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2 ways to enter

Romania visas

Romania transit visa

Many passengers can change flights in Romania without a visa if they stay in one airport's international transit area for less than one day. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even when staying in that area.

Ways to get a Romania transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who can stay in one airport's international transit area for less than one day and do not need an airport transit visa, or qualify for an exemption.

    Stay
    Less than 24 hours.

Who needs it

Unless exempt, ordinary passport holders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Palestine, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan and Yemen need an airport transit visa.

Who doesn't

Exemptions cover qualifying visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European single market citizens and flight crew.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
Leaving the international transit area means entering Romania. You must meet the entry rules for a visit, including holding an entry visa if required.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
You must transfer through one airport, remain in its international transit area and leave in less than 24 hours. Your flight connection and the airport layout must allow this. You must also be exempt from any airport transit visa requirement.

What to bring

  • A qualifying visa, residence permit or diplomatic passport if relying on that exemption.

Good to know

  • The transfer must be possible without leaving the international transit area.
  • An airport transit visa covers transit in the international transit area.
  • Romania has additional airport transit visa requirements beyond the common Schengen list.
  • The general visa-free transit rule requires a stay of less than 24 hours.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Romania?

Unless exempt, ordinary passport holders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Palestine, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan and Yemen need an airport transit visa. Exemptions cover qualifying visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European single market citizens and flight crew.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Romania?

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Romania transit visa?

Less than one day for the general transit-without-visa rule.

What documents do I need for a Romania transit visa?

A qualifying visa, residence permit or diplomatic passport if relying on that exemption..

How long can I stay in transit in Romania?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. You must transfer through one airport, remain in its international transit area and leave in less than 24 hours. Your flight connection and the airport layout must allow this. You must also be exempt from any airport transit visa requirement.

Can I stay inside the airport in Romania without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: Leaving the international transit area means entering Romania. You must meet the entry rules for a visit, including holding an entry visa if required.

What rules do I have to follow on a Romania transit visa?

The transfer must be possible without leaving the international transit area. An airport transit visa covers transit in the international transit area.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Romania?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Romania visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Romania be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Romania transit visa rules?

On Romania's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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