ETIAS for Romania: Understanding This New Rewuirement

From the forests of Transylvania to a plethora of historic medieval towns, Romania is a fascinating country that sees millions of travelers every year. 

When planning a trip to Romania, understanding which travel requirements apply to you is imperative to ensuring your trip is smooth and worry-free. 

In this article, we will walk through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming trip to Bucharest, Bran Castle, or wherever it is you’re off to in this beautiful country.

Who does it apply to?

Yes, from 2026 on, you will need ETIAS authorization to visit Romania if you do not have a valid Schengen visa/aren’t a citizen of a Schengen country (this includes US and UK citizens).

If you’re a citizen of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or another country with a visa-waiver agreement, you’ll need to obtain ETIAS authorization before traveling to Romania, even if it wasn't required in the past. 

For context, the Schengen area has visa-waiver agreements with a variety of different countries (such as the ones listed above). This means that passport holders from these countries don’t have to apply for a visa to enter the Schengen zone. Instead, they need to get authorization to enter the Schengen zone – which is ETIAS. 

It’s important to understand that ETIAS isn’t a visa – it’s approval to enter the area for up to 90 days. If you are planning to stay in Romania (or the Schengen area in general) for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa, not ETIAS. 

On the other hand, if you’re not from a visa-exempt country (such as India or China), you will not need to apply for ETIAS. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa for Romania. 

Exemptions

If you hold a valid visa for Romania (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS authorizes you to enter the Schengen area. If you have a Romanian visa, you already have authorization.

Additionally, if you are a citizen or resident of an EU/Schengen country, you do not need ETIAS.

How to apply

Getting your ETIAS for Romania only takes a few minutes. The entire process is done online. You’ll need to have your travel plans, passport, and a credit or debit card. 

Just follow a few simple steps: 

• Fill out the form on ETIAS with a few personal details such as your full name, nationality, and your passport number. You’ll also need to add some information about your travel plans. 
• Answer a few questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.

• Pay the ETIAS fee: There is an application fee (20 euros) that can be paid using a credit or debit card online.
• Wait for your approval: In the majority of cases, ETIAS approval takes just a couple of minutes. Keep in mind that approval can take up to 30 days, though. This is uncommon, but it’s best to plan accordingly just in case.
• Enjoy your trip to Romania: Once your ETIAS is approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities to see. However, it never hurts to print out your approval or save a digital copy, just in case. 

How long is my ETIAS for Romania valid?

Your Romanian ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you renew your passport for any reason, you’ll also need to reapply. Reapplying is very easy – just follow the steps above again. 

What if my ETIAS for Romania is denied? 

If your ETIAS is denied, you’ll receive an email outlining the reason(s) for refusal. This email will also give you instructions on how to file an appeal. It’s important to know that you won’t be allowed entry into Romania if your ETIAS is denied.

ETIAS & other countries

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for Romania: the TLDR;

• ETIAS is required for visitors to Romania who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2026 on. 
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes. 
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• Romanian/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Romania visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 20 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country. 
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea. 
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards. 
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application. 
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
• US citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Romania from 2026 on.
• UK citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Romania from 2026 on.

When will I need ETIAS to go to Romania?

Do I need ETIAS to go to Romania?