Romania entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
German citizens don't need a visa for Romania. As an EU member, you can enter with a valid passport or national ID card (Personalausweis). Free movement rules apply, so there is no limit on your stay. Just make sure your travel document is valid for the entire trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Schengen status — border checks still apply
Romania joined the Schengen area for air and sea borders in March 2024, but land borders (with Hungary and Bulgaria) still have passport checks. If you're driving from Germany, expect to be stopped and have your documents inspected at the Romanian border.
You can also use your German Personalausweis
Your German national ID card is just as valid as a passport for entry. It's accepted at all border points and eliminates the passport validity requirement. Many Germans prefer carrying the ID card for short trips.
If staying longer than 3 months, register with authorities
While you don't need a visa, Romanian law requires EU citizens staying more than 90 days to register their residence at the local Inspectoratul pentru Imigrări. The process is free but requires proof of address and a valid ID. Fines for non-compliance are possible.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival by air (Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara etc.)
At any Romanian airport, join the 'EU/EEA/CH' queue. Have your passport or ID card ready. The officer checks your document, may ask your reason for travel, and stamps your passport (or not if you use an ID card). It takes 30–60 seconds. If you look like a tourist or business traveller, you'll be waved through.
2
Arrival by land from Hungary or Bulgaria
Romania is not fully in Schengen yet, so land border checks apply. Expect to wait 10–30 minutes even for EU citizens. Present your passport or ID card; the officer will stamp it. Keep it ready in your hand, not buried in a bag.
3
Arrival by sea (Constanța port)
If arriving by ferry, the procedure is similar to land borders: present your document, answer basic questions (purpose, length of stay), get stamped. Queues are usually shorter.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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)
Apply at Romanian embassy in Berlin or consulates; processing takes 10–15 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1–5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 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 employment with a Romanian company. Requires a work permit obtained by employer, proof of qualifications, and health insurance. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Romanian university or accredited program. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Romania. Requires proof of monthly income at least 3x Romanian average salary (approx. €3,000), health insurance, and clean criminal record. No tax residency for first year.
retirement visa
Romanian Long-Stay Visa for Retirees (D/VF)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient pension or savings (at least €2,000/month). Requires proof of accommodation, health insurance, and no criminal record. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stays cannot be extended; you must leave the Schengen area after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayFines vary by duration; maximum cap is typically €1,000 (approx. $1,100 USD). | €4–€10 per day (approx. $4.50–$11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 90 days; required only if visa-free entry is not used. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; valid for up to 5 years for frequent travellers. | €80 (approx. $88 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
German passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Romania, even if leaving the airside transit area for a short time, as they are visa-free for up to 90 days.
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, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
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
General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
Str. Nicolae Dărăscu nr. 7, Sector 6
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions or residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of purpose.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian Vuia nr. 182
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles long-stay visas and residence permits for Transylvania region.
Practical information for DE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.43 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
Getting to Romania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No — your ID card must be valid at the time of entry. Expired documents are not accepted. However, if your passport is valid and your ID is expired, you can still travel with the passport.
No — as an EU citizen, you can stay indefinitely in Romania. After 3 months, you may need to register your residence at the local immigration office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) if you plan to stay long-term. The registration is free but requires proof of address and a valid ID. Fines for non-compliance are possible.
Contact the German embassy in Bucharest (or honorary consulates in other cities). They can issue a temporary travel document (Reiseausweis) – typically costs around €70. You'll also need a police report from any local police station. The embassy can assist with emergency contacts.
Yes, you can drive through Hungary (Schengen) and cross the land border into Romania. Your German driver's license is valid throughout the EU. Be aware of the vignette system for toll roads in Hungary and Romania – buy them online or at border petrol stations.
Yes — look for 'EU/EEA/CH' signs. The queues are usually shorter than for non-EU visitors. Have your document ready, and you'll be through quickly.
If they are listed in your passport (older German passports may have space for children), they can travel with you. However, it's safer that each child has their own passport or ID card. The German Kinderreisepass is accepted. Children under 16 can also use a personal ID card.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.