Romania customs rules & duty-free allowances
Romania, as an EU member, enforces strict customs rules for non-residents. The biggest risk is failing to declare goods exceeding duty-free allowances or cash over €10,000, leading to seizure and fines up to 25%. Always use the red channel for declarations.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without a permit)
- Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and pepper spray (unless with police permit)
- Counterfeit goods and pirated items
- Endangered species products (CITES) without a permit
- Pornographic material (especially involving minors)
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (require prior permit from National Medicines Agency)
- Firearms and ammunition (require police import license)
- Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
- Drones over 250g (must be registered with Romanian Civil Aviation Authority and have insurance)
- Cultural heritage items (antiques, art over 100 years old — require export permit from Ministry of Culture)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, follow the 'Nothing to Declare' (green) channel if you have no restricted/prohibited items and your goods are within duty-free limits. If you have items to declare or exceed allowances, use the 'Goods to Declare' (red) channel. No arrival card is required for EU citizens; non-EU travellers may need to fill a customs declaration form if carrying cash or restricted goods.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tourists from non-EU countries can claim VAT refund on purchases over 300 RON (approx. $65 USD) from a single receipt at stores displaying 'Tax Free' logos. Refund is processed at departure from Romania (Bucharest Otopeni, etc.) via Global Blue or Planet Payment kiosks — allow 30 minutes before boarding. Refund rate is typically 19% minus service fees.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 90 days are allowed with a prescription or doctor's note (in English or Romanian). Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds) require a prior import permit from the Romanian National Medicines Agency. Some common Western drugs like codeine-based cough syrups are controlled — carry a prescription. Narcotics are strictly banned.
Food, plants & animal products
Meat, dairy, and animal products from outside the EU are banned unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants from non-EU countries require a phytosanitary certificate. EU-origin food is generally allowed in small quantities for personal use. Declare any food at the red channel.
Rules worth knowing
Cash Declaration is Strict
Any amount equivalent to €10,000 or more (in any currency, including traveler's cheques, money orders) must be declared. Use Form Vam 1 at the red channel. Non-declaration can result in seizure and fines up to 25% of the amount.
Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limit
You must be 18 or older to import tobacco or alcohol. Customs officers may ask for ID. The allowances are per person — you cannot pool them with travel companions.
Temporary Import of Vehicles
If arriving by car, you can bring it temporarily for up to 6 months without paying duty. Must register with customs at entry. Overstay risks seizure and fines.