
Romania Visa
Do you need a visa to visit Romania? Eligibility, Documents, Fees & How to Apply.
Visit Government WebsiteThis page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and Schengen-aligned visa policy (2025). For document upload instructions, see Schengen Digital Document Upload Guide (2025).
Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
Romania, an EU member state since 2007, applies visa regulations harmonised with the Schengen Visa Code (EU Regulation No. 810/2009).
While not yet a full member of the Schengen Area, Romania recognises valid Schengen visas and residence permits for short stays of up to 90 days, allowing eligible travellers to enter without a separate Romanian visa.
From March 2024, Romania joined the Schengen zone by air and sea, with full land border integration expected by 2025–2026.
This means that travellers entering via Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Timișoara airports can enjoy Schengen-style entry procedures while Romania continues to issue national visas under the oversight of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).
Who Needs a Visa for Romania (2025)
Most travellers from the EU, EEA, and Schengen countries do not require a visa for Romania.
However, foreign nationals from visa-required countries must obtain an entry visa before travel unless exempt under a Schengen or EU residence permit.
- Visa not required for citizens of: EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several other visa-exempt countries.
- Visa required for citizens of: India, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, and other third-country nationals without EU/Schengen privileges.
Travellers holding valid Schengen visas or residence permits may enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, provided their documents remain valid throughout their stay.
Full eligibility guidance is available in:
Visa Eligibility Requirements (2025).
Ready to apply? Click below to start your Romanian Visa Application.
Start ApplicationRomania Visa Categories (2025)
Romania issues three main categories of entry visas, depending on the purpose and duration of stay:
- Type A (Airport Transit Visa): For travellers transiting through Romanian airports en route to another destination.
- Type C (Short-Stay Visa): For stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, tourism, business, family visits, cultural events, or medical treatment.
- Type D (Long-Stay Visa): For stays exceeding 90 days, work, study, research, or family reunification.
Each visa type is issued under the authority of the MAE and may lead to residence permit applications handled by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in Romania.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents before applying. A full checklist can be found here Documents Required (2025). These typically include:
Valid passport and recent photographs.
Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary.
Evidence of sufficient funds.
Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage).
Visa fee payment receipt.
Romania Visa Fees and Processing Times
- Short-Stay Visa (Type C): €80 (adults), €40 (children 6–11), free under 6
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D): €120 (standard)
- Processing Time: 10–15 working days (Type C) / 30–60 days (Type D)
Full details: Visa Fees (2025) and Processing Times (2025).
Romania Visa Application Process (2025)
Visa applications are submitted through the Romania eVisa Portal or the VFS Global network.
The process includes:
- Complete the online visa form and upload required documents.
- Book an appointment at a Romanian embassy or VFS Global centre.
- Provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints) at your appointment.
- Wait for processing — typically 10–15 working days for short-stay visas or 30–60 days for long-stay visas.
- Collect your passport once approved and check the visa sticker for accuracy.
See detailed guidance in the Visa Application Guide (2025).
Who Can Visit Romania Without a Visa?
EU nationals do not require a visa for stays of less than 90 days in Romania. Those who intend to remain longer must obtain a residence permit. Failure to comply may result in deportation or even a fine.
Romania Visa Guidance & Resources (2025)
| Schengen Priority & Express Services (2025) |
| Biometric Enrolment Process (2025) |
| Digital Document Upload Guide (2025) |
| Schengen Processing Times (2025) |
| Romania Visa: Core Guides |
| Romania Visa Categories |
| Application Support & Process |
| EU / Schengen Travel Resources |
| Visa Applications Team |
Explore Schengen Visa Countries
A Schengen visa is required for any entering Romania.
Romania and the Schengen Area (2025)
Romania applies the Schengen Visa Code and is partially integrated into the Schengen system (air and sea borders as of 2024).
This means:
- Travellers with a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Romanian visas are not yet valid for entry into other Schengen countries (until full accession).
- Border-free travel between Romania, Bulgaria, and Schengen states is expected to expand during 2025–2026.
For full Schengen updates, visit:
Schengen Processing Times (2025) and
Schengen Priority & Express Services (2025).