Romania

Professional Visa Navigation Services

Whether you're planning to explore Romania's medieval castles in Transylvania, conduct business in dynamic Bucharest, or pursue academic opportunities at prestigious Romanian universities, understanding the country's visa requirements is essential for seamless travel.

Comprehensive Immigration Framework

Romania became a full member of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, fundamentally transforming its visa policy. As a Schengen member, Romania now requires visitors to hold a Schengen visa for short-term stays, with time spent in Romania counting toward the standard 90-day maximum stay within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out in phases, with full operation expected from April 10, 2026, introducing biometric registration at border crossings. Additionally, citizens of over 60 visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS authorization to enter Romania starting in late 2026.

Key Traveler Categories Requiring Guidance:

• Business professionals seeking market opportunities
• Students pursuing European education
• Tourists exploring cultural heritage sites
• Long-term residents and family reunification cases
• Digital nomads and remote workers
• Investors and entrepreneurs establishing Romanian operations

Our expert team transforms complex Romanian immigration processes into clear, actionable strategies, providing end-to-end guidance tailored to your unique situation and travel objectives.

Your visa requirements for Romania depend on your nationality and travel purpose. As an EU member state that became a full member of the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025, Romania now follows standard Schengen visa regulations.

Visa-Free Travel to Romania

EU/EEA citizens can enter Romania freely with a valid ID card or passport for unlimited stays. No visa required for citizens of:

• United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand - 90 days within any 180-day period
• United Kingdom - 90 days in any 180-day period
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore - 90 days within any 180-day period
• Brazil, Argentina, Chile - 90 days within any 180-day period
• Israel, UAE, South Africa - 90 days within any 180-day period

Important Entry Requirements

All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date. Ensure sufficient blank pages for entry stamps.

ETIAS Requirement Starting Late 2026

Citizens of over 60 visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS to enter Romania starting in late 2026. This is a quick online application costing 20 EUR, approved in minutes, and does not change the 90-day stay limit. If you are from a country that currently enjoys visa-free travel to Europe, you will soon need an ETIAS travel authorization for short-term stays.

Who Needs a Visa

Citizens from China, India, and more require a visa before arrival. Romania now requires visitors to hold a Schengen visa for short-term stays, and travelers who hold the passport of a country with a visa-exemption agreement with the EU can travel to Romania without a visa. No visa-on-arrival services available.

Transit Requirements

Airport transit visas required for specific nationalities during layovers. Transit without visa possible for EU citizens and visa-free countries listed above.

Always verify current requirements through Romania's official consular services, as visa policies can change based on diplomatic agreements and seasonal regulations.

Romania's visa system accommodates diverse travel purposes through carefully structured categories. Since Romania joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, understanding these distinctions ensures proper application selection and smoother processing outcomes.

Short-Stay Visas (Type C)

Short-stay visas permit stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, ideal for tourism, business activities, family visits, and conferences. This visa allows freedom of movement within the 29 member countries of the Schengen Area.

• Single-entry: One entry into Romania and the Schengen Area permitted
• Multiple-entry: Unlimited entries during validity period across all Schengen states
• Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For passengers remaining in international transit areas; Transit Visa (Type B): For travelers transiting through Romanian territory, with maximum 5-day validity

The standard fee for short-stay Type C visas is €90 (approximately $98 USD) for adults and €45 ($49 USD) for children aged 6 to 12.

Long-Stay Visas (Type D)

Long-stay visas allow entry and initial stay for up to 90 days, enabling holders to apply for residence permits upon arrival. The fee for Type D visas is €120 (approximately $131 USD).

Employment visas (D/AM) are issued to third-country nationals employed by Romanian employers, requiring work authorization. Student visas (D/SD) support pre-graduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies at accredited Romanian institutions, and are also granted to trainees and pupils.

Family reunion visas (D/VF) unite family members with Romanian residents or citizens, requiring comprehensive relationship documentation. Commercial activity visas (D/AC) serve shareholders with management powers in Romanian companies planning investment.

Specialized Categories

Diplomatic and official visas (symbol DS) serve government representatives and international organization personnel. These require formal governmental requests and diplomatic correspondence.

Religious activity visas (D/AR) accommodate individuals carrying out activities in recognized cults, while scientific research visas (D/CS) support research activities with endorsement from the Ministry of Research and Innovation. Professional activity visas (D/AP) enable individual professional activities on Romanian territory.

Romania introduced a digital nomad visa category, allowing remote workers employed outside Romania to obtain temporary residence permits initially valid for 6 months and renewable up to 3 years.

Processing Considerations

Standard processing for short-stay visas requires 10-15 working days. Long-stay visa applications are typically decided within 60 days, though employment and secondment applications previously endorsed by authorities are processed within 20 days.

Multiple-entry visas demand additional documentation demonstrating travel necessity and financial capacity. Long-stay visa holders must apply for residence permit extensions at least 30 days before visa expiry, transitioning temporary authorization into extended legal status.

Standard Processing Times

Short-stay tourist visas are generally processed within 10-15 working days, though this period may be extended to up to 45 days if more detailed examination of the application or additional documents are required. Work permits typically require approximately 30 days for processing, depending on the consulate or embassy. Student visas range from 10 to 15 working days, depending on the applicant's nationality and document completeness. Processing times can be affected by seasonal peaks, workload at specific consulates, and whether additional security checks are necessary.

Visa Costs and Fee Structure

Short-stay visas are €90 (approximately $98 USD) for adults and €45 (approximately $49 USD) for children aged 6 to 12. Long-stay visas for work, study, or other purposes are €120 (approximately $131 USD). The Romania digital nomad visa costs €120 (approximately $131 USD) in application fees. Children under 6 years are exempt from visa fees. Some visa applicants may be eligible for reduced fees or exemptions based on bilateral agreements between Romania and their country of origin.

Application Locations and Methods

Applications are submitted through Romanian embassies, consulates, or Visa Application Centers in your home country or the country where you legally reside. Visa applications must be lodged individually, with each traveler applying for their own visa. Online pre-registration is required through the official eVisa portal before attending an in-person appointment. All supporting documents must be presented in original and copy when visiting the Romanian diplomatic mission or consular post. Biometric appointments are mandatory for first-time applicants.

Required Documentation

• Valid passport with at least three months validity beyond the estimated exit date from the Schengen Area, containing at least two blank pages and issued within the last 10 years
• Completed visa application form with recent biometric photograph
• Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for visitors to Romania and other Schengen states
• Proof of accommodation and financial means for the duration of stay
• Employment letter, invitation documents, or purpose-specific supporting documents as required

Payment and Success Rates

Visa fees are payable in euros, US dollars, or local currency depending on the embassy or consulate location. The visa processing fee is non-refundable if a negative decision has been taken on the application or if the application is withdrawn. Romania's Schengen visa rejection rate was 9.4% in 2024, with incomplete submissions and insufficient documentation accounting for the majority of delays and refusals. Ensuring all required documents are complete and accurate before submission significantly improves approval chances.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose. Romania issues uniform Schengen visas (Type C) for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and national visas (Type D) for long-term stays exceeding 90 days. Each category has distinct requirements, documentation, and processing procedures.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect all necessary documents including:

• Valid passport with at least three months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Travel insurance coverage with minimum coverage for the Schengen area
• Proof of accommodation and financial means

Document translations into Romanian or English by an authorized translator are advisable. Ensure all supporting documents are specific to your visa category and travel purpose.

Step 3: Complete Application Through E-VIZA Portal

The most common method is completing the application form through the official Romania eViza portal at evisa.mae.ro, then personally visiting the Romanian embassy or consulate to submit documents and provide biometric data. Applications should be lodged at least 2 weeks before your estimated departure date and not more than 3 months in advance. Fill out all information accurately, as the portal allows you to upload scanned copies of required documents before your in-person appointment.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

You must obtain an appointment through the eVisa portal before visiting the embassy, and after validation of your file, you will receive an appointment at the consular section. Check your online visa application regularly for updates, as you may be asked to upload additional supporting documents for pre-validation. Peak seasons may require booking several weeks in advance.

Step 5: Attend Appointment and Submit Biometrics

Attend the visa appointment where you will submit your completed application and biometrics including fingerprints. You will need to submit fingerprints and a photograph using a digital finger scanner that collects images of all 10 digits, with no inks or chemicals involved. Under current regulations, applicants are required to attend this final stage in person, and immigration agencies cannot replace your personal presence at the embassy. Pay visa fees using accepted methods at this appointment.

Step 6: Track Application Status

The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days, though this period may be extended up to 45 days if more detailed examination or additional documents are required. Short-stay Type C visas are generally processed within 10-15 working days. You can track your visa status on the eVisa portal using your application ID.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Retrieve your passport with the visa decision from the embassy or consulate. If approved, verify all visa details are correct before travel, including validity dates, number of entries, and your personal information.