Romania Visa for Indians 2026: Complete Guide

Do Indians Need a Visa for Romania? (2026 Quick Answer)

Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa to visit Romania in 2026. There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa option, and no visa-free entry for Indian nationals. All applications must be submitted in advance, with biometric data collected in person at a VFS Global Romania application centre in India.

Romania completed its Schengen integration in two stages. Air and sea border controls were removed on March 31, 2024, and land border controls with Hungary and Bulgaria followed on January 1, 2025. Romania now operates under standard Schengen visa procedures, issuing the same Schengen Type C short-stay visa that governs travel across all 29 Schengen countries.

The Schengen Type C visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period across the entire Schengen Area. The same visa grants access to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and other members, making it one of the more travel-friendly European authorizations for Indian nationals.

One practical point: if you already hold a valid, multi-entry Schengen visa from another Schengen country, you can enter Romania without a separate Romania visa application. This provision has been in place since March 2024.

Romania Visa Types for Indians

For stays up to 90 days, all standard travel purposes fall under the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C). The purpose of travel determines which supporting documents are required, but the visa category itself is the same.

Tourist Visa

The most common category for Indian travelers, the tourist visa covers sightseeing, leisure, and cultural visits. Romania's Transylvania region, Bucharest, Bran Castle, the Danube Delta, and the Carpathian mountains draw a growing number of Indian visitors. Flight connectivity through major European hubs makes Romania increasingly accessible.

Business Visa

The business visa covers meetings, conferences, trade visits, and client-facing activities. Applicants cannot take up employment in Romania on this visa. Typical supporting documents include an invitation letter from the Romanian counterpart, business registration, and a letter from the Indian employer confirming the business purpose and the applicant's intent to return.

Visiting Family or Friends

For foreign nationals visiting close family members or friends residing legally in Romania, a notarized invitation letter from the host is typically required. The host may also be asked to provide proof of accommodation and financial coverage for the visit.

For longer stays — study programs, employment, or relocation — a National Visa (Type D) is required. That category involves a separate, more involved application process and falls outside the scope of this guide, which focuses on the Type C short-stay visa for Indian travelers.

Romania Visa Cost and Fees for Indians (2026)

The total cost of a Romania visa for Indian applicants has two mandatory components: the official Schengen consular fee payable to the Romanian Embassy and the VFS Global service charge. Travel insurance is an additional mandatory expense.

Official Schengen Consular Fee

As of June 11, 2024, the fee for a Schengen visa was raised from EUR 80 to EUR 90 for adults and from EUR 40 to EUR 45 for children aged six to below 12 years. The current official fee, which applies to Romania applications in 2026, is:

• Adults (18 and above) — EUR 90, approximately INR 9,720 at current exchange rates
• Children aged 6 to 11 — EUR 45, approximately INR 4,860
• Children under 6 — no consular fee

These fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Whether the visa is approved, refused, or withdrawn, the consular fee is not returned. The fee is collected in Indian Rupees at the VFS centre, converted from Euro at the applicable embassy exchange rate on the date of payment.

VFS Global Service Charge

VFS Global charges a separate service fee for facilitating the application on behalf of the Romanian consulate. VFS service charges vary by country, typically ranging from INR 1,900 to INR 3,100. Up-to-date charges are published on the VFS Global India portal for Romania applications, and applicants are advised to verify the exact amount before booking an appointment.

Visarun.ai Total Cost

When applying through Visarun.ai, the total price for a Romania tourist visa for an Indian adult applicant is USD 176. This covers a government fee component of USD 104 and a Visarun service fee of USD 72. Visarun handles document review, application form preparation, and pre-submission checks — reducing the risk of avoidable errors that commonly lead to delays or refusals.

Additional Costs

• Travel insurance — mandatory; the policy must provide a minimum EUR 30,000 in medical and repatriation coverage for the entire duration of the Schengen stay
• Flight itinerary reservations — if using a booking service rather than fully confirmed tickets
• Accommodation bookings — hotel confirmation costs vary by destination and stay length

Factoring in the consular fee, VFS service charge, and travel insurance, a realistic total for a typical adult applicant in India falls between INR 12,000 and INR 15,000 before the cost of flights and accommodation.

Required Documents Checklist

A Romania visa application requires a complete, internally consistent set of documents. The consulate evaluates the entire file as a whole — strong bank statements do not compensate for a missing employment letter, and confirmed hotels are ineffective if the itinerary conflicts with the cover letter.

• Valid Indian passport — at least 3 months of validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area, and a minimum of 2 blank pages for visa stamps
• Completed Schengen visa application form — signed and dated, available through VFS Global or Visarun.ai's guided flow
• Recent passport-size photographs — two photos, 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within the past 6 months, meeting Schengen photo specifications
• Travel insurance — valid for the entire Schengen stay, with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation; the policy must be issued by an insurer licensed in India
• Confirmed flight itinerary — showing entry into and exit from the Schengen Area, with dates consistent with the rest of the application
• Accommodation proof — hotel reservations for the full stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Romania
• Bank statements — last 3 months, demonstrating a stable balance sufficient to cover the trip without the need to work abroad
• Income Tax Returns (ITR) — typically the last 1 to 2 years, supporting financial credibility and ties to India
• Employment or business documentation — salaried applicants submit recent salary slips and a letter from their employer confirming leave approval; self-employed applicants provide business registration, GST certificate, and business bank statements
• Cover letter — a clear, concise letter explaining the purpose of travel, planned itinerary, and the applicant's reasons for returning to India at the end of the trip

For visits to family or friends in Romania, a notarized invitation letter from the Romanian resident host is required, along with documentation of the host's legal status (residence permit or Romanian citizenship proof).

How to Apply for a Romania Visa from India (Step-by-Step)

Romania visa applications from Indian residents are handled through VFS Global, which operates Romania application centres across India. The Romanian Embassy or Consulate in New Delhi retains authority over final visa decisions.

Step 1 — Confirm Jurisdiction and Book an Appointment

Applications are filed at the VFS Global Romania centre covering your place of residence. VFS India's portal lists all Romania application centre locations and their territorial coverage. Appointments are booked online. Slot availability tightens considerably from May to September — applicants traveling in summer should book 6 to 8 weeks before their departure date. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before travel and must be submitted at least 15 days before the intended journey.

Step 2 — Prepare and Submit Documents

Compile all required documents before the appointment date. At the VFS centre, applicants submit documents, pay the consular fee and service charge, and provide biometric data — fingerprints and a digital facial photograph. If biometric data from a previous Schengen visa was collected within the past 59 months, re-collection may not be necessary. VFS staff will confirm this at the appointment.

Step 3 — Consulate Review and Collection

VFS forwards the application to the Romanian Embassy or Consulate, which evaluates the file and takes the final decision. Visarun.ai is an application support service — the visa decision rests entirely with the Romanian consulate. Once a decision is made, the passport is returned through the VFS centre or via courier where available. Application status can be tracked through the VFS tracking system.

Romania Visa Processing Time

According to the Romanian Embassy in India, the normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days. This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.

Visarun.ai's platform reflects a processing window of 15 to 30 business days, accounting for the time between appointment date and actual consulate receipt, any requests for additional documents, and return logistics.

During peak travel months — June through August — processing times extend at all Schengen consulates. Applicants planning summer travel should submit at least 6 weeks before departure. For travel in other seasons, a 3 to 4 week lead time is generally sufficient. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended travel date.

Visa Validity and Length of Stay

A Romania Schengen Type C visa allows Indian travelers to remain inside the Schengen Area — Romania included — for up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. This is the standard Schengen 90/180 rule and applies to the entire Schengen Zone, not to Romania alone.

Visa validity and length of stay are separate concepts. Validity refers to the date window during which the visa can be used to enter Schengen. Length of stay is the maximum days permitted inside Schengen during that window. A visa valid for 180 days with a 90-day stay allowance permits multiple entries, provided total days in Schengen do not exceed 90 in any consecutive 180-day count.

Days spent in any Schengen country — not just Romania — count toward the 90-day limit. If you spend 30 days in Germany before traveling to Romania, only 60 Schengen days remain in that window. The EES, as of April 10, 2026, replaces the stamping of passports, allowing the automatic detection of overstayers.

First-time applicants to Romania are typically granted single-entry visas. Multiple-entry visas tend to be issued to applicants with a demonstrated travel history and prior Schengen experience. Romania should be the primary destination when applying through the Romanian consulate — applicants whose main stay will be in another Schengen country should generally apply at that country's consulate instead.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Schengen visa refusals for Indian applicants follow identifiable patterns. Addressing these in advance significantly improves the strength of an application.

Insufficient or Inconsistent Financial Proof

Bank statements are among the most closely reviewed documents. Consulate officers look for a stable, adequate balance across the 3-month period — not a large deposit made immediately before the application. A benchmark often cited is EUR 500 or more per week of planned travel, though the consulate evaluates the full financial picture. Statements showing regular income and steady savings carry more weight than a lump-sum transfer made shortly before the application date.

Weak Ties to India

The embassy needs assurance that applicants will return to India after the visit. Those who cannot demonstrate strong ties to India are often refused due to concerns about overstaying. Strong ties include stable employment, business ownership, family responsibilities, and property in India. A specific, honest cover letter addressing the applicant's personal and professional situation helps address this concern directly.

Unclear or Contradictory Itinerary

If the cover letter describes a different trip from the one in the hotel bookings or flight itinerary — different dates, different cities — the file appears unreliable. Every document in the application should describe the same trip. Preparing the cover letter and itinerary together, cross-checking all dates and destinations, avoids this problem.

Inadequate Travel Insurance

Insurance that does not meet the EUR 30,000 minimum coverage, covers only India, or has gaps between the policy period and the planned stay dates is a direct grounds for refusal. The policy must cover every day of the Schengen stay. Purchasing a policy from an India-based insurer recognized for international medical coverage is the standard approach.

Incomplete Documents and Prior Visa Violations

Incorrect paperwork or missing elements are major contributors to Romania visa rejection. Missing documents, unsigned forms, photographs that do not meet specifications, or discrepancies between copies and originals are common administrative causes of refusal. A record of overstaying a previous visa in any country, or prior Schengen refusals, is also a significant flag. Applicants with any prior visa complications should address them directly in the cover letter.

Recent Changes (2025-2026 Updates)

Romania Becomes a Full Schengen Member

Land borders followed on January 1, 2025, completing full Schengen integration. Internal air and sea border checks had been lifted on March 31, 2024. As a full member of the 29-country Schengen Area, Romania now applies the same visa regime as France, Germany, or Spain. An Indian traveler who secures a Romania-issued Schengen visa can travel freely across all Schengen member states for the duration of the visa's validity, subject to the 90/180 rule.

Valid Schengen Visa Grants Romania Entry

Since March 31, 2024, holders of a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa (Type C) issued by any Schengen member state can enter Romania for short stays via air or sea border points. With land border controls removed in January 2025, this benefit now extends across all entry points under the unified Schengen framework.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) — Fully Operational from April 2026

As of April 10, 2026, the EES replaces the stamping of passports, allowing the automatic detection of overstayers — travelers who have exceeded the maximum duration of their authorized stay. EES records fingerprints and a facial image at first Schengen entry; this data remains valid for three years. The visa requirement for Indian nationals is unchanged. EES is a border management tool, not a visa system.

Schengen Visa Fee Increase — EUR 90 from June 2024

As of June 11, 2024, the fee for a Schengen visa was raised from EUR 80 to EUR 90 for adults and from EUR 40 to EUR 45 for children aged six to below 12 years. These revised fees apply to all Romania visa applications submitted in 2026.

ETIAS — Not Applicable to Indian Nationals

ETIAS will become mandatory for visa-free short stays — once India is added to the visa-waiver list, which is not yet the case. According to a European Union statement, ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. Indian passport holders require a full Schengen visa to enter Europe and are not subject to ETIAS. The launch of ETIAS has no impact on the Romania visa process for Indian applicants.

FAQ

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Romania in 2026?

Yes. Indian citizens require a Schengen Type C short-stay visa to visit Romania. There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa, and no visa-free access for Indian nationals. Applications must be submitted in advance at a VFS Global Romania centre in India, with biometric data collected in person.

Can Indians enter Romania using a valid Schengen visa from another country?

Yes. A valid, multi-entry Schengen Type C visa issued by any Schengen member state allows entry into Romania without a separate Romania visa — at air, sea, and land border crossings. The visa must be multi-entry and still valid. A single-entry visa that has already been used does not qualify.

How much does a Romania visa cost for Indians in 2026?

The official Schengen consular fee is EUR 90 for adults (approximately INR 9,720) and EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11 (approximately INR 4,860). Children under 6 are exempt from the consular fee. VFS Global charges a separate service fee of approximately INR 1,900 to INR 3,100. Mandatory travel insurance is an additional cost. All consular fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

What is the total cost when applying through Visarun.ai?

Visarun.ai's total price for an adult Indian applicant is USD 176, comprising a government fee of USD 104 and a Visarun service fee of USD 72. This covers document preparation, form filling, application review, and guided submission support. Travel insurance is arranged separately and is not included in this amount.

How long does Romania visa processing take for Indians?

The Romanian Embassy's stated standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date of submission. Applications requiring additional review can take up to 45 days. Visarun.ai's overall processing window is 15 to 30 business days, reflecting real-world variation including submission logistics and consulate workload. During peak summer months, applicants should allow at least 6 weeks from the application date to their intended departure.

How long can I stay in Romania with a Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. This limit applies across the entire Schengen Area — not to Romania alone. Days spent in any other Schengen country during the same 180-day window count toward the total. With the EU's Entry/Exit System now active, digital records replace passport stamps in tracking this allowance, making overstaying much easier for border authorities to detect.

What documents are required for a Romania visa from India?

The core documents are: a valid Indian passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the planned departure date and 2 blank pages; completed Schengen application form; recent passport-size photographs meeting Schengen specifications; travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for the full Schengen stay; confirmed flight itinerary; hotel bookings or a notarized host invitation letter; 3 months of bank statements; income tax returns; employment or business documentation; and a cover letter stating travel purpose and ties to India.

What is EES and does it affect Indian travelers applying for a Romania visa?

The EU Entry/Exit System became fully operational on April 10, 2026, replacing passport stamping with digital biometric recording. Indian travelers still need a full Schengen visa — EES does not change the visa requirement. At first Schengen entry, fingerprints and a facial image are collected; this data then verifies identity on future entries and automatically tracks days used.

What are the most common reasons Romania visas are refused for Indians?

The most frequent causes of refusal are: insufficient or inconsistent bank statements; failure to demonstrate meaningful ties to India such as stable employment, family, or property; an itinerary that contradicts other documents in the file; travel insurance that does not meet the EUR 30,000 minimum; and missing or incorrectly prepared documents. Addressing each of these systematically before submission significantly reduces the likelihood of a refusal.

Can I reapply after a Romania visa refusal?

Yes. A refusal does not permanently bar a new application. The refusal notice states the grounds for the decision. Applicants typically wait 2 to 3 months before reapplying and use that period to strengthen the file based on the stated reasons. Consular fees are non-refundable, so a fresh payment is required with any new submission.