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Everything You Need to Know about Romanian Visas

Are you planning a trip to Romania and unsure about the visa process? We’re here to help.

This guide will help you understand the essentials of obtaining a Romania visa, whether you're traveling for leisure, work, or as a digital nomad.

We'll walk you through the steps and give helpful tips to ensure your application is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Do I need a visa to go to Romania?

It depends on a few things: your nationality, the reason you’re visiting, and how long you plan to stay.

Citizens from visa-exempt countries do not need a visa, provided their stay is for tourism or business and does not exceed 90 days. If the trip does exceed 90 days, a Romania visa will be needed. Visa-exempt countries include the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and others.

Everyone else needs a visa. If you're not from a visa-exempt country, you will need a visa to go to Romania, regardless of the reason for your stay or the duration of your trip. This includes China, South Africa, India, and more.

Do US citizens need a visa for Romania?

US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Romania of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you’re traveling for tourism, family visits, or short business trips, you’re all set. However, if you plan to stay longer or work in Romania, you'll need to apply for a Romania work visa.

How to apply for a Romanian Schengen visa

Applying for a Romanian visa is a fairly straightforward process.

First, you need to determine what type of visa you need based on your reason for visiting (the vast majority of visas are Romania tourist visas, or visitor visas).
Next, you must gather all of the necessary documents. Your visa center or consulate will provide you with a list of which documents you’ll need to include.
Next, you will book an appointment at a Romanian consulate or visa center in your country of residence. Sometimes applying through a trusted visa processor is mandatory.
Attend the visa appointment where you’ll submit your completed application and biometrics (fingerprints).
Receive an answer!

Is a Romania visa difficult to get?

For most applicants, obtaining a Romania visa is a relatively straightforward process. When it comes to whether or not your visa application will be approved, it’s entirely in the hands of the Romanian Embassy.

What is the rejection rate for Romanian visas?

For Schengen visas, the rejection rate was 9.4% in 2024.

It's important to understand that rejection rates are averages and don't accurately reflect one's chances of being approved for a visa.

Romania visa processing times

The processing time varies depending on the type of visa, but short-stay (Type C) visas are generally processed within 10–15 working days.

Romania visa application requirements

Understanding the required documents is crucial when applying for a Romanian visa. Requirements vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, but all Romanian visa applications will require a few standard, essential documents.

Which documents are required when applying for a Romanian visa?

The standard documents for all Romania visa applications include:

A valid passport
Completed Schengen visa application form
Passport-sized photos
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or an invitation letter)
Proof of financial means (bank statements or payslips)
Travel medical insurance (that meets the minimum requirements laid out by the Schengen zone)

What are the Romania visa requirements for specific visas?

Romania visitor visa requirements

For tourists traveling to Romania, you’ll need to provide all of the standard documents listed above.

Type D (long-stay) Romania visa requirements

Long-stay visas, sometimes referred to as “national visas” require additional documentation that depends on which visa you’re applying for, like proof of employment for a work visa or university acceptance for a study visa.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a Romania visa?

No. If you have a valid Romania visa, you do not need to obtain ETIAS authorization. Additionally, if you hold a passport from a Schengen country, you also do not need ETIAS to travel to Romania.