Romania entry requirements for China passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
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

Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Romania in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
You need a visa to enter Romania. Apply online through the Romania eVisa Portal at evisa.mae.ro/en. Processing takes up to 30 days, so apply well in advance.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Chinese passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Romania. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Romanian law, but airlines may enforce 3 months.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of exit
Immigration officers at Romanian border check for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation
Carry a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from your host in Romania. Officers may ask for it at passport control.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or cash showing at least €50 per day of your stay. This is not always checked, but better to have it ready.Recommended
Apply early — no rush service
Romanian e-Visas take 5–15 working days. There is no expedited option. Do not book flights until you have the visa in hand.
Schengen visa holders can skip the Romanian visa
If you already have a valid Schengen visa or residence permit, you can enter Romania without applying for a separate visa. This also applies to holders of Schengen C or D visas.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your e-Visa online
Go to evisa.mae.ro, create an account, fill in the form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 5–15 working days.
2
Wait for approval
You'll receive the visa by email as a PDF. Print it and keep a digital copy on your phone. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
3
Arrive at a Romanian airport
At immigration, hand over your passport and printed visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for the duration of your visa.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard Schengen C visa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years with good travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; requires proof of previous Schengen travel.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.

work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For employment with a Romanian company. Requires a work permit obtained by employer, valid contract, and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Romanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
business visa
Romanian Business Visa (D/AD)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs or investors establishing a business in Romania. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and company registration. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for Chinese nationals.€80 (~$87 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional service fee charged by visa application centre.€30 (~$33 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.€4 (~$4.40 USD) per day, max €400 (~$440 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

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

Transit visa required

Chinese nationals generally need a Schengen transit visa (type A) to transit through Romanian airports, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of certain visas.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
  • Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, or Romania
  • Holders of a valid visa for the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, or the United Kingdom
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, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Present in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania; vaccination recommended for hikers.

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 sufficient; tap water is generally safe in cities.

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, București
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.

Bucharest
Bucharest Airport Immigration Office (Otopeni)
Henri Coandă International Airport, Departures Level
24/7

For transit issues or entry problems at the airport.

Practical information for CN 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
updated May 21
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
Police112
Medical112
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders. You must apply online at evisa.mae.ro before you travel.
Typically 5 to 15 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The standard fee is around €80 for a short-stay visa. Check the official site for the exact amount — it can change.
Yes, if you hold a valid Schengen visa (or residence permit) from another Schengen country, you can enter Romania without a separate Romanian visa for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
You'll receive a refusal letter with the reason. You can appeal within 15 days through the Romanian embassy in Beijing or the consulate in Shanghai. There is no fee for an appeal.
It's not a standard requirement for Chinese passport holders, but if the officer suspects you can't support yourself, they may ask. Carry a bank statement or credit card just in case.
Extensions are not available for short-stay visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.