Brasov Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Brașov, the jewel of Transylvania located at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, welcomes travelers from around the world to explore its medieval old town, Gothic Black Church, and proximity to the legendary Bran Castle. As a major city within Romania, Brașov follows the country's entry requirements as part of the European Union's broader immigration framework. Most travelers will enter Romania through Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport or via land borders before making their way to Brașov—just a 2.5-hour train ride from the capital. Whether you're planning a short city break to experience Brașov's charming Piața Sfatului or an extended stay for Brasov day trips to surrounding Saxon villages and ski resorts in Poiana Brașov, understanding entry requirements ensures your Transylvanian adventure begins smoothly. The immigration process in Romania is generally straightforward for tourists, with modern border facilities and English-speaking officials at major entry points. However, requirements vary significantly based on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and your planned duration of stay. Romania joined the Schengen Area in March 2024 for air and sea travel, though land border controls remain in place during a transitional period. This development has streamlined entry for many travelers but also means some documentation requirements have shifted. Before booking your Brasov hotels and planning where to stay in Brașov, verify your specific entry requirements well in advance. Travelers should prepare for standard immigration procedures including passport checks, potential questions about accommodation and purpose of visit, and customs declarations. Having your return ticket, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance readily accessible will expedite your entry. Given Brașov's popularity as a year-round destination—from summer hiking to winter skiing—entry points can experience seasonal congestion, during peak tourist periods.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Romania's visa policy aligns with EU standards while maintaining some national provisions. Most Western travelers enjoy visa-free access, while others may need electronic authorization or traditional visas.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous other countries can enter Romania without a visa for short stays

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel UAE All EU/EEA member states Switzerland Norway Iceland Liechtenstein Monaco San Marino Vatican City Andorra Serbia North Macedonia Montenegro Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Moldova Ukraine (biometric passport holders) Georgia Chile Brazil Argentina Uruguay Costa Rica Panama Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Paraguay Venezuela Mexico Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Dominica Grenada Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Brunei Hong Kong Macao Taiwan

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure. Non-EU travelers receive entry stamps; ensure you receive one as it's required for exit. The 90-day limit applies across all Schengen Area countries for those entering via air/sea. Overstaying can result in fines and entry bans.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Once ETIAS is operational: 90 days within 180 days

Romania does not currently operate a separate ETA system distinct from the EU's developing ETIAS framework. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is expected to launch in 2025

Includes

All current visa-free nationalities will require ETIAS authorization

How to Apply: ETIAS applications will be submitted online through the official EU portal, with most approvals issued within minutes to 96 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before travel once the system launches.
Cost: Expected €7 for applicants aged 18-70; free for under 18 and over 70

ETIAS has been delayed multiple times; check etias.com or official EU sources for current status. Until ETIAS launches, visa-free entry continues under existing rules. Travelers should monitor announcements as the 2025 implementation approaches.

Visa Required

Typically up to 90 days for tourist visas; longer durations available for specific purposes

Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain a Schengen visa (Type C) or Romanian national visa before travel

How to Apply: Apply at Romanian embassies/consulates or visa application centers in your country of residence. Required documents include: completed application form, passport photos, valid passport, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation (Brasov hotels booking confirmation), proof of financial means, return flight reservation, and travel itinerary. Processing typically takes 15-30 days but can extend to 45 days in complex cases.

Romania issues both Schengen visas (valid for all Schengen countries) and limited territorial validity visas. Ensure you apply for the correct type. Some applicants may need to attend an interview. Visa fees are €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free under 6. Apply well in advance of your planned Brasov itinerary.

Arrival Process

Most international travelers arrive in Brașov via Bucharest, though the city has its own small airport with seasonal flights. Understanding the entry process helps you plan how many days in Brașov to allocate and reduces travel stress.

Primary Entry Point

Arrive at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, Romania's main international gateway, or via land borders from Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, or Moldova. Brașov's own Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport (GHV) offers limited seasonal connections.

Immigration Control

Proceed to passport control. EU/EEA citizens use e-gates where available. Non-EU citizens queue for manual inspection. Present passport and supporting documents. Officials may ask about purpose of visit, accommodation details, and length of stay.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect luggage and proceed through customs. Green channel if nothing to declare; red channel if carrying goods exceeding allowances or restricted items.

Transfer to Brașov

From OTP, reach Brașov by direct train (2.5-3 hours from Bucharest North Station), shuttle bus, or rental car. Pre-booking transportation is recommended, when coordinating with your where to stay in Brașov plans.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Required for all non-EU/EEA nationals; must be valid 3+ months beyond departure. EU citizens can use national ID cards.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or letter from host. Immigration may verify your Brasov hotels reservation.

Return or Onward Ticket

Demonstrates intent to leave within permitted stay. Required for visa-free entries.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory for visa applicants; highly recommended for all travelers. Must cover medical emergencies with minimum €30,000 coverage for visa purposes.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash showing ability to support yourself. Roughly €50/day is the unofficial guideline.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print or download offline copies of all reservations—Brașov weather can be unpredictable and phone batteries die, but paper backups ensure smooth entry.

If asked about your itinerary, mentioning specific things to do in Brașov (Black Church, Council Square, Bran Castle day trip) demonstrates genuine tourist intent.

Non-EU travelers: Verify your passport is stamped on entry. Missing entry stamps cause significant problems when exiting.

Schengen clock awareness: Since March 2024, air/sea entries count toward your 90/180 Schengen allowance. Track your days carefully if visiting multiple European countries.

Romanian language basics help: 'Bună ziua' (hello), 'Mulțumesc' (thank you), and 'Nu vorbesc românește' (I don't speak Romanian) smooth interactions.

Customs & Duty-Free

Romania's customs regulations align with EU standards. Brașov's shops and markets offer excellent local products, but know your allowances before bringing items home or importing goods.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of fortified wine/sparkling wine/liqueurs up to 22% OR 4 liters of still wine; plus 16 liters of beer

Must be 18+ years. Romanian specialties like Țuică (plum brandy) and Palincă make popular souvenirs within these limits.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g smoking tobacco

Must be 18+. Split allowances permitted (e.g., 100 cigarettes + 25 cigars = half of each allowance).

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent

Must declare amounts exceeding €10,000 when entering or leaving Romania. Includes cash, travelers cheques, and certain monetary instruments. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Goods

€430 for travelers by air/sea; €300 for other travelers

Total value of all other goods including souvenirs, electronics, and perfumes. For travelers under 15, generally €150. Items must be for personal use or gifts, not commercial purposes.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
Counterfeit goods and pirated materials - intellectual property violations
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed) - including certain fur, ivory, coral
Obscene or immoral materials - as defined by Romanian law
Meat and dairy products from outside EU - disease prevention measures
Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates - agricultural protection

Restricted Items

Firearms and ammunition - require import license from Romanian authorities
Medicines over personal use quantities - need prescription and possibly import permit; keep in original packaging
Cultural artifacts and antiquities - require export permits from Ministry of Culture; beware fake 'antiques' sold to tourists
Radioactive materials - special authorization required
Protected animal species - CITES permits mandatory

Health Requirements

Health preparation ensures your Brașov visit remains enjoyable, whether you're hiking Tampa Mountain or exploring the old town's Brasov restaurants and nightlife.

Required Vaccinations

No vaccinations required for entry from most countries

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, polio, flu)
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B - for longer stays or possible medical exposure
Tick-borne encephalitis - if planning extensive outdoor activities in rural/forest areas, April-November

Health Insurance

EU/EEA citizens should carry European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for access to Romanian public healthcare. Non-EU travelers are strongly advised to purchase complete travel insurance covering medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation. Medical facilities in Brașov are generally good, with private clinics offering English-speaking staff, but payment upfront is often required without insurance. Verify your policy covers adventure activities if planning mountain excursions or Brasov day trips involving outdoor sports.

Current Health Requirements: Romania lifted all COVID-19 entry restrictions in 2022. No testing, vaccination certificates, or health declarations currently required. However, respiratory illness patterns change seasonally in Brașov due to altitude and temperature variations. Travelers should monitor Romanian Ministry of Health and WHO updates before departure, as requirements can be reinstated during health emergencies. Consider travel insurance covering pandemic-related disruptions for added security.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Complete coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Brasov Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Most embassies are in Bucharest. Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US citizens, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK citizens) for location and emergency contact details.

Immigration Authority

Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (General Inspectorate for Immigration)

Official website: www.igi.mai.gov.ro for visa extensions, residence permits, and immigration queries. Brașov regional office available for local matters.

Emergency

112

Universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services throughout Romania, including Brașov. English-speaking operators usually available. Free call from any phone.

Tourist Police

Police dedicated to tourist assistance

In Brașov, contact local police at 0268-407-000 for non-emergencies. Tourist Police (Poliția de Turism) can assist with lost documents or tourist-related incidents.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors traveling without both parents need notarized consent from the absent parent(s), translated into Romanian or English. This applies to single parents, grandparents, or other guardians. The consent should specify travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult. Carry the child's birth certificate. For children with different surnames than parents, documentation proving relationship is advisable. These requirements prevent child abduction and apply even for EU citizens.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets need: microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (administered after microchip), and EU pet passport (for EU pets) or official health certificate (for non-EU pets). For non-EU arrivals, a rabies antibody titration test may be required depending on country of origin. Birds, reptiles, and other animals have additional restrictions. Declare pets at customs. Brașov has pet-friendly Brasov hotels, but verify policies before booking.

Extended Stays

For stays exceeding 90 days, apply for a residence permit at the Brașov Immigration Office (Inspectoratul de Poliție Județean Brașov) before your visa-free period expires. Options include: long-stay visa (D-type) for employment, study, family reunification, or self-employment; registration certificate for EU citizens exercising treaty rights; or temporary residence for digital nomads (Romania has a digital nomad visa with proof of remote income). Overstaying results in fines (approximately €500-1500) and potential entry bans. Apply early—processing takes 30-90 days.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Romania's digital nomad visa (introduced 2021) allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to reside for up to 12 months, renewable. Requirements: proof of employment/contract with non-Romanian company, minimum monthly income (approximately €3,700 gross), health insurance, and clean criminal record. Apply at Romanian embassies abroad or, for eligible nationalities, convert from tourist status within Romania. Brașov's growing coworking scene and affordable cost of living make it attractive for extended stays.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Brasov Packing List →