Romania entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can visit Romania without a visa for short stays. Since Romania joined the Schengen Area in 2024, you can travel freely for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Italian passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay in Romania. Airlines may still enforce the 6-month rule, 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 copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Border officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and contact number works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €100 per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Schengen rules apply
Romania is part of the Schengen Area as of 2024. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all Schengen countries. If you've already spent 60 days in France, you only have 30 days left for Romania.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Border officers check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiry, renew it before you go. A denied entry means a wasted trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Romanian border control
At airports like Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) or Cluj-Napoca, follow the 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport ready. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your stay duration and purpose.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. Be ready to state how long you're staying and where you're staying. If asked, show your return ticket and accommodation booking. Keep them easily accessible.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day Schengen stay. Check that the stamp is clear before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free entry is not desired.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Suitable for frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de ședere pentru muncă)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For employment in Romania. Requires a job offer and work permit from the employer. Allows long-term residence and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (Viză pentru studii)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Romanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Viza pentru nomazi digitali)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Romania. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold. Allows stay without local work permit.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Permis de ședere pentru pensionari)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient pension or savings. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not applicable. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (approx. $130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €800 (approx. $870 USD). | €4 per day (approx. $4.35 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
Italian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Romanian airports, even if leaving the airside area for a connecting flight.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
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.
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)
Strada Nicolae Iorga nr. 25, Sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Cluj-Napoca
Inspectoratul pentru Imigrări Cluj
Strada Moților nr. 1-3
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Regional office for Transylvania; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for IT 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, you don't. Italy and Romania are both in the Schengen Area, so you can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen short-stay limit. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, count those days too.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit from the Romanian immigration office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) before your 90 days expire.
Your valid passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Keep digital copies on your phone.
No, it's not a legal requirement for short stays. However, it's highly recommended because medical costs can be high. Many travellers use SafetyWing or World Nomads for affordable coverage.
You may be denied entry. Romanian border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
Yes, Italian citizens can enter Romania with a valid national ID card (carta d'identità) as both countries are in the EU. However, a passport is recommended for international travel and as a backup.
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.