Romania entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
US citizens can visit Romania without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This follows Romania's alignment with Schengen visa rules for U.S. passport holders. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your US passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Romania. Since you're entering the Schengen zone, the 90-day limit applies across all 27 Schengen countries combined, not just Romania. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Bucharest Otopeni and other Schengen entry points routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this before boarding too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or a letter from your host ready. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's a legal requirement for Schengen entry. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Romanian border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. If your passport has even 5 months and 29 days left at the time of departure, you will be refused entry. Check your passport's expiration date before booking any travel.
90-day limit applies across the Schengen area
Romania counts toward the same 90/180-day limit as Schengen countries. If you've already spent time in France, Italy, or other Schengen states, those days add up. Use the EU 'Schengen calculator' online to ensure you don't overstay.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Romanian border control
At any airport (like Bucharest Otopeni), follow signs to 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU'. Join the queue for non-Schengen/non-EU citizens. Have your passport ready, and if asked, be prepared to state the purpose and duration of your stay.
2
Present your passport for inspection
Hand over your passport to the border officer. They will scan the data page, verify the validity, and check your face against the photo. It's a quick process — typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and write the number of days allowed. Double-check the stamp before walking away. If you overstay, you risk fines or a ban.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After clearing passport control, collect your luggage (if any), then exit through customs. Green channel for most tourists — no customs declaration unless you have goods to declare.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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 beyond the visa-free period or if you need a visa. Apply at Romanian embassy in the US.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 5 years
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers. Requires proof of multiple trips or strong ties to home.
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 sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For US citizens with a job offer from a Romanian employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For US citizens enrolled in a Romanian university or exchange program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Romania. Requires proof of monthly income (at least 3x Romanian average salary) and health insurance. No work permit needed.
retirement visa
Romania Long-Stay Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For US citizens over 60 with sufficient pension or savings. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Allows residence but not work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for stays over 90 days or if visa-free is not applicable. Apply at Romanian embassy. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. Same application process as single entry. | €120 (approx. $130 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for exceeding the 90-day visa-free limit. Pay at border or immigration office. | €4 per day (approx. $4.35 USD), max €800 (approx. $870 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
US passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Romania, even if leaving the airside transit 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, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania; vaccination recommended for hikers.
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
Str. Nicolae Iorga nr. 27, Sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Dorobanților nr. 99
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in Transylvania. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for US travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.53 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 — not under the visa-free program. The 90 days is strict and includes any time spent in other Schengen or Schengen-associated countries (like Romania). For longer stays, you must apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit before the 90 days expire. Overstaying can lead to fines (up to 8000 Romanian lei) and a re-entry ban.
Romania is not yet a full Schengen member (the land borders still have checks), but for visa-free visitors, it counts toward the 90-day Schengen limit. So time spent in Romania counts against your 90 days in the Schengen zone + Romania + Bulgaria + Croatia. Use the 'Schengen calculator' to track your days.
You cannot leave Romania with an expired passport. Contact the US Embassy in Bucharest immediately to get an emergency passport. You'll also need to renew your visa-free stay at the immigration office (IMI) if your passport expires before you depart — it's a hassle, so avoid it by checking validity before travel.
No. US citizens do not need to register with the police or immigration for stays up to 90 days. The entry stamp is sufficient. If you stay longer than 90 days (with a permit), then registration is required.
No. Both Romanian law and airline rules require at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date. You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
As of 2026, no COVID-19 restrictions remain in place for travel to Romania from the US. No testing, vaccination, or quarantine required. Check official sources shortly before travel for any sudden changes.
Go to the US Embassy in Bucharest (located at 20 Dr. Liviu Librescu Boulevard). File a police report for the loss, then apply for an emergency passport. Processing time is usually same-day for emergencies. You'll need a photo and a flight booking. The embassy charges a fee (around $175 as of 2026).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.