Romania visa application, appointment & everything you need to know

Before you can wander through Dracula’s castle or hike Romania’s wild mountain trails, you might need a Schengen Romania visa. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this quick Schengen visa guide, you’ll find out who needs a visa, how to get one, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why visit Romania?

Romania offers a rich mix of history, nature, and culture. Here’s why it should be on your travel list:

• Unique attractions: Explore medieval castles like Bran Castle (linked to the Dracula legend), the painted monasteries of Bucovina, and charming towns like Brașov and Sibiu.

• Nature and adventure: From the Carpathian Mountains to the Danube Delta, Romania is perfect for hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.

• Festivals and culture: Enjoy traditional Romanian music, local food, and colorful festivals like George Enescu Classical Music Festival and Transilvania International Film Festival.

What Is a Schengen Romania Visa?

Romania is in the process of fully joining the Schengen Area. Currently, it allows Schengen visa holders to enter and stay for short periods. If Romania is your main destination and you're from a visa-required country, you need to apply for a short-stay (Type C) Romanian visa.

This Schengen visa allows you to:

• Stay in Romania for up to 90 days within a 180-day period

• Travel for tourism, business, family visits, or cultural events

Important: If you already hold a valid Schengen visa or a visa/residence permit issued by Bulgaria, Cyprus, or Croatia, you may be allowed to enter Romania without a separate Romanian visa for short stays. You can check it with our visa tool.

Who needs a Romania visa?

You need a Schengen Romania visa if:

• You are not from a visa-exempt country

• You plan to stay in Romania for up to 90 days

• You don’t already have a valid visa from Schengen

Coming soon: ETIAS for Romania

From mid-2025, citizens of visa-free countries (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others) will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering Romania or any other Schengen country.

Romania visa requirements

Here’s what you need to apply:

Extra documents for children

• Birth certificate

• Parental consent (if traveling alone or with one parent)

• Parent ID copies

Romania visa appointment: What to expect

You must book an appointment. Available slots can fill up quickly, especially during travel seasons, so book as early as possible.

What to expect:

• Online application form

• Appointment for document submission and biometrics

• Possible interview depending on your case

How to get a Schengen Romania visa

Applying for a Schengen Romania visa doesn’t have to be stressful. With Global Law’s guidance, you can avoid delays and increase your chances of success.

• Step-by-step guidance based on your travel reason — tourism, family visit, business, or study

• Full document checks so your papers are complete, correct, and ready for review

• Help booking your appointment at the nearest embassy or visa center

• Support with forms and biometrics so nothing is missed

• Ongoing updates so you always know what’s happening with your application

Romania visa processing time

• It usually takes around 15 working days after your visa appointment to get a decision.

• Can take longer in busy seasons or if extra documents are needed

• Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip

What if your Romania visa is refused?

If your Romania visa is denied, don’t panic. You can:

• Request a re-evaluation (if you believe it was unfair)

• Submit extra documents to support your case

• File a formal complaint with the Romanian authorities

Do this within 15 days of getting the decision.

5 tips to avoid visa rejections

1. Apply early

2. Use correct and complete documents

3. Prove you will return home (job, family, property)

4. Be honest — never fake anything

Ready to visit Romania?

Whether you're walking through medieval streets, hiking in wild forests, or enjoying local food, Romania is full of unforgettable experiences. With the right visa and a bit of planning, your trip will be simple and enjoyable.

Make sure your documents are ready — and check if you’ll need ETIAS for future visits.

FAQs

How much money do I need to show for my stay in Romania?

Around €120 per day, shown through bank statements, payslips, or a sponsor letter.

Can I apply online?

Yes, you can start your application online, but you'll still need to go to the embassy or consulate for your appointment and biometrics.

Can I visit other countries with this visa?

No, a Romania visa is only valid for Romania. It does not allow travel to other Schengen countries unless you also hold a Schengen visa.

Is Romania in the Schengen Area?

Partially. Romania applies Schengen rules at air and sea borders, but full entry into the Schengen zone is still in progress.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Romania?

If you're from a visa-free country, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS starting in late 2025 before traveling to Romania or any other Schengen country.