Romania visas
Romania is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. Romania joined the Schengen Area fully on 1 January 2025 (air and sea borders from 31 March 2024). For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Romania issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide.
Important information
Romanian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
Romanian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Romania Visa
Romania, an EU member state since 2007, applies visa regulations harmonised with the Schengen Visa Code (EU Regulation No. 810/2009).
While not yet a full member of the Schengen Area, Romania recognises valid Schengen visas and residence permits for short stays of up to 90 days, allowing eligible travellers to enter without a separate Romanian visa.
This means that travellers entering via Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Timișoara airports can enjoy Schengen-style entry procedures while Romania continues to issue national visas under the oversight of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).
Who Needs a Visa for Romania (2026)
Most travellers from the EU, EEA, and Schengen countries do not require a visa for Romania.
However, foreign nationals from visa-required countries must obtain an entry visa before travel unless exempt under a Schengen or EU residence permit.
- Visa not required for citizens of: EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several other visa-exempt countries.
- Visa required for citizens of: India, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, and other third-country nationals without EU/Schengen privileges.
Romania Visa Categories (2026)
Romania issues three main categories of entry visas, depending on the purpose and duration of stay:
Each visa type is issued under the authority of the MAE and may lead to residence permit applications handled by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in Romania.
- Type A (Airport Transit Visa): For travellers transiting through Romanian airports en route to another destination.
- Type C (Short-Stay Visa): For stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, tourism, business, family visits, cultural events, or medical treatment.
- Type D (Long-Stay Visa): For stays exceeding 90 days, work, study, research, or family reunification.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents before applying. A full checklist can be found here Documents Required (2026). These typically include:
- Valid passport and recent photographs.
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
- Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage).
- Visa fee payment receipt.
Romania Visa Fees and Processing Times
Full details: Romania Visa Fees (2026) and Romania Visa Processing Times (2026).
Romania Visa Application Process (2026)
Visa applications are submitted through the Romania eVisa Portal or the VFS Global network.
The process includes:
- Complete the online visa form and upload required documents.
- Book an appointment at a Romanian embassy or VFS Global centre.
- Provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints) at your appointment.
- Collect your passport once approved and check the visa sticker for accuracy.
Who Can Visit Romania Without a Visa?
EU nationals do not require a visa for stays of less than 90 days in Romania. Those who intend to remain longer must obtain a residence permit. Failure to comply may result in deportation or even a fine.
Explore Schengen Visa Countries
A Schengen visa is required for any entering Romania.
- Austria Visa — Belgium Visa — Croatia Visa
- Czech Republic Visa — Denmark Visa — Estonia Visa
- Finland Visa — Switzerland Visa — France Visa
- Germany Visa — Greece Visa — Hungary Visa
- Iceland Visa — Italy Visa — Latvia Visa
- Liechtenstein Visa — Lithuania Visa — Luxembourg Visa
- Malta Visa — Netherlands Visa — Norway Visa
- Poland Visa — Portugal Visa — Slovakia Visa
- Slovenia Visa — Spain Visa — Sweden Visa
Romania and the Schengen Area (2026)
Schengen Processing Times (2026) and
Schengen Priority & Express Services (2026).
- Travellers with a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Romanian visas are not yet valid for entry into other Schengen countries (until full accession).
- Border-free travel between Romania, Bulgaria, and Schengen states is expected to expand during 2025–2026.
Romania — key facts
- Short-stay visa
- Schengen visa (Type C)
- Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
- Short-stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- The shared Schengen short-stay rule
- Long stays
- National visa (Type D)
- Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
- ETIAS
- Travel authorisation
- For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
- EES
- Biometric borders
- Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026
Romanian visas — people also ask
Romania is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.