Romania visas
Romania is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. Romania joined the Schengen Area fully on 1 January 2025 (air and sea borders from 31 March 2024). For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Romania issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide. Start your application online today — our visa experts will check everything before it is submitted.
Important information
Romanian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
Romanian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Romania Visa
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.
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 (2026)
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.
Romania Visa Categories (2026)
Romania issues three main categories of entry visas, depending on the purpose and duration of stay:
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.
- 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.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents before applying. A full checklist can be found here Documents Required (2026). 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
Full details: Romania Visa Fees (2026) and Romania Visa Processing Times (2026).
Romania Visa Application Process (2026)
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.
- Collect your passport once approved and check the visa sticker for accuracy.
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.
Explore Schengen Visa Countries
A Schengen visa is required for any entering Romania.
- Austria Visa — Belgium Visa — Croatia Visa
- Czech Republic Visa — Denmark Visa — Estonia Visa
- Finland Visa — Switzerland Visa — France Visa
- Germany Visa — Greece Visa — Hungary Visa
- Iceland Visa — Italy Visa — Latvia Visa
- Liechtenstein Visa — Lithuania Visa — Luxembourg Visa
- Malta Visa — Netherlands Visa — Norway Visa
- Poland Visa — Portugal Visa — Slovakia Visa
- Slovenia Visa — Spain Visa — Sweden Visa
Romania and the Schengen Area (2026)
Schengen Processing Times (2026) and
Schengen Priority & Express Services (2026).
- 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.
Romania — key facts
- Short-stay visa
- Schengen visa (Type C)
- Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
- Short-stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- The shared Schengen short-stay rule
- Long stays
- National visa (Type D)
- Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
- ETIAS
- Travel authorisation
- For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
- EES
- Biometric borders
- Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026
Romanian visas — people also ask
Romania is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.