Romania entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can enter Romania visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). Since 2024, Romania is part of the Schengen area, so entry rules match other Schengen countries. Ensure your passport meets validity requirements and carry supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Romania. Romania is part of the Schengen zone for visa-free travel, so the 90/180-day rule applies across all Schengen countries. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania | Immigration officers may ask for a return or onward ticket to confirm you leave within the visa-free period. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a letter from your host in Romania. Border officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card available. Officers may ask for evidence of at least €100 per day of stay, though enforcement is inconsistent. | Recommended |
Romania is now part of the Schengen area
As of 2024, Romania is fully in the Schengen zone. This means entry rules are the same as for other Schengen countries. Your 90-day visa-free period counts across all Schengen countries combined, not just Romania.
Overstaying has consequences
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period can result in fines (100–200 RON per day) and a possible re-entry ban. Set a reminder to leave before your time is up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport is valid for 6+ months from entry. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Get travel insurance and a local eSIM if you want data on arrival.
2
Arrive at Romanian border
At the airport (e.g., Otopeni in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara) or land border, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Austrian passports are processed quickly — usually under 2 minutes.
3
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will check the photo, validity, and may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it for exit.
5
Exit Romania
When leaving, present your passport again. The officer will stamp the exit. Make sure you leave before your 90 days are up — overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free not suitable. Apply at Romanian embassy in Vienna.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Requires proof of multiple trips. Useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For Austrian nationals with a job offer in Romania. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence and access to healthcare.
student visa
Student Visa (Long-stay)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For enrollment in Romanian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient income (e.g., pension) and health insurance. No work allowed. Requires proof of accommodation.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Romania. Requires proof of employment and minimum income (approx. €3,000/month). Allows stay without local tax liability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. Apply at Romanian embassy. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. Requires justification. | €120 (approx. $130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €800 (approx. $870 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €4 (approx. $4.35 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Romania
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Romanian airports, as Romania is part of the Schengen area for air transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsHenri Coandă International Airport (OTP) – Bucharest · Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) · Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)
Health & vaccines for Romania
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised. Tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water recommended in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bucharest
Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI)
Strada Nicolae Iorga nr. 23, Sector 1, Bucharest
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring all original documents and copies.
Cluj-Napoca
Inspectoratul Teritorial pentru Imigrări Cluj
Strada Moților nr. 1, Cluj-Napoca
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and residence permits for Transylvania region.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.45 RON
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water varies significantly by region.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, Austrian passport holders do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). Romania is part of the Schengen area, so entry is visa-free for EU citizens.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule. If you want to stay longer, you would need to apply for a temporary residence permit from the Romanian Immigration Office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) before your 90 days expire.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave Romania before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines (typically 100–200 RON per day) and a possible re-entry ban.
Your valid Austrian passport (6+ months validity), and possibly your return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is not required but recommended. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay.
No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs can be high. If you need medical treatment, you'll have to pay upfront and claim later — insurance covers that.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may be fined (100–200 RON per day overstayed), and in serious cases, you could be banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 5 years. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
No, the visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot work (paid or unpaid) without a work permit. If you plan to work, you need to apply for a work visa and residence permit before arriving.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.