Brasov Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Brașov is a beautiful city in central Romania, part of the European Union. Entry requirements for Brașov follow Romania's national immigration policies. While Romania is an EU member state, it is not yet part of the Schengen Area (as of early 2024, though this is expected to change). Travelers should verify Romania's current Schengen status before their trip, as this affects entry procedures and visa requirements. Most visitors from EU/EEA countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other nations can enter Romania visa-free for short stays. The immigration process is generally straightforward, with passport control upon arrival at Romanian airports or border crossings. If flying into Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport or entering via Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport, you'll go through immigration before proceeding to your destination in Brașov. Before traveling, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Romania. Familiarize yourself with customs regulations, especially if bringing valuable items, medications, or traveling with pets. Keep proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds available, as immigration officers may request these documents.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Romania's visa policy allows visa-free entry for many nationalities for short-term stays. Requirements vary based on citizenship and purpose of visit.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, as well as numerous other nations, can enter Romania without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

All EU/EEA member states United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Israel United Arab Emirates Mexico Brazil Argentina Chile Switzerland Norway Iceland

EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely but should register with local authorities if staying longer than 90 days. Third-country nationals must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. Valid passport or national ID card required for EU/EEA citizens; passport required for others.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eVisa)

Varies by visa type, typically 30-90 days

Romania offers an electronic visa system for certain nationalities that require visas but are eligible for online application

Includes

India China Turkey (for certain visa types) Russia Thailand Indonesia

How to Apply: Apply through the Romanian eVisa portal (evisa.mae.ro) at least 10 working days before travel. Upload required documents including passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Processing typically takes 5-10 working days.
Cost: Approximately €60-120 depending on visa type and processing speed

Not all nationalities requiring visas are eligible for eVisa. Some must apply at Romanian embassies or consulates. Check eligibility before applying.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type: short-stay (C visa) up to 90 days, long-stay (D visa) for extended periods

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or eVisa must apply for a traditional visa at a Romanian embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate. Submit application form, valid passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return ticket. Processing takes 10-30 days, sometimes longer.

Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits may be eligible for visa-free entry to Romania. Always verify current regulations as this policy can change, especially with Romania's potential Schengen accession.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Romania (whether at Brașov-Ghimbav Airport, Bucharest airports, or land borders), all travelers must go through immigration control. The process is typically efficient, especially for EU/EEA citizens and visa-free nationalities.

Arrival and Queue Selection

Follow signs to passport control. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use designated lanes; all other nationalities use separate lanes. Have your passport and any required documents ready.

Document Check

Present your passport (and visa if applicable) to the immigration officer. They will verify your document's validity and check your entry eligibility.

Immigration Interview

Officer may ask questions about your visit purpose, duration, accommodation, and return plans. Answer clearly and honestly. This is typically brief for tourists.

Passport Stamping

For non-EU travelers, your passport will be stamped with entry date. EU/EEA citizens typically don't receive stamps but may have documents scanned electronically.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Use green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no restricted items, or red channel if declaring goods.

Exit to Arrivals

Once cleared, exit to the arrivals area. From airports, you can take taxis, buses, or arrange transfers to Brașov city center.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. EU/EEA citizens can use national ID cards instead.

Visa (if required)

Printed eVisa confirmation or visa sticker in passport for nationalities requiring pre-authorization.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. May be requested by immigration officers.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Romania within allowed stay period. Printout or electronic booking confirmation.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during stay (approximately €50 per day recommended).

Travel Insurance

Recommended for all travelers; may be required for visa applications. Should cover medical expenses and repatriation (minimum €30,000 coverage recommended).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration. Keep them in a folder or travel wallet.

Dress appropriately and be polite with immigration officers. Professional demeanor helps ensure smooth processing.

If asked about accommodation, provide specific details (hotel name and address) rather than vague answers.

Keep digital and physical copies of important documents separate from originals in case of loss.

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight, especially during peak travel seasons when immigration queues can be longer.

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases like 'Bună ziua' (Good day) - it's appreciated though most immigration officers speak English.

If entering by car from neighboring countries, ensure you have vehicle documentation, international driving permit if required, and valid insurance (Green Card).

Check your passport stamp carefully before leaving immigration to ensure the correct entry date is recorded.

Customs & Duty-Free

Romania follows EU customs regulations for goods entering the country. Travelers from EU countries face fewer restrictions, while those arriving from non-EU countries must adhere to specific duty-free allowances. Customs controls may be random or targeted based on risk assessment.

Alcohol (from non-EU countries)

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

Only for travelers aged 18 and over. EU travelers can bring unlimited quantities for personal use but may need to prove it's not for commercial purposes.

Tobacco (from non-EU countries)

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

Only for travelers aged 18 and over. EU travelers have higher indicative limits: 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 400 cigarillos, or 1kg of tobacco for personal use.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent in any currency

Amounts exceeding €10,000 must be declared on entry and exit. This includes cash, checks, and other financial instruments. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Goods (from non-EU countries)

€430 per person (€300 if arriving by land); €150 for travelers under 15 years

Applies to goods not covered by other allowances. Single items worth more than the limit are fully taxable. EU travelers can bring goods for personal use without value limits.

Perfume

50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

Applies to travelers from non-EU countries only.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly prohibited with severe criminal penalties
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES regulations)
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions, to prevent disease transmission
Plants and plant products - without phytosanitary certificates
Obscene or pornographic materials - particularly involving minors
Hazardous materials - explosives, flammable substances, toxic chemicals without authorization

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring only personal quantities with original packaging and doctor's prescription. Large quantities may require special authorization
Firearms for hunting or sport - require prior authorization from Romanian authorities and proper documentation
Cultural artifacts and antiques - export of valuable Romanian cultural items is restricted; obtain proper documentation
Drones and radio equipment - may require registration or permits depending on specifications
Commercial goods - quantities suggesting commercial use require proper import documentation and duties
Pet food containing animal products - may require veterinary certificates from non-EU countries
Gold and precious metals - large quantities should be declared and may require documentation of origin

Health Requirements

Romania generally has minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, but travelers should take sensible health precautions and stay informed about current regulations.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only if arriving from or having transited through yellow fever endemic countries (certificate required)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure MMR, DTP, and seasonal influenza are up to date
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B - for travelers with potential exposure to blood or body fluids
Rabies - for travelers planning extensive outdoor activities or working with animals
Tick-borne Encephalitis - recommended for those planning hiking or forest activities in Brașov area, especially spring through autumn

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and may be required for visa applications. EU/EEA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state healthcare, though private insurance is still advisable. Non-EU travelers should ensure coverage includes medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency repatriation (minimum €30,000 coverage recommended). Romania has good medical facilities in Brașov, but private clinics often provide better service and English-speaking staff.

Current Health Requirements: As of late 2024, COVID-19 entry restrictions for Romania have been lifted, but this can change. Check the Romanian Ministry of Health and your departure country's travel advisories for current health requirements before travel. Some countries may still require testing or documentation. Monitor for any disease outbreaks or health alerts. Pharmacies in Brașov are well-stocked, but bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with documentation.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate Finder

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Bucharest for citizen services and emergency assistance

Most embassies are in Bucharest (about 170km from Brașov). Check your government's travel advisory website for contact details and register your trip if available.

Romanian Immigration Authority

General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) - www.igi.mai.gov.ro - for visa information and immigration queries

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) - www.mae.ro - for official visa policies and consular information

Emergency Services

112 - Universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services

English-speaking operators available. Works from any phone, including mobile without SIM card. Save this number before arrival.

Tourist Information Brașov

Brașov Tourist Information Center - Bulevardul Eroilor 8-10 - +40 268 419 078

Can assist with local information, though not immigration matters. English spoken.

Border Police

Romanian Border Police - +40 21 311 8686 - for immigration and border-related inquiries

Main office in Bucharest; local offices at all border crossing points and airports

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport or be included in parent's passport (if still accepted by issuing country). Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with one parent should carry a notarized parental consent letter from absent parent(s), including contact details and travel authorization. This is especially important for different surnames or single parents. Keep birth certificates as additional proof of relationship. Divorced parents should carry custody documentation. EU/EEA children can use national ID cards if traveling with parents from same country.

Traveling with Pets

Pets from EU countries need: microchip identification, valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), EU pet passport. Pets from non-EU countries need: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate issued by official veterinarian (within 10 days of travel), rabies antibody test for some countries (at least 30 days after vaccination, 3 months before travel). Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are most common; other animals may require additional permits. Check with Romanian National Sanitary Veterinary Authority (ANSVSA) for specific requirements. Pet-friendly accommodation should be arranged in advance in Brașov.

Extended Stays

EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely but must register with local authorities (SPCLEP - Public Community Service for Registration of Persons) within 90 days if planning to reside. Need proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient resources. Non-EU citizens wishing to stay beyond 90 days must apply for long-stay visa (D visa) before arrival, or temporary residence permit for specific purposes (work, study, family reunification). Apply at Romanian embassy/consulate in home country. Work permits require employer sponsorship. Student visas require university acceptance letter. Cannot extend tourist stay beyond 90/180 days without leaving and may need to apply for appropriate visa from outside Romania.

Business Travelers

Business visitors on short trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations) can usually enter on visa-free or tourist visa status for up to 90 days. Bring invitation letter from Romanian company, proof of business relationship, and evidence of sufficient funds. Cannot engage in paid employment. Those planning to work or provide services need work authorization and appropriate visa/residence permit. Digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies are technically in a gray area - Romania doesn't have specific digital nomad visa yet, so standard tourist entry rules apply.

Students

Students planning to study in Brașov (e.g., at Transilvania University) need long-stay student visa (D/SD) obtained before arrival. Requirements: university acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, health insurance, proof of financial means (approximately €300-400/month), clean criminal record, medical certificate. Apply at Romanian embassy/consulate 3 months before intended travel. Upon arrival, register with Immigration Office and obtain temporary residence permit. Can work part-time (4 hours/day) with proper authorization.

Transit Passengers

Travelers transiting through Romanian airports without leaving the international zone typically don't need visas, but this depends on nationality and transit duration. If leaving airport or transit exceeds 24 hours, normal entry requirements apply. Check specific transit visa requirements based on citizenship. Some nationalities need airport transit visas (A visa) even without leaving international zone. Keep boarding passes and onward tickets readily available.