-4747, or one of Romania’s consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York.U.S.-Romanian citizens in Romania are subject to the requirements and responsibilities of Romanian law. Romanian immigration officials may require U.S. minors holding Romanian citizenship to provide written consent from both of their parents to exit Romania. For more information about additional requirements for Romanian citizens, check with the Inspectorate for Immigration and the Romanian Border Police.
Foreigners are required to carry identification documents at all times. U.S. citizens who obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit must present the document upon the request of any “competent authorities.” Foreigners who do not have a residence permit should present their passports. The Embassy recommends carrying a copy of the relevant document with you at all times.
U.S. visa information for Romanians and other foreign citizens can be found on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest or the Department of State’s travel website.
Special Travel Circumstances in Romania
Stray dogs are common in Romania and generally tolerated. Strays are often fed and are seen frequently in public areas, especially in or near parks. Some statistics report one dog bite hourly in Bucharest. Because the immunization status of stray dogs is unknown, precautions to prevent rabies are recommended. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more details. If you encounter dogs that appear aggressive, it is best to change your path to avoid contact with them.
Romania's customs authorities strictly regulate temporary importation or exportation of firearms, antiquities, and medications, into and from Romania. Romanian law allows you to bring cash into or out of Romania; however, you must declare sums larger than 10,000 Euros or the equivalent. You should contact the Embassy of Romania in Washington or one of Romania's consulates in the United States (see above) for specific information regarding customs requirements.
The unit of currency in Romania is the leu (also called the RON). ATMs, called "bancomats" in Romanian, are widely available throughout larger cities. However, ATMs that accept debit cards from the United States are less widespread. Look for international banks or ATMs that have symbols for international networks such as STAR and PLUS.
While major credit cards are accepted in many places, there is risk of fraud (see Crime). Contrary to practice in the United States, a PIN is usually required to make credit card purchases. Many U.S. banks allow cardholders to establish such a PIN prior to travel, in case one is needed. Regardless, you should notify your bank of your international travel, and the potential legitimate use of your card abroad, prior to leaving the United States. Travelers' checks are of limited use but may be used to purchase local currency at some exchange houses.
Both official and societal corruption remains problematic in Romania despite many new laws enacted prior to Romania’s entry into the European Union in 2007. For more details, please see the Embassy’s website page on corruption.
We are not aware of any special problems regarding dual-national Romanian-U.S. citizens in Romania.
Romania is situated in a seismically active region and has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the greatest risk occurring in Bucharest. Mountainous areas of the country can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in the spring and summer months. Winter storms are severe and icy streets and sidewalks are hazardous; you should wear shoe traction devices to prevent slipping and be alert for falling icicles. While responsibility for caring for disaster victims, including foreigners, rests with Romanian authorities, disaster preparedness is also a personal responsibility.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.