Romania entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Romania without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, Romania is part of the Schengen area, so you can travel freely for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Ensure your passport meets validity rules and have the essentials ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport only needs to be valid for the time you plan to stay in Romania. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania | Immigration officers at Romanian airports check for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card as backup. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024. Your 90-day limit counts across all Schengen countries, not just Romania. Keep track of your days in the entire Schengen zone.
Overstay consequences
Overstaying even a few days can lead to fines and a re-entry ban. Set a reminder on your phone a few days before your 90 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and print or save digital copies of your return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them easily accessible on your phone.
2
Arrive at the border
At any Romanian airport (e.g., Bucharest Otopeni, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara) or land border crossing, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Have your passport ready.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about the purpose of your visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly. If asked, show your return ticket and accommodation confirmation.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible before you walk away. Keep your passport safe during your stay.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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. $88 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free entry is not suitable. Apply at Romanian embassy in Sofia.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity; must still respect 90/180-day rule.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For Bulgarian citizens employed by a Romanian company. Requires a work permit obtained by employer, valid employment contract, and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For enrollment in accredited Romanian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work up to 4 hours/day.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (D/VF)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For family members of Romanian citizens or legal residents. Requires proof of relationship, adequate housing, and sufficient income. Leads to long-term residence after 5 years.
business visa
Romanian Business Visa (D/DA)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs or investors establishing a company in Romania. Requires business plan, proof of investment (minimum ~€50,000), and registration with Romanian Trade Register.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying the 90/180-day limit; maximum cap may apply. | €4 (approx. $4.40 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay, though deportation may also occur. | €400 (approx. $440 USD) |
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
Bulgarian citizens do not need a transit visa to pass through Romanian airports, as Bulgaria is an EU member and Romania applies Schengen rules 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
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas; prompt removal reduces risk.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water advised 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
General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
Str. Nicolae Dărăscu nr. 7, Sector 6
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian Vuia nr. 50
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for Transylvania region. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.51 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, Bulgarian passport holders do not need a visa for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or visiting family.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen area rule. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit from the Romanian Immigration Office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări).
You may be denied entry. Romanian border guards strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days expire. Contact the Romanian Immigration Office in your area.
If you stay in a hotel, the hotel registers you automatically. If you stay in a private residence, you must register with the local police within 3 days of arrival. Failure to do so can result in a fine of 100–500 RON (about 20–100 EUR).
Overstaying can result in a fine (typically 100–500 RON, about 20–100 EUR), a ban from entering Romania or the Schengen area for up to 3 years, and deportation. Always track your days carefully.
No, the visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family only. You cannot work or study without the appropriate visa or permit. If you plan to work, you need a work visa and a residence permit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.