Romania entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta 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 passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Romania. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but your airline may enforce it — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania | Immigration officers at Bucharest Otopeni and other entry points routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least €100 per day of your stay in cash or a card with a recent bank statement. Border guards rarely check, but they can ask. | Recommended |
Romania is not yet fully in Schengen
As of 2026, Romania is in the process of joining the Schengen Area but still conducts border checks. Your 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries combined, so track your days carefully if you also visit other EU states.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Border officers will check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close, renew before you go. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Documents Before Travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry). Print or save digital copies of your return ticket, first night accommodation, and travel insurance. Keep them in a separate folder on your phone.
2
Arrive at Romanian Border Control
At airports like Bucharest Otopeni or Cluj-Napoca, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of stay, duration, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Passport Stamping
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible before walking away. If they ask for supporting documents, show your return ticket and accommodation confirmation.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if applicable), then customs. No additional forms or fees for visa-free travellers.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 (approx. $88 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period or for non-tourist purposes.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Convenient for frequent travellers, but still subject to 90/180 rule.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Romanian employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence and work.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (Long-stay)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in accredited Romanian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (at least 3x average Romanian salary). Allows stay and work for foreign employers. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Romanian Long-Stay Visa for Retirees (based on sufficient means)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90/180 rule incurs fines and possible entry bans. | €4 (approx. $4.40 USD) per day, max €800 (approx. $880 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry) for longer staysRequired if you plan to stay more than 90 days or for non-tourist purposes. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) for longer staysAllows multiple entries within validity, but still subject to 90/180 rule. | €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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Romania, as they are visa-free for short stays.
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 BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania. Vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
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 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 Iorga nr. 30, sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian nr. 182
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for Transylvania region.
Practical information for MT 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
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen Area rule, even though Romania is not yet fully in Schengen. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, for stays under 90 days. Hotels register you automatically. If you're staying in a private home, the host should register you within 3 days. For longer stays, you need a residence permit.
Yes, as long as you're not working for a Romanian employer. Remote work for a foreign company is generally allowed. If you plan to work for a local company, you need a work permit.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced at Romanian borders.
No, it's not required at the border. However, it's strongly recommended. A basic policy covering medical emergencies and repatriation costs around €30–50 for a week is cheap peace of mind.
No, visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) at the Romanian embassy in Malta before travelling. Overstaying without permission can lead to fines and a re-entry ban.
You risk a fine (typically €100–500 depending on the overstay length) and a possible ban from the Schengen Area for up to 5 years. Border officers track entry/exit dates 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.