Romania entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders can enter Romania visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Romania | Your Spanish passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in Romania. Airlines may still enforce the 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Romania is part of the Schengen area. Immigration officers at Bucharest Otopeni and other entry points routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for evidence of sufficient funds — roughly €50 per day of stay. A recent bank statement or credit card usually satisfies this check. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Since Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024, your 90-day visa-free stay counts toward the total 90 days allowed across all Schengen countries. Keep track of your days using the Schengen calculator.
Overstaying can get you banned
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period even by a day can result in a fine (around €100–€500) and a re-entry ban of up to 1 year. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at passport control
At any Romanian airport (Otopeni, Cluj, Timișoara, etc.), join the 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport ready.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
If requested, show your return ticket, accommodation booking, or proof of funds. Keep these accessible in your carry-on.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible before walking away. This stamp records your 90-day allowance.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then exit through customs. No customs declaration needed for personal items.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free limit or if visa is required; apply at Romanian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
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.
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. Valid for 1 year and renewable.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Romanian institution; requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. 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 €3,300+ monthly income. No work permit needed.
retirement visa
Romanian Long-Stay Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient pension or savings; requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap may apply. | €4 per day (approx. $4.40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa is required; apply at Romanian embassy. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; same conditions as single entry. | €120 (approx. $132 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
Spain holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Romania, as they are visa-free for short stays. Airside transit is allowed without passing through immigration.
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, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk 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
Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI)
Str. Nicolae Iorga nr. 3, Sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Cluj-Napoca
Inspectoratul Teritorial pentru Imigrări Cluj
Str. Traian nr. 202
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles local immigration matters; appointments recommended.
Practical information for ES 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
Getting to Romania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, Spanish citizens can enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or visiting family. For longer stays (work, study, or residency), you'll need to apply for the appropriate permit before you go.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. The count starts from your first day in Romania (or any Schengen country). Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from re-entering the Schengen area.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism purposes. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) or a residence permit from the Romanian Immigration Office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) before your 90 days expire. Extensions are only granted for exceptional reasons like medical emergencies.
Your valid passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and optionally proof of accommodation and travel insurance. Immigration officers may ask for any of these, so have them ready in your carry-on.
No, it's not mandatory for visa-free entry. However, it's strongly recommended. If you need medical treatment, costs can be high, and your Spanish EHIC card may not cover all expenses in Romania.
You should not travel with a passport that will expire during your stay. Immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires while you're there, contact the Spanish embassy in Bucharest immediately to get an emergency travel document.
Yes, Spanish emergency passports are accepted for visa-free entry, but they must be valid for the duration of your stay. Some airlines may have additional restrictions, so check with your carrier before booking.
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.