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 maintains a structured visa policy that balances security with accessibility. As an EU member state strategically positioned between Western and Eastern Europe, Romania welcomes millions of visitors annually while maintaining rigorous entry standards.

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

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's not yet part of the Schengen Area, Romania has specific entry requirements that differ from other European destinations.

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 180-day period
• United Kingdom - 90 days in any 180-day period (post-Brexit rules)
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore - 90 days within 180-day period
• Brazil, Argentina, Chile - 90 days within 180-day period
• Israel, UAE, South Africa - 90 days within 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.

Who Needs a Visa

Citizens from China, India, Russia, Turkey and most African and Asian countries require a visa before arrival. 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. Understanding these distinctions ensures proper application selection and smoother processing outcomes.

Short-Stay Visas (Type C)

Tourist visas permit stays up to 90 days within 180-day periods, ideal for leisure travel and family visits. Business visas facilitate commercial activities, conferences, and professional meetings under identical duration limits.

• Single-entry: One Romania entry permitted
• Multiple-entry: Unlimited entries during validity period
• Transit visas: Maximum 5-day airport or territorial transit

Long-Stay Visas (Type D)

Employment visas require work authorization and enable extended professional engagement. Student visas support academic pursuits at recognized Romanian institutions, typically issued for academic year durations.

Family reunion visas unite family members with Romanian residents or citizens, requiring comprehensive relationship documentation.

Specialized Categories

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

Cultural and sports visas accommodate artists, athletes, and cultural exchange participants for specific events or programs.

Processing Considerations

Standard processing requires 10-15 working days, though complex applications may extend timeframes. Multiple-entry visas demand additional documentation demonstrating travel necessity and financial capacity.

Long-stay visas often require residence permit applications upon Romanian arrival, transitioning temporary authorization into extended legal status.

Standard Processing Times

Tourist visas: 15-20 business days during standard periods, extending to 25-30 days during peak summer months (June-August). Business visas: 10-15 business days for standard processing. Work permits: 30-45 days depending on documentation completeness. Student visas: 20-30 business days, with longer delays during enrollment periods (August-September).

Visa Costs and Fee Structure

Short-stay visas: €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12 years. Long-stay visas range from €120-180 depending on purpose. Work permit fees: €200-300 plus administrative charges. Expedited processing available for additional €50-75 fee, reducing standard timeframes by 40-50%.

Application Locations and Methods

Applications submitted through Romanian consulates, VFS Global centers, or authorized visa service providers. Online pre-registration required via official consular websites. Major processing centers located in London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome. Biometric appointments mandatory for first-time applicants.

Required Documentation

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Completed application form with recent photograph
• Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
• Proof of accommodation and financial means
• Employment letter or invitation documents

Payment and Success Rates

Fees payable via bank transfer, credit card, or cash depending on location. Current approval rates: 85-92% for complete applications. Incomplete submissions account for 60% of delays and rejections.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose - tourist, business, study, or work. Short-stay visas (up to 90 days) and long-stay visas (over 90 days) have different requirements and processing procedures.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect all necessary documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity
• Completed application form
• Recent passport photographs
• Travel insurance coverage
• Proof of accommodation and financial means

Document legalization and certified translations into Romanian or English are mandatory for certain certificates.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Fill out the official visa application form accurately. Some consulates offer online pre-registration while others require paper submissions. Double-check all information before submission.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

Book an appointment at the Romanian consulate or visa application center. Peak seasons may require booking several weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Attend your appointment to submit documents and provide biometric data if required. Pay visa fees using accepted methods - typically cash, card, or bank transfer depending on location.

Step 6: Track Application Status

Monitor your application through official tracking systems. Processing times vary from 15-30 days for most visa types.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Retrieve your passport with the visa decision. If approved, verify all details are correct before travel.