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Reissued after periodic review without changes.
Exercise normal precautions in Romania.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Romania.
If you decide to travel to Romania:
Three months beyond departure date.
1 page per stamp.
Not required for stays under 90 days.
None.
Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared.
Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared.
4-6 Liviu Librescu Blvd.
District 1
Bucharest, Romania
Telephone: (+40) 21 200-3300, (+40) 21 270-6000
Fax: (+40) 21 200-3578
Email: ACSBucharest@state.gov
Visit the Embassy of ROMANIA website for the most current visa information.
Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime: Reported types of crime include:
Be cautious about entering into contracts with Romanian businesses and/or organizations without legal assistance. The Romanian legal system is difficult for foreigners to navigate, making the assistance of a local attorney nearly essential.
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Romania. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the embassy at (+40) 21 270-6000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
Note:
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Be aware that recreational drug possession is not allowed in Romania, regardless of type or quantity. The penalty for possession of drugs for personal use can be imprisonment of up to three years.
Romania has strict regulations on importing/exporting firearms, other weapons, drugs, antiquities, local currency and gold or gold jewelry. Contact the Romanian Customs Office for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Romania. The annual gay pride parades in Bucharest have been the scene of violent protests in past years, though this has been less common recently.
See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Romania prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference between the large cities and the rest of the country.
Availability of rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants is very limited. Contact the Embassy for information on providers.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Medical care in Romania is generally not up to Western standards, and basic medical supplies are limited, especially outside major cities. Some medical providers that meet Western quality standards are available in Bucharest and other cities but can be difficult to identify and locate.
Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Travelers seeking medical treatment should therefore choose their provider carefully.
Psychological and psychiatric services are limited outside of the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.
Most prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are available in Romania but are often sold under different names. A list of approved medicines available in Romania can be found on the website of the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices.
Ambulance services are not present throughout the country and are unreliable in some areas except in or around major cities.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Romania.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Air Quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Romania. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
Road Conditions and Safety: Though Romanian traffic laws are very strict, road accidents are a real threat in Romania. According to the European Commission, Romania has the highest per-vehicle rate of road fatalities of any country in the EU.
While major streets in larger cities and major inter-city roads are generally in fair to good condition, many secondary roads are poor quality unpaved, poorly lit, narrow, and lacking marked lanes.
Traffic Laws: Romanian traffic laws are very strict.
Use of U.S. state issued drivers’ licenses (DL) is not sufficient to operate motor vehicles in Romania. U.S. citizens arriving in Romania for stays up to 90 days may use their U.S. state drivers’ licenses only when accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Most rental car companies require international driving permits when renting a car to a U.S. driver’s license holder.
For current traffic regulations and speed limits in Romania please visit the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If entering Romania by vehicle you must purchase a road tax badge, “rovinieta”, at the border crossing point. Proof of insurance and a car registration document are required. Drivers of vehicles registered abroad who are not in possession of a valid international insurance document must buy short-term insurance at the border.
Public Transportation: Public transportation in Romania is inexpensive and reliable. Inner city travel options include a variety of buses, trams, trolleybuses, and “maxitaxis” (private vans operating as shared taxis).
Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.
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