Romania joined the European Union in 2007 and completed its entry into the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025, with the removal of controls at land border crossings as well. For travellers from European countries, this means significantly simpler and more direct access than before. Before departing, however, it is essential to know which documents to bring, which rules apply to your specific situation, and what to expect upon arrival.
This guide is designed primarily for European citizens who wish to visit Romania, whether for a short break or a longer stay. Here you will find all the practical information on identity documents, visas, customs regulations and health insurance, updated following the country’s full entry into Schengen.
With Romania’s full entry into the Schengen Area — starting on 31 March 2024 for air and maritime borders and 1 January 2025 for land borders — the country has eliminated systematic checks at internal borders with other member states. For citizens of Schengen countries, this means that it is no longer necessary to present your passport at border crossings during normal travel.
Note: the absence of systematic controls does not mean the complete disappearance of checks. Border authorities can carry out spot checks at any time, especially in alert situations or during particular events. Always carrying a valid identity document with you is therefore legally required and absolutely advisable in all circumstances.
Citizens of EU member states can enter Romania with just a valid national identity card. A passport is not required, although it is always advisable to carry one as a backup document, especially in case of loss of your identity card or in case you plan to travel to non-EU countries.
The identity card must be valid at the time of entry to the country. An expired card is not accepted, even if the document is still legible. Check the expiry date well in advance of departure: some airlines and tour operators require the document to be valid for at least three or six months beyond your return date.
For UK citizens, note that passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. For other European national identity cards issued before certain dates, they may have a ten-year validity period (or five years for minors), whilst more recent documents may have different validity periods. Check the expiry field on the back of your document.
No, a passport is not mandatory for EU citizens entering Romania from other Schengen countries. However, it is highly recommended to carry one if you are planning trips to countries outside the Schengen area — such as Moldova, Serbia or Ukraine — which are accessible with short trips from Romania.
Citizens of EEA states (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland, although not EU members, are entitled to the same treatment as European citizens thanks to bilateral agreements with the EU and full participation in the Schengen Area.
Entry rules vary significantly depending on the traveller’s nationality and the type of stay planned.
Citizens of numerous non-EU countries can enter Romania without a visa for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within 180 days. These include citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and many other countries. To check whether your country of citizenship falls into this category, consult the official website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For these travellers, a valid passport is still required, with a remaining validity of at least three months beyond your planned exit date from Romania.
Citizens of countries not included in the exemption list must apply for an entry visa before departure, by contacting the competent Romanian embassy or consulate for your area. There are several types of visa — tourist, business, study, family reunification — each with specific requirements and documents. Processing times can vary from a few days to several weeks, so it is essential to plan ahead.
EU and EEA citizens in Romania are not subject to stay limits for short periods. For stays of more than three months, you must register with the local authorities (primărie), a mandatory but generally straightforward requirement. Those intending to work or transfer their residence to Romania must follow specific procedures laid down in European Union law on freedom of movement.
For non-EU citizens without a visa, the maximum permitted stay is 90 days in 180: this limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Romania. Exceeding these limits risks border rejection and subsequent difficulties for future entry.
Minor EU citizens can enter Romania with their own identity card or passport. Children below the minimum age for identity card issuance can travel listed in a parent’s passport, or with an individual passport.
If a minor is travelling accompanied by only one parent or by a non-parent guardian, it is strongly recommended — and in some cases required by border authorities — to carry a declaration of consent to departure signed by the other parent, preferably authenticated by a notary or competent authority. This precaution avoids unpleasant checks or delays, especially in case of spot checks.
To drive in Romania, a driving licence issued by any EU member state is sufficient: translation or an international driving permit is not required. The document must of course be valid.
If you plan to explore the country with your own car or a rental vehicle — a solution we strongly recommend to reach the most remote areas of Transylvania or Bucovina — also carry your vehicle registration document and motor insurance certificate. For foreign vehicles transiting Romania, an electronic motorway vignette (rovinieta) is required, purchasable online before departure or at authorised sales points near the borders. For further details, consult our guide to car hire in Romania.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel