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Visiting Romania

Last verified: 2 min read

Visa rules, ETIAS info, and travel tips for Romania

Quick Facts

Romania is a Schengen Area member. Your entry requirements — ETIAS, Schengen Visa, or visa-free — depend on your passport.

Capital Bucharest
Currency RON
Schengen Yes
Languages Romanian

Discover Romania

Romania captivates travelers with its mix of medieval castles, wild Carpathian Mountains, and a vibrant cultural scene. Transylvania is home to Bran Castle, popularly associated with the Dracula legend, as well as the fortified Saxon churches and charming towns like Sibiu and Brasov.

Bucharest, the capital, offers a striking contrast between grand Belle Epoque buildings and the massive communist-era Palace of the Parliament. In the northeast, the painted monasteries of Bucovina are UNESCO-listed masterpieces of religious art. Romania became a full Schengen Area member in 2024, and it remains one of Europe's most affordable countries, using the Romanian leu rather than the Euro.

Capital Bucharest
Currency RON
Population 19.1 million
Languages Romanian

Who Needs a Visa for Romania

  • EU/EEA citizens Enter freely using your passport or national ID card. No additional authorization required.
  • Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, and others) Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days. ETIAS authorization ({etiasFee
  • Visa-required nationals A Schengen Visa is mandatory ({visaFee

Paying & Tipping in Romania

Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Card payments are increasingly accepted in cities like Bucharest, Cluj, and Brasov, but cash remains important in rural areas and for smaller purchases. ATMs are widely available. Exchange money at banks or certified exchange offices — avoid unofficial money changers.

Recommended

Stay Connected in Romania

Skip the roaming charges and avoid searching for a local SIM card. Set up a Saily eSIM before your flight — activate in seconds from your phone. Plans start at $1.99.

  • Works across all Schengen countries
  • No physical SIM card needed
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Useful Resources for Romania

ETIAS Guide

Europe's upcoming entry system

Schengen Visa

Apply for a Schengen Visa

90/180 Calculator

Calculate your remaining days

Travel Insurance

Mandatory for Schengen Visa

Explore Cities in Romania

Brașov Bucharest Cluj-Napoca

Frequently Asked Questions about Romania

Do I need ETIAS to visit Romania?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS to visit Romania starting Q4 2026. ETIAS costs €20 and is valid for 3 years.
Is Romania part of the Schengen Area?
Yes. Romania joined the Schengen Area in 2024, after being an EU member since 2007.
How long can I stay in Romania without a visa?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Romania and the entire Schengen Area combined.
Do I need a visa for Romania?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens from 59 countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) don't need a visa for short stays. Others need a Schengen visa.
What currency does Romania use?
Romania uses the Romanian leu (RON). While Romania is an EU member, it has not yet adopted the Euro.

Prepare for Your Trip to Romania

Valid passport (check requirements for your nationality)
Visa or ETIAS (depends on your nationality)
Travel insurance Get covered
eSIM for mobile data in Europe Get Saily
VPN for public WiFi security Get NordVPN

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