Romania Travel Advice

Threat level: Low-Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Romania

Amid the new COVID-19 strain that appeared in the UK, entry to Romania is restricted for UK travellers.

Cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Romania. To curb the spread of the virus, Romania has declared a state of alert and has implemented a series of measures: a night curfew is in place between 23:00 and 05:00, the use of face masks is mandatory when out in public indoors and outdoors, non-essential shops must close at 21:00 and in some towns and cities, indoor seating isn't possible and patrons can only be served outside sat at the restaurant's terrasse in line with sanitory measures on capacity and distance between tables. In certain areas that have a high infection rate, localised lockdowns have been implemented. To avoid contracting the disease: self-isolate, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary public gatherings and unnecessary travel.

Security in Romania

The current travel advice for Romania is to be cautious. The terror threat is at a general level, so maintain vigilance and be aware of the global risk of terror attacks targeted at foreign tourists. Petty crime is common in some areas of Romania. Most visits should be trouble-free, and good travel advice for Romania is to take basic security measures and be aware of your surroundings.

There is an increase of petty crime in large towns targeted at tourists, most commonly occurring in Bucharest. Pickpockets and bag snatchers are the most common petty crimes in Romania. Be extra vigilant in built-up areas, particularly near exchange shops and hotels and on public transport hubs like airports and train stations.

Small organised petty crime groups are often made up of groups of children. The most common method is mass muggings, which have in the past left tourists severely injured. Often the children, attempt to snatch watches and jewellery from pockets or from around the neck and wrist, so be cautious about what valuables you have on display.

Thefts have been known to occur on intercity trains, please make sure your luggage is secure and locked, it is advised you do not leave your compartment unattended.

Demonstration can occur and have turned violent in the past, this can interfere with services and transport links. Travel advice for Romania recommends avoiding demonstrations where possible.

Financial scams have occurred, so please be careful when withdrawing cash at ATM points and also when using your credit/debit card at establishments.

Romania is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the European Union. The country has well-established diplomatic relations with 187 different countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.

You can drive in Romania with a UK driving licence and many other EU licences. Road conditions are good for the most part. Romania has a zero tolerance policy towards drink-driving.

Police emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 112
Medical emergency: 112

Official languages: Romanian
Religion: Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
Time now in Bucharest:

U.S. Embassy
Bulevardul Dr.,
Liviu Librescu 4-6,
București 015118,
Romania
Telephone: +40 21200 3300
Email: office.bucharest@trade.gov

British Embassy
Strada Jules Michelet 24,
București 010463,
Romania
Telephone: +40 21201 7200
Email: bucharest@fco.gov.uk

Most European nationals do not need an entry visa to visit Romania, for stays up to 90 days. However, if you reside outside the EU, you should check with your nearest Embassy before travel to avoid complications.

It is advised that visitors to Romania are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Tick-borne Encephalitis, as it is present in some parts of the country. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Tick born Encephalitis is a risk during the warmer months in Romania and is more common in rural areas.

E.U. members are able to use their European Health Insurance Card to receive state-provided healthcare as a citizen of Romania would. You should still purchase travel insurance as the EHIC does not cover you for all medical requirements such as evacuation.