Romania entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Romania in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. Plan ahead: processing can take up to two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Romania eVisa application Apply before departure | Kenya passport holders need a visa for Romania. Apply online at the Romania eVisa Portal before you travel. Processing takes up to 30 days, so submit your application at least 4 weeks before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. Romania does not require 6 months validity beyond your stay, but your passport must be valid for the whole time you're in the country. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Border officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave Romania (and the Schengen zone) before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Romania. Keep a copy of your booking confirmation or the host's invitation letter handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | You may need to show you have enough money for your trip — roughly €50 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card statement works. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or at the border. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Plan for at least 3 weeks of processing time.
Schengen visa holders can skip the Romanian visa
If you already have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Romania without a separate visa. Just show it at immigration. This also applies to residence permits from Schengen countries.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to evisa.mae.ro/en, create an account, fill in the application, upload your passport scan and supporting documents. Pay the fee and wait for approval — typically 5–14 days.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return or onward flight and your first night's stay. Keep confirmations handy — you'll show them at passport control.
3
Arrive at the airport in Romania
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and proof of onward travel and accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly.
4
Get your passport stamped
If everything checks out, the officer stamps your passport with your entry date and allowed stay. Keep the stamp safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires appointment at Romanian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For employment in Romania. Requires a job offer and work permit from the employer. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For enrolled students at Romanian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (D/VF)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For family members of Romanian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period; maximum cap varies. | €10–€20 per day (approx. $11–$22 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Romania, even if staying airside. Apply at Romanian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsHenri Coandă International Airport (OTP) – Bucharest · Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) · Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)
Health & vaccines for Romania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially during spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; 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)
Strada Nicolae Iorga nr. 30, Sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Strada Moților nr. 3
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa-related issues in Transylvania region.
Practical information for KE 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
Processing usually takes 5–14 days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option for Kenyan passport holders.
The standard fee is around €80 (about 11,000 KES). This can change, so check the official eVisa site for the current amount.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside Romania.
If you're connecting at Bucharest airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country, you do. Check with your airline to be sure.
You'll get a reason in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or unclear travel plans. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the issue first. There's no appeal process.
Yes, if you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Romania without a separate Romanian visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to all Schengen states.
Print or have digital copies of: your visa approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, travel insurance, and proof of funds (bank statement or cash). Keep them in your carry-on — not checked luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.