The diplomatic and service visa, marked DS, is a type of long-stay visa that is issued to third-state nationals who hold diplomatic or service passports and are bound to exercise an official function as members of the staff of foreign diplomatic missions and consular posts accredited in Romania.

This visa allows them to enter and stay in Romania for a long-term period, for the duration of their official assignment or posting. The purpose of this type of visa is to facilitate the official functions of the diplomatic or consular staff, and to ensure that they can carry out their duties without interruption or hindrance.

It should be noted that the diplomatic and service visa is different from other types of visas, such as the tourist visa or the business visa, which are issued for different purposes and have different requirements.

The diplomatic and service visa (DS visa) is a type of long-stay visa that is granted to holders of diplomatic or service passports, or to holders of travel documents that are assimilated to the latter. This type of visa is intended for individuals who are members of the staff of foreign diplomatic missions and consular posts accredited in Romania and who are bound to exercise an official function during their stay in the country.

The DS visa is issued upon request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the sending state or from a diplomatic mission or consular post of the latter. The visa is granted to the individuals who are coming to Romania to perform their official duties, and it is valid for the entire period of their mission, or in accordance with bilateral agreements to which Romania is a party.

One of the main benefits of the DS visa is that it allows the holder to enter and stay in Romania for an extended period of time, which is often necessary for carrying out official duties. This type of visa is particularly useful for members of the staff of foreign diplomatic missions and consular posts, who often need to travel between different countries and perform various tasks related to their official functions.

In addition to the holders of diplomatic or service passports, the DS visa is also granted to the family members with whom they cohabit. This includes spouses, children, and other dependents who are part of the household of the diplomatic or consular staff member. The family members of the visa holder are also allowed to enter and stay in Romania for the duration of the visa holder's mission.

To apply for a DS visa, the individual or their diplomatic mission or consular post must submit a request to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The request must include the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport or travel document, a letter from the sending state or the diplomatic mission or consular post, and any other supporting documents required by the Romanian authorities.

It is important to note that the DS visa is different from other types of visas, such as the tourist visa or the business visa. While those visas are issued for different purposes, the DS visa is specifically intended for members of the staff of foreign diplomatic missions and consular posts and their family members.

The DS visa is a valuable tool for foreign diplomatic missions and consular posts accredited in Romania. It allows their staff members to enter and stay in the country for the duration of their mission, and it also enables their family members to accompany them. The DS visa simplifies the travel process and ensures that diplomatic and consular staff members can perform their official functions without interruption or hindrance.

What is a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa?

A Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa, or DS visa, is a type of long-stay visa that is granted to foreign nationals who hold diplomatic or service passports, or travel documents that are assimilated to those passports. These individuals must be bound to exercise an official function as members of the staff of foreign diplomatic missions and consular posts accredited in Romania.

To obtain a DS visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the sending state or a diplomatic mission or consular post of the sending state must make a request. The visa may also be granted to family members who cohabit with the individual holding the diplomatic or service passport.

The duration of the visa is valid for the entire period of the individual's mission, or in accordance with bilateral understandings to which Romania is party. It allows the individual to enter the territory of Romania for a long-term stay while carrying out their official duties as part of a foreign diplomatic mission or consular post.

Eligibility for a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa

To be eligible for a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa, also known as a DS visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a diplomatic or service passport, or a travel document that is assimilated to a diplomatic or service passport.
• Be a member of the staff of a foreign diplomatic mission or consular post accredited in Romania.
• Be bound to exercise an official function as part of their diplomatic or consular mission.
• Obtain a request for a DS visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the sending state, or from a diplomatic mission or consular post of the sending state.
• Provide all required documentation for the visa application process, which may vary depending on the nature of the applicant's work and nationality.

It's important to note that not all foreign nationals who hold diplomatic or service passports are eligible for a DS visa. Only those who are members of the staff of a foreign diplomatic mission or consular post and are bound to exercise an official function in Romania are eligible.

Additionally, eligibility requirements may vary depending on the individual's nationality and the nature of their work.

Required documents for a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa application

The required documents for a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa, also known as a DS visa, may vary depending on the individual's nationality and the nature of their work. However, in general, applicants will be required to submit the following documents:

• A valid diplomatic or service passport, or a travel document that is assimilated to a diplomatic or service passport.
• A letter of request for the DS visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the sending state, or from a diplomatic mission or consular post of the sending state.
• A letter from the employer or the sending state, confirming the purpose and duration of the individual's stay in Romania.
• Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets or an itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation in Romania, such as a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from the host organization.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• Medical insurance that covers the entire period of stay in Romania.
• A police clearance certificate or a criminal record check from the applicant's home country or country of residence, depending on the regulations of the Romanian authorities.
• Payment of the visa application fee, which may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the type of visa applied for.

It's important to note that additional documentation may be required depending on the individual's circumstances, and that the requirements may vary depending on the consulate or embassy processing the visa application. Therefore, it's recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for a comprehensive list of required documents.

How to apply for a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa

To apply for a Romania Diplomatic and Service eVisa, please follow the steps below:

• Go to the official website.
• Click on "Apply for eVisa" on the homepage and select the "Diplomatic and Service" visa type.
• Fill out the online application form with your personal details and upload the required documents such as your passport bio page, a photo, and a letter of invitation or a note verbale from the relevant authority in Romania.
• Pay the eVisa processing fee using a credit or debit card.
• Submit the application and wait for the processing time, which usually takes 10 business days.
• Once your eVisa application is approved, you will receive an email with the eVisa in PDF format.
• Print the eVisa and carry it with you when traveling to Romania.

Note: It is recommended that you apply for the eVisa at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date

Processing time for a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa

The processing time for a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa can vary, but it typically takes up to 10 business days from the submission of the application. However, processing times can also be affected by factors such as the volume of applications received and the complexity of the case. It is recommended to apply for the visa well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time. If you require urgent processing of your visa application, you should contact our team for further guidance.

Validity and extension of a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa

The validity of a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa is determined by the Romanian authorities based on the purpose of the visit and the supporting documents provided by the applicant. The maximum validity of this type of visa is generally 90 days.

It's important to note that the visa holder is not allowed to engage in any commercial or paid activities while in Romania under a Diplomatic and Service Visa. If the holder needs to extend their stay beyond the visa's expiration date, they must apply for an extension through the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, and the visa holder must provide a valid reason for needing an extension, such as the completion of an official mission or assignment. It's important to note that extensions are not guaranteed, and the visa holder must apply for the extension before the expiration date of their current visa. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the visa and/or deportation from Romania.

Restrictions and conditions of a Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa

A Romania Diplomatic and Service Visa is issued to individuals traveling to Romania for official purposes, including government officials, diplomats, and individuals employed by international organizations.

This type of visa comes with certain restrictions and conditions, including:

• The visa holder is not allowed to engage in any commercial or paid activities while in Romania under a Diplomatic and Service Visa.
• The visa holder must comply with Romanian laws and regulations during their stay in Romania.
• The visa holder must carry their passport and visa with them at all times while in Romania.
• The visa holder may be subject to certain security checks and screenings upon entry to Romania.
• The visa holder is only allowed to enter Romania for the specific purpose outlined in their visa application and supporting documents.
• The visa holder is not allowed to work or study in Romania without the appropriate work or study permit.
• The visa holder may be subject to expulsion from Romania if they engage in any activities that are not consistent with the purpose of their visa.

It's important for the visa holder to comply with all conditions and restrictions of their Diplomatic and Service Visa to avoid any legal or immigration issues while in Romania.

Frequently asked questions about the Romanian eVisa