Romania Visa
Romania is a country in southeastern Europe known for its gothic castles, medieval towns, and beautiful landscapes. It’s also the home of the famous Transylvania region. If you’re planning to visit Romania, you may need a visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your travel. Luckily, Romania has made the visa application process more straightforward by digitizing parts of it.
This guide will walk you through the types of visas available, the application process, and other common questions about visiting Romania.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Romania?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Romania requires visas for citizens from many countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, and many others. If your country is on this list, you will need a visa to visit Romania. Additionally, some nationalities require an invitation letter endorsed by the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Who Is Exempt from a Romania Visa?
You do not need a visa for short stays in Romania (up to 90 days) if you fall under one of these categories:
- EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: EU nationals or citizens of Schengen countries can visit Romania without a visa.
- Holders of Schengen Visas or Residence Permits: If you have a valid short-stay Schengen visa or a residence permit from an EU member state, you can enter Romania without an additional visa.
- Non-EU Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: This exemption applies to the spouse, children under 21, and parents who are dependent on the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Types of Romanian Visas
Romania offers several types of visas, depending on your travel needs:
- Airport Transit Visa (A Type): This visa allows you to stay in the international area of a Romanian airport while waiting for a connecting flight to another destination.
- Transit Visa (B Type): This visa lets you transit through Romania for a maximum of five days on your way to another country.
- Short Stay Visa (C Type): This visa allows you to stay in Romania for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. It’s issued for tourism, business, cultural events, and other short-term activities.
- Long Stay Visa (D Type): This visa is for those who plan to stay in Romania for longer than 90 days. It is valid for 90 days, but you can request a residence permit for long-term stays for work, study, or family reunification.
How to Apply for a Romania Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Romania visa:
- Start the Application Online: Begin the process on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. You’ll need to answer questions and upload copies of your required documents.
- Submit Documents at the Romanian Consulate/Embassy: Once you’ve completed the online application, you’ll need to submit the originals of your documents in person at a Romanian consulate or embassy.
- Schedule and Attend a Visa Appointment: After your application is validated online, you’ll need to attend an appointment at the consulate/embassy to finalize your application.
- Pay the Visa Fee: There is a non-refundable fee for processing a Romania visa. The amount depends on the type of visa and your nationality.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for a Romania visa can take 10-14 working days or longer, depending on the type of visa and specific circumstances.
- Receive Your Visa: If approved, the consulate will affix your visa to your passport, allowing you to travel to Romania.
What Documents Are Required for a Romania Visa?
To apply for a Romania visa, you’ll need the following documents:
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Valid Passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages.
- Passport-Sized Photos taken within the last six months.
- Travel Itinerary including flight details.
- Proof of Accommodation like hotel reservations or an invitation letter.
- Travel Health Insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical emergencies.
- Bank Statements to prove you have enough funds for your stay.
- Cover Letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
- Visa Fee Receipt showing you’ve paid the required fee.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Romania Visa?
The processing time for a Romania visa can vary. It usually takes 10-14 working days, but it can be longer depending on your specific case. It’s recommended to apply at least two weeks before your intended travel, but not earlier than three months before your trip.
How Much Does a Romania Visa Cost?
The cost of a Romania visa varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality:
- Short-Stay Visa: €80
- Long-Stay Visa: €120
- Airport Transit Visa: €80
- Transit Visa: €80
Certain nationalities pay a reduced fee, while others are exempt from visa fees altogether. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Additional Information About Entering Romania
A visa doesn’t automatically guarantee entry into Romania. Immigration officers at border control have the final say, so make sure you have all necessary documents with you to show the reason for your visit, how long you will stay, and proof that you will leave once your visa expires.
Is Romania Part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Romania joined the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024, allowing visa and border control-free travel between Schengen countries. However, there are still some land border controls between Romania and Schengen countries due to its partial membership status.
With this guide, you should have a clearer understanding of Romania’s visa requirements and application process. Enjoy your trip to Romania and explore all it has to offer, from its medieval castles to its vibrant culture.