Romania entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Polish passport holders can enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024. You just need a valid passport and to be ready to show a return ticket if asked.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Polish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Romania. Since Romania is in the Schengen zone, you get 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries — not per country. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania | Immigration officers at Bucharest Otopeni and other entry points routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a non-Schengen country ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for evidence of sufficient funds — roughly €50–€100 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Schengen entry rules apply
Since Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024, your 90-day visa-free stay is shared across all Schengen countries. If you've already spent 60 days in France, you only have 30 days left for Romania (and vice versa).
Border checks may still happen
Even though Romania is Schengen, some land borders (e.g., with Bulgaria, Hungary) may still have random checks. Always carry your passport when crossing borders.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you leave
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry). Print or save digital copies of your return ticket, first night accommodation, and travel insurance. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport.
2
Arrive at a Romanian airport or border crossing
Major airports: Bucharest Otopeni (OTP), Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Timișoara (TSR), Iași (IAS). At passport control, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports (even though Romania is Schengen, the signs may still say 'All passports').
3
Present your passport to the border officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and return ticket. Answer briefly and honestly. They will stamp your passport with the entry date.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After passport control, go to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. Red channel if you have goods over €430 or restricted items.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free entry is not desired; apply at Romanian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.
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 documentation.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For employment with a Romanian company; requires a work permit obtained by employer. Allows long-term residence and path to permanent residency.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For enrollment in accredited Romanian educational institutions. Allows part-time work and access to student benefits.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (D/VF)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For family members of Romanian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sufficient accommodation.
business visa
Romanian Business Visa (D/DA)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs or investors establishing a business in Romania. Requires business registration and minimum capital.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | €4 per day (approx. $4.40 USD), max €800 (approx. $880 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not applicable; apply at Romanian embassy. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; valid for up to 1 year, with stays up to 90 days per entry. | €120 (approx. $132 USD) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave Schengen area after 90 days. | Not available for visa-free stays |
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
Polish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change flights at Romanian airports, as Romania is part of the Schengen area for air travel. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), standard visa-free rules apply.
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 BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
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 insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water is advised in rural areas.
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, Bucharest
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications; bring all required documents.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian nr. 202, Cluj-Napoca
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa and residency matters for Transylvania region.
Practical information for PL travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.5 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
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen short-stay rule. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, that counts toward the 90-day limit.
No. The visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family reunification) at a Romanian embassy before you travel.
No. Polish passport holders can transit through Romania visa-free, even if you're flying to a non-Schengen country. You'll still go through passport control and get an entry stamp.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Romanian border police. Renew your passport before traveling. Some airlines are stricter than others.
No. There is no arrival declaration requirement for Polish citizens. You do not need to register with local authorities.
Technically, the visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Remote work is a gray area. If you're working for a non-Romanian company and not earning income locally, it's usually tolerated, but not officially permitted. For long-term digital nomad stays, Romania offers a specific Digital Nomad Visa.
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Euros are accepted in some tourist areas but at poor exchange rates. Use ATMs or exchange offices for the best rates. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.