Romania entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zimbabwean passport holders need a visa to enter Romania in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival. Processing can take up to two weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Romania eVisa application Apply before departure | You need a visa to enter Romania. Apply online at the Romania eVisa Portal — the process takes a few days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the whole time you plan to stay in Romania. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 3 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Romanian airports check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Romania. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Romania. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your stay. No fixed amount is published, but around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — no walk-in visas
Romania does not offer visa-on-arrival for Zimbabwean passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass.
Schengen entry rules apply
Since Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024, your stay counts toward the 90/180-day rule. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, make sure you have days left before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to https://evisa.mae.ro/en, create an account, fill in your details, upload your passport scan and a recent photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days, but can take longer — apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
2
Pack your documents
Print your visa approval email, passport bio page copy, onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep a digital backup on your phone as well.
3
Arrive at a Romanian airport
At passport control (e.g., Henri Coandă Airport in Bucharest), hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask about your trip duration, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Get your passport stamped
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with your entry date. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Standard short-stay Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (e.g., 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
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 stay and path to permanent residence.
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. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
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 sponsor's legal status. Leads to long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €4 per day (approx. $4.40 USD), max €400 (approx. $440 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Zimbabwe passport holders need an airport transit visa to change planes in Romania, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, or Romania
- Holders of a valid visa for Canada, Japan, or the United States
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., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)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 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)
Strada Nicolae Iorga nr. 30, sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Strada Moților nr. 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa-related issues for central Romania.
Practical information for ZW 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 5–10 business days, but it can take up to 15 days during peak season. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe. You'll receive the decision by email.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave Romania before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different type of visa from a Romanian embassy before travelling.
Romania is part of the Schengen area (as of 2024). If you transit through another Schengen country (e.g., Germany, Austria), you'll need a Schengen visa, not just a Romanian visa. Check with the embassy of your first Schengen entry point.
It's not a formal requirement for Zimbabwean passport holders, but immigration officers can ask. It's smart to carry a bank statement or a credit card showing you have enough for your stay — roughly €50 per day is a safe benchmark.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient passport validity, or unclear travel purpose. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the issue first. There's no formal appeal process — a new application is your best bet.
No. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. Border officers will deny entry otherwise.
Yes. The standard short-stay visa fee is around €80 (payable online during the application). Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected. Check the e-Visa portal for the exact amount in your currency.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.