Romania entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Croatian passport holders can enter Romania visa-free for short stays. As of 2026, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Croatian passport only needs to be valid for the time you plan to stay in Romania. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania | Immigration officers at Romanian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within the 90-day Schengen limit. | Required |
| 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 with their address and contact details ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €100 per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Passport Validity Is Strictly Enforced
Romanian border officers will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining from your entry date. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew it before booking flights.
90-Day Rule Applies to All Schengen Countries
Your 90-day visa-free stay in Romania counts toward the 90-day limit for the entire Schengen area. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, track your days carefully to avoid overstaying.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Your Documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and printouts in your carry-on.
2
Arrive at Romanian Border
At the airport (like Otopeni in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca), join the 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
3
Present Documents to Border Officer
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. They may also ask to see your return ticket or accommodation proof.
4
Get Entry Stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period. Check the stamp before walking away.
5
Proceed to Baggage Claim and Exit
After passport control, collect your luggage and walk through customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. You're now in Romania.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 those who need to stay beyond the visa-free period or have been denied visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; must still respect the 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 foreign workers with a job offer from a Romanian employer. Requires a work permit obtained by the employer, then apply for a long-stay visa. Allows residence and work in Romania.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a Romanian educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with restrictions.
digital nomad visa
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For remote workers with a contract from a foreign company. Requires proof of monthly income at least 3x the Romanian average gross salary (approx. €3,700/month). No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Romania Long-Stay Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (pension, investments). Must prove monthly income above the Romanian minimum wage (approx. €500/month). Requires health insurance and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not applicable. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, typically up to 1 year. | €120 (approx. $132 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines vary; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying to prevent entry bans. | €10–€20 per day (approx. $11–$22 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
Croatian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Romania, as they are visa-free for short stays. However, if you plan to leave the airport transit area, you must meet standard entry requirements.
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 ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in the Carpathian mountains; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural and wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are 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 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian nr. 182
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for the Transylvania region.
Practical information for HR 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
Getting to Romania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or family visits. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Romanian Immigration Office (IGI) before your 90 days expire.
No, Croatian passport holders do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in 180 days). This is because Croatia is an EU member and Romania is part of the Schengen area for visa-free travel.
You may be denied entry. Romanian border officials strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure date.
No, the visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Romanian Immigration Office (IGI) in Bucharest or your local county office. This requires a valid reason (work, study, family reunion) and supporting documents. The process takes several weeks, so apply well before your 90 days are up.
Typically, just your valid passport. But border officers may ask for proof of onward travel (return ticket), accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds (around €50 per day). Having these ready speeds things up.
No, it's not mandatory for short stays, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high if you need hospital care. Some travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation or lost luggage.
No, visa-free entry does not permit employment. If you want to work in Romania, you need a work visa or residence permit. You must apply at a Romanian embassy or consulate before traveling.
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.