Romania Visa Eligibility Requirements (2025)

This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current EU and Romanian immigration guidance. You can confirm current rates and costs through our Romanian Visa Application Guide.

All foreign nationals must meet Romania’s entry and visa eligibility requirements before travelling.
Although Romania is not yet a full Schengen member, it applies visa rules that are harmonised with the Schengen Visa Code (EU Regulation 810/2009) and EU immigration policy.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Romania

You must apply for a Romania visa if you:

• Are a citizen of a country not exempt under Romania’s visa policy.
• Do not hold a valid Schengen visa, residence permit, or EU/EEA residence card.
• Plan to stay in Romania for more than 90 days (for study, work, or family reasons).
• Are transiting through Romania on the way to a third country and do not hold visa exemptions.

Visa-exempt nationals can enter Romania without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 day period, provided they do not engage in paid employment.

Who Does Not Need a Visa

You do not need a Romania visa if you are:

• A citizen of an EU or EEA country.
• A holder of a valid Schengen visa (Type C or D).
• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state.
• A holder of a valid UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or long-term residence card.
• A national of a visa-exempt country, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea.

Travellers under these categories can enter and stay in Romania for up to 90 days without a separate Romanian visa.

General Entry Conditions

To be eligible for entry into Romania, all travellers (with or without a visa) must:

• Hold a valid passport issued within the last 10 years.
• Have sufficient funds to cover the duration of stay and onward travel.
• Provide proof of accommodation or travel plans in Romania.
• Hold valid travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
• Have no immigration alerts or entry bans recorded in Romania or other EU states.

Visa Types and Eligibility

Romania issues three main categories of visas depending on purpose and duration:

• Short-Stay Visa (Type C): For tourism, business, medical, family visits, or short-term cultural activities lasting up to 90 days.
• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For residence, study, employment, or family reunification lasting more than 90 days.
• Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For transiting through Romanian airports without entering national territory.

Each visa category has specific documentation and approval criteria.
See Documents Required (2025) for detailed checklists.

Special Visa Exemptions

Romania recognises Schengen and certain national permits for entry exemption. You do not need a separate Romania visa if you hold:

• A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa.
• A Schengen residence permit issued by any member state.
• A residence permit issued by Bulgaria, Cyprus, or Croatia (reciprocal arrangement).
• A valid UK residence permit or long-term visa (for short visits only).

These exemptions apply only for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and only if the visa or permit remains valid upon entry.

Who Is Not Eligible for a Visa

Romanian embassies may refuse to issue a visa if an applicant:

• Has previously violated Romanian or Schengen immigration rules.
• Cannot demonstrate sufficient financial means or travel purpose.
• Has submitted fraudulent or incomplete documentation.
• Appears on an EU or Interpol alert list.

Proof of Financial Means

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover expenses during their stay:

• Short-stay visas: Minimum of €50 per day, with at least €500 total.
• Long-stay visas: Evidence of stable income, savings, or sponsorship support for at least one year.

Bank statements, pay slips, or sponsor letters are accepted forms of proof.

Health and Security Requirements

All applicants must:

• Provide a medical certificate (if required for long-term visas).
• Hold travel insurance valid for Romania and covering at least €30,000.
• Not pose a threat to public health, security, or public order in Romania.

Common Ineligibility Reasons (2025)

Romanian embassies frequently refuse visa applications for:

• Inadequate documentation or missing translations.
• Unclear travel purpose (especially for tourism or business).
• Insufficient financial or employment proof.
• Previous Schengen or Romanian visa overstays.

Related Guidance

• Documents Required (2025)
• Application Guide (2025)
• Visa Fees (2025)
• Processing Times (2025)
• Visa Refusal Reasons (2025)

About This Page

Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team.
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: November 2025.