No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Romania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Romanian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nRomania follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must have:
\n\nhave a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
\nan ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nCarry your passport if you travel from Romania to other Schengen area countries. Border guards will check it if you cross land or river borders into Bulgaria or Hungary, both are in the Schengen area.
\n\nThere are no routine checks when travelling by air or sea within the Schengen area, but carry your passport in case you’re asked for it.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Romania, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Romania are different.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nYou may also need to:
\n\nTo stay longer, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Romanian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you’re in Romania with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Romania.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Romania guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Romania (in Romanian). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\nTo leave Romania with a child aged 17 and under who holds Romanian citizenship, you may need to show notarised parental consent if:
\n\nFor more information, contact the Romanian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nFor a list of the public notaries, see the National Union of Public Notaries from Romania website.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Romania, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
\n\nThere is widespread military activity in neighbouring Ukraine. See Ukraine travel advice.
\n\nThere have been cases of drones crossing into Romanian airspace and territorial waters, and occasionally, drones carrying explosives have landed or washed ashore in Romania. If you encounter drone activity follow guidance from local authorities, including the RO-Alert mobile phone alert system, and do not approach any military debris.
\n\nBe alert to petty theft in large towns, especially Bucharest. Thieves use distraction techniques and can carry out organised attacks in groups. Take care of your passport, money and personal belongings, particularly:
\n\nCriminals have copied credit or debit cards in some bars and restaurants.
\n\nUse a hotel safe for valuables where possible and carry a copy of your passport.
\n\nThere is a risk of drink spiking in bars and clubs. Be careful not to take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Romania have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nIncreasing numbers of people, including foreign visitors, have been arrested and received lengthy sentences for drug offences at music festivals in Romania.
\n\nMost airports and military bases have signs banning photography. If you’re not sure if photography is allowed, ask permission.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are legal in Romania. There are active LGBT+ communities and events in Romania, though the majority of LGBT+ people are not open. Find information on LGBT+ issues in Romania and read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Romania, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Romania guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of, such as:
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Romania. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Romania. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.
\n\nThere is also guidance on driving if you’re living in Romania.
\n\nRoad conditions are variable and roads can be in a bad state of repair. Driving standards can be poor. Look out for:
\n\nYou must get a report at the scene of an accident in Romania. If your vehicle is damaged before you arrive in the country, ask a Romanian customs officer or police officer to write a report on the damage. Doing this will help you avoid problems when you leave Romania.
\n\nYou must pay a road toll ‘rovinieta’ to use the national roads. Buy a vignette at border points and at most petrol stations. If you do not purchase the vignette, you may get a heavy fine.
\n\nMost taxis in Bucharest should list prices on the side of the vehicle and display a company name. Taxi drivers sometimes overcharge foreign visitors. Taxi apps such as Uber and Bolt are generally reliable.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nYou may receive alerts on your mobile phone from the Romanian government in the event of extreme weather, a natural disaster or other emergency. These are in Romanian and English, and you should follow the authorities’ instructions.
\n\nRomania is in a seismically active area and tremors happen regularly. The last major earthquake was in 1977. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Romania.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Romania. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Romania where some staff will speak English.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Romania, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Romania.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Romania on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-09-18T13:15:40Z","updated_at":"2026-09-18T13:15:40Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2013-03-14T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/romania","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/romania","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/romania","content_id":"ddf42429-0853-4737-b75d-2aeaf16b30a0","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-09-18T13:15:40Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Romania travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/romania","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/brexit-guidance","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/brexit-guidance","base_path":"/government/collections/brexit-guidance","content_id":"479cd15b-680f-4fbe-bc64-55058879957e","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2023-04-05T08:09:16Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/brexit-guidance","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/romania","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/romania","base_path":"/world/romania","content_id":"7fc3848d-676f-4c30-add8-58aaffcd74a6","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Romania. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Romania, and your rights after the UK’s exit from the EU.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Romania","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2020-02-28T16:43:48Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Romania","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/romania","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth