Romania entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Russian passport holders need a visa to enter Romania in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free access. Processing can take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Russian passport holders need a visa to enter Romania. Apply online through the Romania eVisa portal at evisa.mae.ro/en. Processing takes 3–5 working days for most applications.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Romania. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Romanian law, but airlines may enforce 3 months beyond your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Immigration officers at Romanian airports check for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen area. A flight to a non-Schengen country works — a bus or train ticket may be questioned. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it at the border, but airlines sometimes check before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least €50 per day of your stay. Officers rarely request this for short visits, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Apply early — no walk-in visas
Romania does not issue visas at the border or airport for Russian passport holders. The e-Visa process takes 1–3 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Romania. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to evisa.mae.ro, create an account, fill in the application, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel insurance, accommodation proof, return ticket), and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 5–15 working days.
2
Wait for approval and print the visa
Once approved, you'll receive the visa as a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. The visa is linked to your passport number.
3
Arrive at a Romanian airport or land border
At passport control, hand over your passport and printed visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. Common entry points: Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, or land borders from Hungary or Bulgaria.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the allowed stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if the dates are wrong, ask for correction immediately.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay Schengen visa. Must apply at Romanian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer, depending on travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Requires proof of previous travel.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
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)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Romanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For family members of Romanian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and legal residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for Russian citizens. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 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
Transit visa required
Russian citizens require an airport transit visa to change planes in Romania, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, or Romania 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
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 outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural and wooded 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
Str. Nicolae Dărăscu nr. 7, sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian Vuia nr. 148
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa-related issues for Transylvania region.
Practical information for RU travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.59 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
Processing usually takes 5–15 working days after you submit the online application. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Russian passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight.
The standard fee is around €80 for a short-stay visa (up to 90 days). Check evisa.mae.ro for the exact current amount — fees can change.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Your visa will be rejected or you may be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Extensions are not available for short-stay visas. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you are transiting through a Romanian airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you may not need a visa. But if you need to enter the country or switch airports, you need a visa. Check with your airline before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.