romania visa free travel

Romanian Passport

The citizens of Romania can visit 145 countries without a visa.

Romanian passport holders also have access to get 42 e-visas or 15 visas on arrival .

Romania has a population of 19.3M people and the capital is Bucharest 🇷🇴.

Visa-free map

Nearby countries.

The nearest visa free countries to visit for Romanian passport holders are Bulgaria, Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Hungary .

Visa free countries

So, where can Romanians travel without a visa? We have listed all the countries where Romania citizens can travel visa-free, eliminating the hassle of visa paperwork.

• 🇦🇱 Albania (90 days)
• 🇦🇩 Andorra (90 days)
• 🇦🇹 Austria (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇧🇾 Belarus (N/A)
• 🇧🇪 Belgium (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
• 🇧🇬 Bulgaria (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇭🇷 Croatia (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇨🇾 Cyprus (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇩🇰 Denmark (Freedom of movement (DK) Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇪🇪 Estonia (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇫🇮 Finland (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇫🇷 France (Freedom of movement (in Regions of France) Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇩🇪 Germany (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇬🇷 Greece (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇭🇺 Hungary (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇮🇸 Iceland (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇮🇪 Ireland (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇮🇹 Italy (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇱🇻 Latvia (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇱🇹 Lithuania (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇲🇹 Malta (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇲🇩 Moldova (90 days)
• 🇲🇨 Monaco (90 days)
• 🇲🇪 Montenegro (90 days)
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands (Freedom of movement (European Netherlands) Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (90 days)
• 🇳🇴 Norway (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇵🇱 Poland (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇵🇹 Portugal (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇸🇲 San Marino (20 days)
• 🇷🇸 Serbia (90 days)
• 🇸🇰 Slovakia (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇸🇮 Slovenia (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇪🇸 Spain (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇸🇪 Sweden (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland (Freedom of movement Romanian identity card valid)
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine (90 days)
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom (6 months)
• 🇻🇦 Vatican City (N/A)
• 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands (90 days)
• 🇬🇮 Gibraltar (6 months)
• 🇬🇬 Guernsey (6 months)
• 🇯🇪 Jersey (6 months)
• 🇮🇲 Isle of Man (6 months)
• 🇽🇰 Kosovo (90 days)
• 🇦🇴 Angola (30 days)
• 🇧🇼 Botswana (90 days)
• 🇨🇻 Cape Verde (30 days)
• 🇬🇲 Gambia (90 days)
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius (90 days)
• 🇲🇦 Morocco (3 months)
• 🇷🇼 Rwanda (30 days)
• 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days)
• 🇸🇳 Senegal (90 days)
• 🇸🇨 Seychelles (3 months)
• 🇹🇿 Tanzania (3 months)
• 🇹🇳 Tunisia (3 months)
• 🇿🇲 Zambia (90 days)
• 🇾🇹 Mayotte (Freedom of movement. ID card valid)
• 🇷🇪 Réunion (Freedom of movement. ID card valid)
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (180 days)
• 🇦🇷 Argentina (90 days)
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas (3 months)
• 🇧🇧 Barbados (90 days)
• 🇧🇿 Belize (30 days)
• 🇧🇷 Brazil (90 days)
• 🇨🇦 Canada (6 months)
• 🇨🇱 Chile (90 days)
• 🇨🇴 Colombia (180 days)
• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica (90 days)
• 🇩🇲 Dominica (180 days)
• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic (90 days)
• 🇪🇨 Ecuador (90 days)
• 🇸🇻 El Salvador (3 months)
• 🇬🇩 Grenada (3 months)
• 🇬🇹 Guatemala (90 days)
• 🇭🇹 Haiti (90 days)
• 🇭🇳 Honduras (90 days)
• 🇲🇽 Mexico (180 days)
• 🇳🇮 Nicaragua (90 days)
• 🇵🇦 Panama (90 days)
• 🇵🇾 Paraguay (90 days)
• 🇵🇪 Peru (90 days)
• 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months)
• 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia (90 days)
• 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (90 days)
• 🇸🇷 Suriname (90 days)
• 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
• 🇺🇾 Uruguay (90 days)
• 🇻🇪 Venezuela (90 days)
• 🇦🇮 Anguilla (3 months)
• 🇦🇼 Aruba (30 days, extendable to 180 days)
• 🇧🇲 Bermuda (Up to 6 months, decided on arrival.)
• 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands (30 days, extensions possible)
• 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands (6 months)
• 🇬🇱 Greenland (90 days)
• 🇬🇵 Guadeloupe (Freedom of movement ID card valid)
• 🇲🇶 Martinique (Freedom of movement ID card valid)
• 🇲🇸 Montserrat (6 months)
• 🇧🇱 Saint Barthélemy (N/A)
• 🇲🇫 Saint Martin (Freedom of movement ID card valid)
• 🇵🇲 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (N/A)
• 🇸🇽 Sint Maarten (3 months)
• 🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)
• 🇬🇫 French Guiana (Freedom of movement. ID card valid)
• 🇫🇰 Falkland Islands (1 month)
• 🇦🇲 Armenia (180 days)
• 🇧🇳 Brunei (90 days)
• 🇬🇪 Georgia (1 year)
• 🇮🇱 Israel (3 months)
• 🇯🇵 Japan (90 days)
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan (30 days)
• 🇰🇷 South Korea (90 days)
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia (90 days)
• 🇲🇳 Mongolia (30 days)
• 🇴🇲 Oman (30 days / 14 days)
• 🇵🇭 Philippines (30 days)
• 🇶🇦 Qatar (90 days)
• 🇸🇬 Singapore (90 days)
• 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste (90 days)
• 🇹🇷 Turkey (3 months)
• 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (90 days)
• 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan (30 days)
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (90 days)
• 🇵🇸 Palestine (N/A)
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan (90 days)
• 🇫🇯 Fiji (4 months)
• 🇰🇮 Kiribati (90 days)
• 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands (90 days)
• 🇫🇲 Micronesia (90 days)
• 🇵🇼 Palau (90 days)
• 🇼🇸 Samoa (90 days)
• 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands (90 days)
• 🇹🇴 Tonga (90 days)
• 🇹🇻 Tuvalu (90 days)
• 🇻🇺 Vanuatu (90 days)
• 🇨🇰 Cook Islands (31 days)
• 🇳🇨 New Caledonia (N/A)
• 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands (14 days)
• 🇵🇫 French Polynesia (N/A)
• 🇼🇫 Wallis and Futuna (N/A)

This data has been sourced from Wikipedia and was last updated on 5/1/2024.

• Bulgaria visa free countries
• Moldova visa free countries
• Serbia visa free countries

Update May 10, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Romania - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed .

Exercise normal precautions in Romania.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Romania.  

If you decide to travel to Romania:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Romania.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond departure date.

1 page per stamp.

Not required for stays under 90 days.

Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Romania

4-6 Liviu Librescu Blvd. District 1 Bucharest, Romania Telephone: (+40) 21 200-3300, (+40) 21 270-6000  Fax: (+40) 21 200-3578 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Romania . 
• With a valid U.S. passport book, U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period.  You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
• Departing Romania and then attempting to re-enter Romania does not “restart the clock.” U.S. citizens who depart Romania and return after spending less than 90 days in the Schengen will be admitted for the remainder of their 90-day stay. U.S. citizens attempting to re-enter Romania after having already spent 90 days in Romania the Schengen area may be denied re-entry to Romania. 
• U.S. citizens who wish to stay longer than 90 days must obtain an extension (resident permit) from the  Romanian Immigration Inspectorate .  
• U.S. citizens traveling to Romania should also consult the  CDC’s Romania website  for immunization and other health information.
• U.S.-Romanian dual nationals should consult the  Romanian Border Police  website for information on exit requirements. 
• If you have a temporary or permanent Romanian residence permit, be ready to present it upon request from local competent authorities.

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. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
• The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Romania.  

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

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:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Reported types of crime include:

• Robbery, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit card fraud are the most commonly reported crimes. 
• Organized groups of criminals, sometimes including minors, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and busses.
• Money exchange schemes often involve individuals posing as plainclothes policemen who approach you, flash a badge, and ask for your passport and wallet. Insist on the presence of a uniformed police officer and request that any issues be resolved at the police station.
• If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available.
• Do not leave your personal belongings unattended; stow them securely out of sight.
• Use ATMs located inside banks. You should check ATM machines for any evidence of tampering before use.
• Be extra cautious of your surroundings if using an internet café.

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:  

• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Lotteries 
• Bank overpayments 

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: 

• Help you find medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

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 .  

• Romania is situated in a seismically active region and has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the greatest risk in Bucharest.
• Avoid contact with stray dogs. You may consult the CDC's Romania website  for rabies immunization and other health information.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

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:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

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:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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.

Travel and Transportation

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.

• Mountain roads are dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice. Snow removal is intermittent.
• Mountainous areas can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in the spring and summer.
• Streets and sidewalks are often icy and hazardous during winter.
• It is common for pedestrians, animals, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts to share a road with motor vehicles, especially in rural areas.
• Parked vehicles often block sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
• Cross only at crosswalks and exercise vigilance as crosswalks are generally poorly marked.
• Although emergency services and road assistance services exist, it is advisable to carry spare tires, fuel and tools. The law requires motorists to carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective triangles. This obligation has been eliminated for motorcycles and mopeds.

Traffic Laws: Romanian traffic laws are very strict.

• The traffic police can confiscate a driver's license or permit for 1-3 months and request payment of fines at the time of the infraction.
• Police are required to give all drivers involved in an accident a breathalyzer test on the scene.
• Refusal to take a breathalyzer test may result in criminal penalties regardless of whether or not alcohol was involved.
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
• Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat.
• Use of mobile phones while driving is banned, with exception of hands free systems.
• The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or injury of a person must immediately call the emergency number 112, and must not move the vehicle, alter or leave the scene of the accident.
• In the case of an accident that only caused damage to the vehicles, drivers must move the vehicles to the side of the road, signaling their presence, and report the accident to the police or exchange insurance information and fill out an amicable accident report.

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).

• You can purchase bus or tram tickets at street kiosks before boarding and validate the ticket once aboard.
• For “maxitaxis” you may buy a ticket directly from the driver.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Romania was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Romania . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Romanian passport grants visa-free access to 176 destinations in 2023

Radu Dumitrescu

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Holding a Romanian passport grants access to 176 destinations without a visa, making it the thirteenth most valuable worldwide, while Singapore’s passport takes first place this year with 193 destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index.

A series of shifts have rocked the global passport ranking for 2023. After five consecutive years at the top of the Henley Passport Index , which compares all passports in the world based on how freely their holders can travel to foreign countries without a visa, Japan has now been surpassed by four countries, while Romania’s passport has increased in value.

Singapore's passport holds the top position in 2023, allowing its citizens to visit 193 destinations out of a total of 227 without a visa. Asia has dominated the Henley & Partners' ranking for many years, but Europe is making a strong comeback. Germany, Italy, and Spain have climbed to the second position with 190 visa-free destinations, while Japan and South Korea share the third spot with Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, and Sweden, offering access to 189 destinations without a visa, CNN notes.

Both the USA and the United Kingdom have been on a downward trajectory since their glory year of 2014 when they shared the first position. However, things seem to be improving as the British passport has climbed two places to fourth place, a position it hasn't held since 2017. On the other hand, the USA has fallen two places to the eighth spot, with American citizens enjoying visa-free access to only 183 destinations.

Romania ranks thirteenth with visa-free access to 176 destinations, rising three positions compared to the previous year.

The Henley Passport Index is based on data obtained from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and evaluates 199 passports worldwide. It is updated in real-time throughout the year as new travel visa rules come into effect. In the latest update, the firm notes that in the 18-year history of the ranking, the average number of destinations that travelers can access without a visa has almost doubled – from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2023.

However, the gap between the freedom of movement enjoyed by citizens in the top-ranking countries and those holding passports at the bottom of the ranking is larger than ever: Afghan citizens can only visit 27 destinations without a visa, followed by Iraq (29) and Syria (30).

Singapore has managed to secure visa-free access to 25 new destinations for its citizens in the past decade. "The United Arab Emirates have added an impressive score of 107 new visa-free destinations since 2013," said Christian H. Kaelin, president of Henley & Partners. "Among the top 10 countries, the USA has had the lowest growth in score, adding only 12 new destinations." "America's continuous decline in the ranking is a warning for its neighbor, Canada, and the rest of the Anglophone world," added Greg Lindsay from the Cornell Tech Jacobs Institute.

[email protected]

(Photo source: Andrei Tailup | Dreamstime.com )

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Romanian Passport Visa-Free Countries

Traveling with a romanian passport.

The Romanian passport is an official document allowing Romanian citizens to enjoy international travel. A valid passport serves as a tool to verify the traveler’s identity, providing the most important information (name, surname, gender, nationality). The standard validity period of the Romania passport is 10 years.

Although nationals of Romania may enjoy freedom of movement while traveling to over 120 visa-free countries, some journeys require them to obtain a suitable visa. Depending on the planned destination, it may be necessary to apply for a regular visa , a visa on arrival (VOA) , or an electronic visa (eVisa) .

The Romanian passport application process

To get a Romanian passport, it is essential to prove your Romanian citizenship with suitable documents. You can apply for a passport at the designated office. However, if you reside in another country, you must personally submit the application to the General Direction for Passports or the nearest Romania Consulate. Once approved, the passport remains valid for up to 10 years .

In order to apply for a Romanian passport, you must submit one of the following documents:

• proof of Romanian citizenship
• proof of Romanian marriage or divorce
• birth certificate with a personal number of identification (CNP)

You will be notified as soon as your passport is approved. While collecting the document from the office, it may be essential to cover the processing fee. For more information, visit the official website of the Romanian General Direction for Passports.

Countries that Romanian passport holders can visit visa-free

Currently, there are 126 visa-free destinations for the Romania passport holders. To travel visa-free, they only need to prepare a valid passport or a national ID card. Such journeys are very convenient as they eliminate the need to schedule the visit at the embassy or prepare the complex paperwork.

You can find a list of all visa-free countries that grant Romanian citizens freedom of movement:

The benefits of visiting visa-free countries with a Romanian passport

There are multiple benefits to visa-free travel. Some of the greatest advantages are the guaranteed freedom of movement, flexibility in selecting new destinations, and better cost management.

If you are a holder of a Romanian passport, you may enjoy visa-free access to 126 countries, providing you with great freedom of movement . There is no need to worry about current visa requirements before selecting destinations for the next journey – simply pack your passport, and you are ready for travel.

Another benefit of visa-free travel is the flexibility of selecting new locations without the hassle of visa application. Some countries allow those traveling on a visa to cross the borders only through selected ports of entry. If you are granted visa-free access, you can enter the country with no problems.

What is more, if you are allowed to travel abroad without a visa, you will be able to save some money . While completing the visa application or Electronic Travel Authorization registration, it is mandatory to cover the processing fee. Granted freedom of movement, you do not need to spend any extra money.

Countries offering eVisa to Romanian citizens

The electronic visa , also known as eVisa , is a type of visa easily obtainable online. You can apply for the visa from the comfort of your home, which makes the procedure very fast and convenient. To apply for an online visa, complete the application form and make the fee payment. When it is authorized, it will be delivered to your e-mail address.

The following 44 countries allow Romania passport holders to apply for an electronic visa:

A document very similar to eVisa is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) . It is an online visa required by a few selected countries. It is issued electronically for those traveling short-term for tourism and leisure.

Romania passport holders may apply for an ETA to:

Countries offering visas on arrival to Romanian passport holders

A visa on arrival is issued by immigration officers upon arrival at selected entry ports. It permits international travelers to enjoy short-term trips organized for tourism and business purposes. If you meet the visa requirements, fill out the essential application form to apply for a visa on arrival. Remember to ensure you have all the mandatory documentation on hand.

The following destinations issue visa on arrival for Romania passport holders:

Countries where Romanian citizens need to get a visa to travel to

Destinations where the Visa Waiver Policy does not apply require travelers to obtain a standard visa before leaving for the journey. It is essential to schedule an appointment at the nearest diplomatic mission of the country you would like to visit and apply for a visa in person. Make sure you meet the mandatory visa requirements and complete the visa application form.

As a holder of the Romanian passport, you need to obtain a visa for the following destinations:

• Romanian Passport Visa-Free Countries List

• Evisa.Express
• Requirements
• Visa Free Countries

Information about Romanian passport

The Romanian Passport ranks 16th in the global passport ranking. It is one of the best passports in the world in terms of mobility score. Currently, Romanian passport holders can enter 110 countries visa-free.

Romanian citizens can also get a visa on arrival in 34 countries. Moreover, 34 countries issue an online visa to Romanians.

Overall, Romanian passport holders can visit many countries without attending an embassy, including all European countries.

As this passport enables such freedom of movement, many people want to obtain it. A person can get a Romanian passport by acquiring Romanian citizenship first - by birth, adoption, repatriation, or request.

Romanians can have exciting experience in visa-free countries 

Traveling to a new country can be an exciting and enriching experience, and visa-free travel provides access to many destinations. You are able to see many beautiful and exciting sites you wouldn't visit otherwise.

In addition, traveling without a visa can sometimes be seen as an act of trust on the part of the country. By allowing visitors in without requiring a visa, they are essentially saying that they trust you and believe that you will respect their laws and customs.

This will make the communication will locals better and easier, and you'll be able to get more profound knowledge about the culture and traditions of the countries you visit.

How to get Romanian citizenship and passport 

Citizenship in Romania can be acquired in four ways:

• Birth - all children whose parents are Romanian citizens acquire citizenship at birth;
• Adoption - any child legally adopted by Romanian citizens is granted citizenship;
• Repatriation - a person who has lost Romanian citizenship can acquire it again;
• was born in Romania and currently reside there;
• has resided in Romania for at least eight years;
• has resided in the country and been married to a Romanian citizen for at least five years.

To apply for a Romanian passport , a person should visit the website of the Romanian Ministry of Interior (if in Romania) or the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if abroad) and present the required documents.

A person residing not in Romania must submit the passport application personally to the Romanian General Direction for Passports or to the nearest Romanian Consulate.

The benefits of visa-free countries for Romanians 

Visa-free access is a great opportunity for Romanian citizens, as it has some significant benefits:

• they don't have to deal with any visa application hassle, such as attending an office, filling out the forms, or attaching additional documents;
• they don't need to cover the visa fee and can spend that money on the trip instead;
• it offers a sense of freedom and spontaneity that is not always possible when a person needs to get a visa in advance;
• when they able to just pack your bags and go, it results in a much more enjoyable and relaxed trip.

110 Romanian passport visa-free countries

Visa-free countries with a romanian passport.

• Albania (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Andorra (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Austria (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Belgium (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Bulgaria (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Czech Republic (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Denmark (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Estonia (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Finland (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• France (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Georgia (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Germany (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Greece (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Hungary (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Iceland (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Ireland (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Italy (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Latvia (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Liechtenstein (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Lithuania (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Luxembourg (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Malta (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Marshall Islands
• Moldova (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Monaco (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Montenegro (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Netherlands (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• North Macedonia (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Norway (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Philippines
• Poland (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Portugal (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• San Marino (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Serbia (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Slovakia (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Slovenia (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Spain (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Sweden (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Switzerland (only with a valid Romanian identity card)
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City (only with a valid Romanian identity card)

Moreover, Romanian citizens can get a visa on arrival in 34 countries and apply for an eVisa to the same number of countries - 34. 

Visa on arrival countries

• Guinea-Bissau
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone

Electronic visa countries

• Canada (electronic travel authorization)
• Côte d'Ivoire
• New Zealand (electronic travel authorization)
• South Sudan

How to know if your destination is a visa-free country?

Check a visa-free country list and see if your destination is present there.

Your destination is not a visa-free country - what to do next?

If your destination is a country requiring a visa, you should check the extended entry requirements to find out which visa type you need.

Things to know before traveling to non-visa-free countries

Traveling to non-visa-free countries requires more effort, but these tips will help you to make the process smoother:

• find out all the entry requirements and apply for a visa in advance to have an approved visa on time even in case of some issues;
• if you are eligible not only for a regular visa but also for an online visa, the easiest option for you is to apply for an online visa as you can do it from home at any time;
• be sure that your passport is valid and stays effective for at least six months before the planned date of arrival;
• make the printed copies of required documents;
• be ready that officials may ask you some questions at the entry points.

Is it important to research the different visa requirements of each country before traveling?

It's important to research the visa requirements of each destination you intend to visit, as the failure to comply with these requirements could result in being denied entry into the country.

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Legal Disclaimer: Evisa Express operates with no affiliation with any US governmental agencies or departments. Our consulting service fees do NOT include any government applications, medical examinations, filling, or biometric charges. Since Evisa Express is not a law firm and our customer service representatives are not lawyers, we do not provide legal advice. We operate as a private internet-based travel and immigration consultancy agency providing help to individuals traveling to the United States. Visa applications can be made directly at travel.state.gov or at uscis.gov.

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Romania Entry Requirements

Trip planner.

• Entry Requirements

• Travel Documents / Entry Visa Documents for admission into Romania Romanian Entry Visa Schengen Visas
• Travel with Pets Pet Entry Requirements Pet transportation / Travel with pets in Romania trains, bus, subway.

Driving in Romania

Travel documents.

A valid passport is required for all overseas/ non-EU visitors. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your visit (it will not expire sooner than your intended date of departure). However, please check the expiration date on your passport carefully before traveling to Europe. Some airlines (i.e. Lufthansa) may refuse boarding at your point of origin or while transferring planes if your passport is not valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure; or your entry into the Schengen Area could be denied. For this reason, the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that your passport has at least six months' validity remaining whenever you travel abroad.

For stays longer than 90 days visitors need to need to apply for a temporary residence permit (either before arriving into Romania or at least 30 days before the 90-day "no visa" stay expires). To apply for an extended stay visa please visit eVisa.MAE.ro Additional information are available from any Romanian Immigration Office

Citizens of the European Union countries can enter Romania with a valid passport or with their National Identity Card.

Depending on your citizenship, you may be required to show different documents at the port-of-entry.

American and Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand and most European countries do not need an entry visa to visit Romania, providing duration of stay is not more than 90 (ninety) days, accumulated during a single visit - or multiple visits - within a six-month period.

Citizens of certain countries and territories need a visa to visit Romania. To quickly check if you need a visa please visit www.E-Visa.MAE.ro (select the "Get Informed" tab (up left) and enter the following information: passport issuing country, type of passport, purpose of your visit to Romania). Entry requirements and visa information are also available at www.mae.ro .

Please send all inquiries regarding visa and entry requirements to the nearest Consulate of Romania . RomaniaTourism has no authority or expertise to answer questions regarding travel documents or visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, bearer of a regular passport, are exempt from the requirement of a Romanian visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, bearer of diplomatic, service, official passport and seamen's books, are exempt from the requirement of a Romanian visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, holders of regular passport, need a visa to enter Romania.

Schengen Visas validity in Romania

Romania partially joined Schengen area of free movement opening up travel by air and sea without border checks. Border checks will continue to apply for those travelling by land between either Bulgaria or Romania and other Schengen area countries. Effective April 1 2024, the Consulates of Romania issue standard short-term Schengen C visas, as per recent EU directives.   Schengen Visa holders do not need to get a (special) Romanian visa to visit Romania as long as number of entries and/ or length of stay has not been not exhausted. More info concerning Romania visa requirements / Schengen visa. The Schengen visa zone includes 25 EU member countries along with four non-EU states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

No immunizations or unusual health precautions are necessary or required. Romania has no infectious risks and there are no poisonous insects. There is no malaria in Romania. During the summer months mosquitoes are present in the Danube Delta and some low-lying regions. For your comfort take some mosquito repellent with you, if visiting Romania during the warm season.

Tap water is safe to drink; if you prefer, bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. Romania is home to more that 1/3 of the natural mineral springs in Europe. Some Romanian bottled waters are rated the best in the world for purity and taste and are exported to many foreign countries.

Naturally, we hope that you will never need to use any medical facilities. However, Romanian doctors are known for their high standard of medical education. The embassy of your country, to Romania, can probably provide a list of preferred physicians or medical facilities.

Travel with Pets in Romania

Leisure travelers or soon-to-be expatriates (departing from non-EU countries) generally fall within the EU regulations for non-commercial pet travel to Europe. The following EU regulations apply only to dogs, cats or ferrets. Please contact your Embassy/ Consulate (or the embassy of destination country) to determine what (if any) protocol to follow for other types of pets.

Documents needed to take your pet into Romania include:

1. Proof of rabies vaccinations - Rabbies Certificate (Your veterinarian issued documentation that proves rabies vaccination and disproves the existence of rabies in your pet, specifying that this documentation is certified for your travel to the EU). Your pet may not travel to Europe until at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccine.

2. Pet's Health Certificate The health certificate must prove that your pet has had all its shots and is healthy enough to travel. Although this certificate is technically valid for 4 months, it is recommended to be completed and endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of travel to avoid any customs issues upon arrival. The results of a serological test and the pet's vaccination details must be attached to the health certificate. Obtain this documentation within 10 days of travel. For travel to Europe, an additional single-sheet EU Vet Health Certificate form must be filled out and certified by your vet.

3. Microchip Implantation Record Microchips provide electronic identification on your pet. If your pet doesn't already have a microchip you can easily get one. All original documentation must travel with your pet. Translation of documents is not needed if they are in English, French or German.

More info concerning pet movement from non-EU countries Romania Pet Travel check list

Dogs: must be kept in leash and wear a muzzle. Small pets and birds: must be kept in a cage at all times. Some municipalities might have additional regulations regarding travel with pets in city buses or trams. A small number of cities in Romania do not allow pets on board of their public transportation fleet.

Dogs: must be kept in leash and wear a muzzle at all times. Small pets and birds: must be kept in a cage at all times.

Dogs are allowed in second-class cars only; they must stay on the floor, in leash, and wear a muzzle at all times. If a passenger is allergic to pet-hair or is not comfortable in the presence of a dog, the owner of the dog must find a seat / place in another car. Dog's health certificate must be available for inspection by the train conductor.

A ticket is required for all (larger) dogs that do not travel in a pet-cage hold in the lap of the owner. The cost of a train ticket for a dog is 50% of the price of a ticket for an adult traveler.

Dog breeds with aggressive tendencies/ history (Pittbull, Boerboer, Bandogge) are not allowed on trains.

Each bus company has its own rules regarding pet travel / transportation.

Each airline has its own rules regarding pet travel / transportation. An international pet passport is required for pets traveling to EU / Schengen countries. Although there are uniform regulation within the EU, some European countries have additional own regulations regarding pets.

Romanians love pets; please don't be surprised or offended if someone you don't know tries to pet your dog or cat without asking permission.

Each hotel or restaurant has its own pet policy.

In general pets are allowed in hotels and restaurants. Many hotels will charge extra the guests bringing their pets.

Romania Customs Regulations

Romanian Customs regulations are in line with those of most European countries. A traveler can enter and leave Romania with up to 10,000 Euros (or equivalent) in cash or traveler's checks. Amounts over 10,000 Euros have to be declared when entering the country.

Items that must be declared at customs also include: art objects, historic artifacts, weapons, ammunition, explosive materials, toxic and hazadous substances.

- Tobacco: 40 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g (100 oz) tobacco. - Liquor: 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer or 2 litres of alcoholic drinks less than 45 proof or one litre of liquor stonger than 45 proof. (one litre = 33.8 fl. oz). - A reasonable quantity of gifts with a total value of up to $450. - Goods and medical products/ medicines for personal use. Customs officers do not usually check the luggage of individual travelers or tour groups. However, you must know that, as in any other country, custom officers have the authority to check passports and to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination to a personal search. More information on European customs regulations

U.S. / Canadian / Australian / New Zealand / European drivers' licenses are valid and can be used for driving in Romania, by visitors who are in the country temporarily (less than 90 days).

Driving is on the right side of the road.

Independent travelers entering Romania by car (own or rental) need to obtain a road toll sticker, called "RoVinieta". RoVigneta is available on-line at Roviniete , and E_Rovinieta , as well as at border-crossing points, postal offices and most gas stations. Cost of RoVinieta for passenger cars is the Romanian currency equivalent of $3.50 (7 days) or $8.00 (30 days).

Romania Rules of the Road are available at RomaniaTourism Practical Information section

General emergency phone # : 112

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Useful Information

Starting with this web page you can fill in a visa application file and send it to the selected diplomatic mission / consular post of Romania.

Officials who hold diplomatic, service and official passports, as well as their family members, who travel to Romania for official purposes, can directly contact the chosen diplomatic mission/consular post of Romania. The contact details of the diplomatic missions and consular posts of Romania can be consulted here .

In order to be able to apply online you must:

• Have a valid eMail address
• Use a computer which fulfills certain technical requirements. For further information see About the E-VIZA portal
• Have the possibility of uploading the required supporting documents

If you wish to print or save a copy of your application you must have access to Acrobat Reader or other similar .pdf readers.

It is advisable that your supporting documents be translated into Romanian or English by an authorized translator. All documents you submit must be legible. All attached documents must be presented in original and copy when you visit the Romanian diplomatic mission / consular post.

• Each document must not exceed 2 Megabytes (2 MB) .
• Only Latin characters are allowed in the filename.
• We accept files in the following formats: jpeg, jpg, tif, png, bmp, txt, rtf or pdf.

The visa application consists of a number of fields which you have to fill in. Note that you cannot use the “back” and “forward” buttons from your browser (e.g. Internet Explorer). Use only the buttons in the electronic form to move forward and backward between pages.

Visa applications can be lodged only individually. In case more people travel together, each person must apply for an individual visa. In addition, please note that individual visa applications must be lodged for people included in the same travel document (e.g.: underage children included in the parents’ travel documents).

If you started registering an electronic application file it is possible to interrupt the application process and save it. You can resume the registration and continue filling in the application at a later stage. An application saved temporarily is stored for 30 days .

When your visa application is decided upon, you will receive a notification by eMail to the address you supplied when you started your application.

Please note that in order to start filling in a visa application, you must give your consent as regards the terms of use that assist you in understanding the principles applicable to this electronic portal.

In order to start filling in a visa application, you must agree to the terms of use of the E-VIZA portal. The details provided will help you understand the principles applicable to this electronic tool.

I acknowledge the information provided in the section "I want to be informed", therefore it is clear what conditions I have to fulfil in order to apply for a Romanian visa.

I understand that additional documents may be required in order for my visa application to be processed by the Romanian diplomatic mission / consular office of choice.

I am aware that in order to obtain a visa applied for through the E-VIZA portal, I must also present myself at the Romanian diplomatic mission / consular office of choice.

I fully understand that the date from which my visa application will be subject to examination with a view to taking a decision on it is the same date on which I shall present myself at the Romanian diplomatic mission / consular office where I have submitted my application in electronic format.

I am aware that I will not be refunded the fee for processing a visa application in case I am not granted a visa.

All the information I have provided is correct and complete. I understand that providing false or incomplete data will result in the rejection of my visa application or cancellation of a visa already granted.

I am aware that I must leave the territory of Romania upon expiry of a Romanian visa that I obtained. I have been informed that holding a visa is only one of the conditions that must be fulfilled in order for me to be allowed to enter Romania. I am aware that the mere issuance of the visa does not imply that I am entitled to compensation if I do not fulfil the conditions set out in Chapter II - General provisions on the entry, stay and exit of foreigners of GEO 194/2002 republished, as amended and supplemented, and I am refused entry into Romania. The fulfilment of the entry conditions will be subject to verification at the time of entry into Romania.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

With respect to visas applied for through the E-VIZA portal, the personal data controller is the MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ROMANIA, with its headquarters in 31, Aleea Alexandru, 1st district, Bucharest, Romania. Within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the designated Personal Data Protection Officer can be contacted at [email protected] .

Personal data of visa applicants shall be processed strictly in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 27th, 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR), Law No 506/2004 on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and Law No 271/2010 on the establishment, organization and functioning of the National Visa Information System and Romania's participation in the Visa Information System.

Personal data entered through the E-VIZA portal by third country nationals who need visas in order to travel to Romania are provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and shall be processed by this institution exclusively for the specific purpose of processing, examining and issuing visas.

Categories of persons concerned by the processing of personal data for the purpose of processing and issuing entry visas to Romania : third-country nationals falling within the scope of European and national legal instruments regulating visa policy, i.e. the regime of foreigners in Romania, by submitting Romanian visa applications, regardless of the purpose of the trip.

By using the external portal E-VIZA www.evisa.ro , at the time of starting the online visa application process, it is necessary to acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions regarding the provision of your personal data for the purpose of processing and issuing visas for entry into Romania.

Personal data provided through the E-VIZA external portal shall be used exclusively for the purpose of processing, examining and issuing entry visas to Romania. These data will be processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only when the data subject has agreed to the terms and conditions relating to this aspect.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes only the categories of personal data necessary for the examination of visa applications, as established at European Union level and by national legislation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not request and does not process sensitive data, except those necessary for the examination of an application for a visa to enter Romania and the issuance of a visa, in accordance with the legal provisions; all personal data and any sensitive data are processed under strict security conditions.

All personal data requested through the forms in the external E-VIZA portal will be made available to the diplomatic missions and consular offices of Romania where the data subject chooses to present him/herself.

The data in the external portal is stored on a secure central server belonging to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When a visa file is sent to a diplomatic mission/consular office of Romania, it will be transferred to the internal E-VIZA portal and stored on a secure central server in the internal network of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At this point, the personal data in the external portal will be transferred in its entirety to the secure network of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will no longer be available online.

When a visa applicant does not complete an application file, his/her personal data filled in the external portal up to a certain point will be stored on the central server of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the external portal for a period limited to 30 days. At the end of this period, the uncompleted file and all the data filled in the file will be automatically deleted and will no longer be available online and will also no longer be available to the controller.

The personal data provided through the visa application files filled in the E-VIZA portal will be made available exclusively to the competent Romanian authorities and processed by them, where appropriate, for the purpose of making a decision on the visa application submitted through this portal. These data may be entered and stored in databases accessible only to the Romanian authorities competent in visa matters, in accordance with the national legislation in force.

The identity of the controller: exclusively the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, through Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad.

The purpose for which the data processing is carried out is exclusively the processing / examination of visa applications submitted by third country nationals subject to visa requirements to travel to Romania, as well as, where applicable, for the issuance of entry visas to Romania. Visas granted may also be annulled and revoked in accordance with the law.

Storage period of personal data provided: according to Article 23 and 24 of the NVIS Act.

The recipients of personal data provided for the purpose of applying for entry visas to Romania: exclusively the competent national authorities referred to in Article 30 of Government Emergency Ordinance No 194/2002 on the regime of foreigners in Romania, republished, as subsequently amended and supplemented, as well as the authorities responsible for carrying out checks at state border crossing points. The data transmitted through the electronic files created through the eVisa portal can be accessed exclusively by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visa applicants who do not consider it appropriate to provide the personal data required for filling in the standard visa application forms should bear in mind that refusal to provide all the necessary data may lead to the inadmissibility of applications or to the rejection of visa applications, depending on the situation.

THE RIGHTS DATA SUBJECTS BENEFIT OF, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF (EU) REGULATION 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 27th, 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR)

According to the provisions of the GDPR, data subjects have the following rights with regard to the processing of their personal data:

• the right to be informed;
• the right of access to data;
• the right to rectify the data;
• the right to object;
• the right to erase data;
• the right to restrict processing;
• the right to data portability and the right not to be subject to an automated decision;
• the right to file a complaint with the controller, the supervisory authority for the processing of personal data and the right to appeal to justice.

1. The right to be informed:

As a controller of personal data under the provisions of the GDPR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs respects the rights of data subjects in the exercise of its tasks related to visa activity. The personal data collected in the course of the visa activity are necessary for the fulfilment of the tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in processing/examining visa applications and taking a decision on the granting of entry visas to Romania, and are processed in good faith, lawfully and securely.

In accordance with the provisions of the GDPR, the Law No 506/2004 on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and Law No 271/2010 on the establishment, organization and functioning of the National Visa Information System and Romania's participation in the Visa Information System, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its capacity of personal data controller, with its registered office at 31, Aleea Alexandru, 1st district, Bucharest, Romania, phone number: +40 21 431 11 00, +40 21 431 15 62, +40 21 319 21 08, +40 21 319 21 25, Fax: +40 21 319 68 62, must manage under secure conditions and only for the specified purpose, well determined by the specific regulatory framework in force, the personal data that you provide us, under the law, about yourself, a member of your family or another person. Within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs there is a designated personal data protection officer that can be contacted at [email protected] .

This information relates to the purpose of data collection for processing and examining applications for entry visas to Romania and issuing the requested visas. Data subjects processing personal data for the above-mentioned purpose, who choose to apply for an entry visa to Romania online, through the national electronic portal for facilitating visa applications, E-VIZA - www.eviza.mae.ro , must provide the data requested through the visa application forms*; refusal to provide the requested data will result in the inadmissibility of the visa application which will not be processed at the diplomatic missions/consular offices of Romania. The application for a visa through the E-VIZA portal can be completed by the person concerned only after agreeing to the terms and conditions related to the processing of personal data. Data of persons who do not complete an online visa application are automatically deleted 30 days after the date of the last intervention of the data subject on his/her own application file. The recorded information is intended for use by the controller and is communicated by data subjects, for retrieval from the eViza external electronic portal, only to diplomatic missions and consular posts of Romania. The information is retrieved from the eViza portal for subsequent processing in the National Visa Information System (NVIS).

According to the provisions of the GDPR, the data subject benefits from the right to be informed, the right to access the data, the right to rectify data, the right to erase data, the right to restrict processing and the right not to be subject to automatic processing. At the same time, the data subject has the right to object to the processing of personal data concerning him/her**. In order to exercise these rights, you may address a written, dated and signed request to the Designated Personal Data Protection Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - [email protected] ***. You also have the right to file a complaint with the A.N.S.P.D.C.P( http://www.dataprotection.ro ) and the right to appeal to justice.

Your data, communicated through the E-VIZA electronic portal and processed within the NVIS by authorized users, will not be transferred abroad. Should any of your details be inaccurate, please inform us as soon as possible.

* The legal basis for the processing of personal data for the purposes mentioned above is given by the legislation in force which can be consulted [ here ]. The fields in the visa application forms marked with an asterisk - (*) do not need to be filled in by third country nationals who are family members of citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation (spouse, child or dependent ascendant).

** If you do not consent to the processing of your personal data, it will be considered that your visa application becomes inadmissible. However, if you wish to have your personal data erased, but at the time of the erasure request you hold a valid visa obtained on the basis of those data, they cannot be erased, in accordance with Article 17 paragraph (3) letter (b) of the GDPR. If no decision has been taken on the visa application, it cannot be further processed and it should also be noted that the fee for processing the application cannot be refunded.

*** The requests for exercising the rights of data subjects in relation to the processing of visa applications, available online at www.mae.ro , shall be submitted by written, dated and signed request, addressed, in accordance with Article 38 paragraph (4) of the GDPR, to the Data Protection Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the following address: [email protected] , respectively at the MFA controller's office, 31, Aleea Alexandru, 1st district, Bucharest, zip code 011822.

2. Right to access the data:

The persons concerned by the processing of personal data have the right to obtain from the controller, by means of a written, signed and dated request, confirmation as to whether or not personal data relating to them are being processed and, if so, access to such data, in accordance with the European legal act.

3. The right to rectify data:

Any data subject has the right to obtain from the controller, in accordance with Article 16 of the GDPR, without undue delay, the rectification (correction, completion, etc.) of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her.

It should be noted that rectification of data by the data subject, involving their modification, on request, when the visa granted is still valid, entails, where appropriate, the cancellation or revocation of the document.

According to the provisions of Article 17 of the GDPR, the data subject has the right to request the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay and the controller has the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay if one of the following grounds applies:

the personal data are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or processed;

the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 paragraph (1) of the GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing;

the personal data have been unlawfully processed;

the personal data must be erased in order to comply with a legal obligation incumbent on the controller under Union law or national law to which the controller is subject.

It should be noted that the deletion of data in the visa activity does not apply to the EAW for all situations foreseen in the GDPR, as not all of them (e.g. when the processing is based on consent or when the data have been collected for the provision of information services) are applicable or related to the EAW activity.

Where the data subject requests the erasure of data relating to him or her, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs controller finds that the data subject has valid visa applications (pending or approved applications for which the visa issued is pending), the data subject will be informed that the erasure cannot be carried out, pursuant to Article 17 paragraph (3).

Each request for erasure of data shall be examined individually.

5. The right to restrict processing:

According to the provisions of Article 18 of the GDPR, any data subject shall have the right to request the restriction of the processing of data relating to him or her where:

the data subject disputes the accuracy of the data for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the data;

the processing is unlawful and the data subject objects to the erasure of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of their use;

the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purpose of the processing, but the data subject requests them for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims; or

the data subject has objected to the processing in accordance with Article 21 paragraph (1) of the GDPR - the right to object, for the period of time during which it is verified whether the legitimate rights of the controller prevail over those of the data subject.

Where processing has been restricted, the individual's data may, with the exception of storage, only be processed with the consent of the data subject or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of substantial public interest of the Union or a Member State.

6. The right to oppose:

According to the provisions of Article 21 of the GDPR, the data subject has the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, to the processing of personal data relating to him or her pursuant to Article 6 paragraph (1) letter (e) or letter (f), including the creation of profiles on the basis of those provisions. The controller shall no longer process the personal data unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes personal data on the basis of the legal powers vested in it as a public authority and the exercise of the public authority vested in it. Therefore, the visa application of a data subject who objects to the processing of his/her data for this purpose becomes inadmissible, the application file is not taken over and the consular fee/service fee is not collected.

According to the provisions of Article 20 from the GDPR, the data subject benefits from the right to data portability and according to the provisions of Article 22 from the GDPR, the right not to be subject to automated individual decision-making.

Within the framework of the visa activity, the data collected in relation to the examination and issuance of visas by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operator by virtue of its capacity as central competent authority, shall not be transferred to other recipients, even at the request of the data subject, as the working procedures inherent to these areas are clearly regulated by the European and national legislation in force, and it is not possible to use ported data. At the same time, the examination and issuance of a visa does not rely at any time on automated individual decision-making processes.

Therefore, in the case of visa activity, the exercise of these two rights by data subjects in the processing of data for the issuance of visas is irrelevant.

In order to defend their rights under the GDPR, individuals whose personal data is subject to processing covered by the GDPR have the right to file a complaint with the controller through the Data Protection Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Data subjects may also file a complaint with the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing at:

Address: 28-30 G-ral. Gheorghe Magheru Blvd., 1st district, zip code 010336, Bucharest, Romania;

E-mail: [email protected];

Phone number: +40.318.059.211;

Fax: +40.318.059.602;

Website: http://www.dataprotection.ro .

In addition, according to the provisions of Articles 78 and 79 of the GDPR, every natural or legal person has the right to an effective judicial remedy against a supervisory authority and a controller or processor.

For detailed information about other programs financed by the European Union, please visit www.fonduri-ue.ro

This material does not represent the official position of the European Union or the Romanian Government

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Romania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Romania’s Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Romania.

Passport validity requirements

Romania is now part of the Schengen area, you must follow the  Schengen area passport requirements  to travel there.

To enter Romania (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest guidance on passport validity.

Contact the Romanian embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Passport stamping

At the Romanian border your passport may be stamped when you enter and exit Romania or another country in the Schengen area. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area.

You can show tickets or boarding passes as evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area. Ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport.

If you have a Withdrawal Agreement residency document for another country, your passport might still be stamped if you are a visitor to Romania.

You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

Read about passport stamping if you live in Romania .

Visa requirements

Romania is now part of the Schengen area. Visits to Romania now count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.

You can visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit for family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

On 31 March, Romania  joined Schengen for border control-free travel via air and sea. Border controls will continue to remain at all land and river borders, including those within the Schengen zone. You will need to show your passport at land and river borders, although your passport should not be stamped.

Visits to any other Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel to Romania will count towards your 90 day visa-free limit.

If you’re travelling to Romania (and all other Schengen countries) without a visa, make sure your whole visit to the Schengen area is within the 90-day limit.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons) you will need to meet the Romanian government’s entry requirements. Check with the  Romanian Embassy in the UK  what type of visa and/or work permit you may need.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the visa.

If you stay in Romania with a Romanian residence permit or long-stay visa, this time does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for travel to the Schengen area.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Romania guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Romania (in Romanian). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Leaving Romania with children aged 17 and under

If you’re travelling with a child who holds Romanian citizenship, and you are not the child’s parent, or you are a parent but the other parent is not travelling with you, you may need to show notarised parental consent.

A list of the public notaries can be found on the website of the National Union of Public Notaries of Romania.

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Romania Passport Ranking 2024

We rank the Romania passport as number 6 in the world in line with our Passport Index ratings. As a Romania citizen, you’ll be able to travel visa-free to 176 countries. To gain access to all other countries, you and your family as Romania passport holders will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visa online in advance. Certain countries will allow you to apply for a visa on arrival.

• Albania 90 DAYS
• Angola 30 DAYS
• Antigua and Barbuda 180 DAYS
• Argentina 90 DAYS
• Armenia 180 DAYS
• Bahamas 90 DAYS
• Barbados 180 DAYS
• Belarus 30 DAYS
• Bosnia and Herzegovina 90 DAYS
• Botswana 90 DAYS
• Brazil 90 DAYS
• Brunei 90 DAYS
• Cape Verde 30 DAYS
• Chile 90 DAYS
• Colombia 90 DAYS
• Costa Rica 180 DAYS
• Czech Republic
• Dominica 180 DAYS
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador 90 DAYS
• El Salvador 90 DAYS
• Fiji 120 DAYS
• Gabon 30 DAYS
• Gambia 90 DAYS
• Georgia 360 DAYS
• Grenada 90 DAYS
• Guatemala 90 DAYS
• Haiti 90 DAYS
• Honduras 90 DAYS
• Hong Kong 90 DAYS
• Israel 90 DAYS
• Japan 90 DAYS
• Kazakhstan 30 DAYS
• Kiribati 90 DAYS
• Kosovo 90 DAYS
• Kyrgyzstan 60 DAYS
• Liechtenstein
• Macao 90 DAYS
• Malaysia 90 DAYS
• Marshall Islands 90 DAYS
• Mauritius 90 DAYS
• Mexico 180 DAYS
• Micronesia 90 DAYS
• Moldova 90 DAYS
• Mongolia 30 DAYS
• Montenegro 90 DAYS
• Morocco 90 DAYS
• Netherlands
• Nicaragua 90 DAYS
• North Macedonia 90 DAYS
• Palau 90 DAYS
• Panama 90 DAYS
• Paraguay 90 DAYS
• Peru 90 DAYS
• Philippines 30 DAYS
• Saint Kitts and Nevis 90 DAYS
• Saint Lucia 90 DAYS
• Samoa 90 DAYS
• Sao Tome and Principe 15 DAYS
• Senegal 90 DAYS
• Serbia 90 DAYS
• Seychelles 90 DAYS
• Singapore 90 DAYS
• Solomon Islands 90 DAYS
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 90 DAYS
• Switzerland
• Taiwan 90 DAYS
• Tanzania 90 DAYS
• Timor-Leste 90 DAYS
• Tonga 90 DAYS
• Trinidad and Tobago 90 DAYS
• Tunisia 90 DAYS
• Türkiye 90 DAYS
• Tuvalu 90 DAYS
• Ukraine 90 DAYS
• United Arab Emirates 90 DAYS
• United Kingdom 180 DAYS
• Uruguay 90 DAYS
• Uzbekistan 30 DAYS
• Vanuatu 90 DAYS
• Venezuela 90 DAYS
• Zambia 90 DAYS

Visa on arrival

• Guinea-Bissau
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Burkina Faso
• Ivory Coast
• Equatorial Guinea
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan

Visa required

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea
• Turkmenistan
• United States

Visa free access for Romania

As a Romania passport holder, you are permitted to travel visa-free to 176 countries and territories. This data is correct as of March 2024.

In order to travel visa-free, you will need a valid passport, often with at least six months until expiry. Additionally, you may need travel insurance, as required by your destination country.

Within these countries, there is often a separate section in airports where you can submit your Visa on Arrival. You will receive your visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issued the visa.

Acquiring an eVisa follows the same process as applying for a traditional visa. The main difference with an eVisa is that you don’t need to visit a visa application centre. You can submit your application online, including making any payments relating to the visa.

Once the relevant authorities approve your application, you will receive a confirmation email regarding your visa status, along with a document that you must print and bring with you when crossing the border.

You will need a valid visa to enter the 176 countries with a Romania passport.

About Romania

Romania, located in Southeastern Europe, is a country rich in culture and history. Its population stands at approximately 19 million people, making it the 7th most populous member state of the European Union. The official language is Romanian, and the country’s capital and largest city is Bucharest.

The climate in Romania is temperate-continental, characterized by hot summers, long, cold winters and very distinct seasons. Its diverse geographic features range from the Carpathian Mountains to the shores of the Black Sea, providing a wide range of outdoor activities.

Romanian culture is a unique blend of Latin and Eastern European traditions. It is famous for its legendary figures, such as Dracula, and its impressive medieval landmarks. The country has a strong tradition of arts and crafts, folk music, and rich folklore.

Economically, Romania is predominantly an upper-middle income market economy. It has one of the largest economies in Central and Eastern Europe. The economy is centered on services, followed by industry and agriculture. Romania is a significant producer of automobiles, software, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and home appliances.

Romania offers an enriching experience with its captivating history, vibrant culture, and promising economic potential. Its passport offers visa-free travel to 172 countries, making it a valuable asset for international travel and business.

Romania passport ranking

The Romanian passport is currently ranked 18th place on the Guide Passport Index. It provides visa-free access to 176 countries. With a high mobility score it is one of the best ranking passports in the world. Romanian passport holders have visa-free access and visas on arrival to countries such as United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Japan and the entire European Union. This allows almost instant travel opportunities worldwide. Romanian passport holders do however require a visa to enter about 53 destinations in the world. Some countries where a visa is required are China, India and the United States.

Romania Passport Ranking

The Romania passport ranking relative to other global passports is calculated by adding up the number of countries that allow Romania passport holders to enter without a visa (i.e. visa-free countries) and those that allow Romania passport holders to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival (i.e. visa-on-arrival countries) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). There are currently a total of 138 Romania passport visa-free countries, 34 Romania visa-on-arrival countries, and 4 eTA destinations.

Altogether, Romania passport holders can enter a total of 176 destinations—either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. As a result, the Romania passport ranks 18 in the world.

Separate from these Romania visa-free countries and visa-on-arrival countries, there are 53 additional destinations which Romania passport holders either need a physical visa to enter or an eVisa (i.e. visa required countries).

About Romania

Romania consists of 41 counties and is part of the European Union. The most important counties are Bucharest, Iasi and Prahova. The nation is situated in the middle of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, bordering Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova and the Black Sea. Romania is the 12th largest country in Europe with a surface area of 238,397 square kilometers. Its climate is mostly temperate continental with a oceanic climate in the eastern coast. The terrain is defined by the Carpathian Mountains, hills and plains.

The overall population is over 19.1million people, making it the 10th most populous country in Europe. The capital of the country is Bucharest, which is also the most populated city with 2.1 million inhabitants. Other important cities are Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara. The largest airport is Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) with 14 million annual passengers. Cluj International Airport (CLJ) is the second biggest airport with 2.9 million yearly passengers. Both airports together cover domestic and international routes connecting Romania to the European Union and beyond.

Romanian culture is dominated by Eastern European and Armenian influences. There is a multi-national mix and the Easter Orthodox Religion is predominant. The official language is Romanian. The legal system is based on the Civil Law. The government type is a semi-presidential republic. The chief of state is the elect President Klaus Werner Iohannis and the head of government is the elected Prime Minister Ludovic Orban.

The official currency is the Romanian leu (RON) with the current exchange rate being RON 4.62 to the USD. The country has an open economy, generating a GDP of approximately $525 billion, which puts it on the 13th spot in the European Union. Its citizens have a per capita income of $29,555. The GDP is mostly made up of 2 key sectors, which are services and industry. Some of the most important export products are electric machinery, auto assembly, wheat, corn, barley and sugar beets.

Romania has a variety of urban and natural tourism destinations. There are 8 UNESCO world heritage sites in the country. Some of the major destinations include the Wooden Churches of Maramures, Poiana Brasov, Corvin Castle, the Sucevita Monastery, Transylvania and the Palace of the Parliament. The nation has a total of approximately 16.7 million tourists visiting every year with the majority originating from Europe and its surrounding countries.

Explore More

Check if you need a visa for your next destination, latest news and articles.

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The essential traveler's guide to understanding various types of visas

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For detailed information about other programs financed by the European Union, please visit www.fonduri-ue.ro

This material does not represent the official position of the European Union or the Romanian Government

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Romania and Bulgaria partially join Europe’s Schengen travel zone, but checks at land borders remain

Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Video shot by Nic Dumitrache and Valentina Petrova)

Flight attendants arriving at the Henri Coanda International Airport pass under a Schengen Information sign, in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

• Copy Link copied

A passenger that arrived with a flight from Vienna shows his passport after being one of the first people to take advantage of Romania’s entry in the Schengen Area without border checks by air and sea at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers pass a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers arriving at the Henri Coanda International Airport pass under a Schengen Information sign, in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers coloured by green light attend a welcoming ceremony announcing Bulgarias’ accession in Schengen by air and water, at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Passengers make a selfie as they at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Ebasa, a border police service dog, climbs on her handler during a media tour at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

From left: Yordanka Chobanova, the head of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, Maria Gabriel, deputy Prime Minister, Nikolay Denkov, Prime Minister, Jesus Caballero, Sofia Airport’s CEO, press the red button during an official opening of Schengen borders by air, at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Passenger passes posters announcing Bulgarias’ accession in Schengen by air and water, at Sofia airpot, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Passengers pass posters announcing Bulgarias’ accession in Schengen by air and water, at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

A journalist passes Non-Schengen automatic border control gates during a media tour at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers ride an escalator at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

A passenger that arrived with a flight from Vienna talks to media members after being one of the first people to take advantage of Romania’s entry in the Schengen Area without border checks by air and sea at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A woman passes a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” as she arrives at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A man touches a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” as he arrives at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A flight attendant passes a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” as she arrives at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union.

After years of negotiations to join the Schengen area, there is now free access for travelers arriving by air or sea from both countries. However, land border checks will remain in place due to opposition primarily from Austria which has long blocked their bid over illegal migration concerns.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the change as a “huge success for both countries” and a “historic moment” for what is the world’s largest free travel zone.

The Schengen Area was established in 1985. Before Bulgaria and Romania’s admission, it was comprised of 23 of the 27 EU member countries, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Around 3.5 million people cross an internal border each day.

Austria vetoed Romania and Bulgaria’s admission into the Schengen zone at the end of 2022 but allowed Croatia full accession. Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007 and Croatia in 2013.

Siegfried Muresan, a Romanian Member of the European Parliament, told The Associated Press that it is “an important first step” that will benefit millions of travelers annually.

“Bulgaria and Romania have been fulfilling all criteria for joining the Schengen area for years — we are entitled to join with the terrestrial border as well,” he said, adding that it “will offer additional arguments to the last EU member state that has been vetoing the full accession.”

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called it a “well-deserved achievement” for Romania that he said will benefit citizens who can travel more easily and will bolster the economy.

“We have a clear and firmly assumed government plan for full accession to the Schengen Area by the end of the year,” he said.

The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, has said for more than a decade that Romania and Bulgaria both meet the technical criteria for full accession, which requires unanimous support from their partners. Both countries have agreed to implement random security screening at airports and maritime borders to combat illegal migration and cross-border crime.

“Bulgaria’s full accession to Schengen will happen by the end of 2024,” Kalin Stoyanov, Bulgaria’s interior minister, told reporters on Sunday. “We showed and continue to show to illegal migrants that they should not take the road to Europe through Bulgaria.”

The lifting of border control is expected to facilitate operations at Bulgaria’s four international airports, which in 2023 saw nearly 11 million passengers, according to official data.

The airport in the capital, Sofia, serves as the biggest hub for Schengen flights which constitute 70% of all flights, airport representatives said.

While the eased regulations are expected to positively impact the tourism sector, members of the European Parliament have voiced concerns about long queues at the EU’s land borders and the impact it can have on trade in the bloc’s single market, as well as the health and safety of drivers.

Truck drivers are frequently stuck in kilometers-long queues at the borders of both Romania and Bulgaria. The Union of International Carriers in Bulgaria estimates delays cost the sector tens of millions of euros each year.

McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.