Romania entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can enter Romania without a visa for short stays. You can travel for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies since Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Romania. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required for entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania or Schengen area | Border officers may ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Romania or the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may request a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a letter from your host in Romania. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers can ask for evidence you have enough cash, cards, or bank statements to cover your expenses in Romania. No fixed minimum is published, but carry at least €50–100 per day. | Recommended |
Romania is now part of the Schengen area
Since March 2024, Romania applies Schengen rules. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts against the entire Schengen zone, not just Romania. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, that time reduces your allowance for Romania.
Border checks still happen
Even though Romania is in Schengen, some land borders (especially from non-Schengen neighbours like Moldova or Ukraine) may still have passport checks. Always carry your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you travel
Check your passport is valid for 6+ months from entry. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of everything on your phone. Arrange travel insurance and a local eSIM if you want.
2
Arrive at a Romanian airport or land border
At airports like Otopeni (Bucharest) or Cluj-Napoca, follow signs to 'Non-EU Passports' or 'All Passports'. Join the queue for non-Schengen travellers. Have your passport and supporting documents ready.
3
Present your passport to the border officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying, and your return ticket. Answer clearly and briefly. They will stamp your passport with the entry date.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the passport check, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're now in Romania.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For employment with a Romanian company. Requires a work permit obtained by the employer. Allows residency and work rights.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Romanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Romania. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold.
retirement visa
Romania Long-Stay Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient pension or savings. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 1 year. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if you exceed the 90-day visa-free limit. | €4 (~$4.35 USD) per day, max €800 (~$870 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
Irish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Romania, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the Schengen area.
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
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban air quality can be poor in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
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.
Cluj-Napoca
Inspectoratul Teritorial pentru Imigrări Cluj
Str. Traian nr. 182
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters in Transylvania region.
Practical information for IE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.47 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Irish citizens can enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen short-stay rule. Count back 180 days from your departure date to check you haven't exceeded 90 days.
No. The visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) from the Romanian embassy in Dublin before you travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Romania. If it expires sooner, you will be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel regardless of transport mode. A bus or train ticket out of Romania works just as well as a flight.
Tourism and business visits are allowed, but you cannot take a job with a Romanian employer. Remote work for a foreign company is generally tolerated for short stays, but it's a grey area. For longer digital nomad stays, check Romania's specific digital nomad visa.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may face a fine, a ban from re-entering Romania or other Schengen countries, and deportation. Always track your days carefully.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.