Countries that Offer Romanians Free Visa Entry

The Romanian passport, as of October 2023, holds the 35th position in the VisaGuide Passport Index. This ranking grants Romanian citizens the privilege of traveling visa-free to 142 countries around the world. 

However, for the remaining countries, Romanian passport holders must go through a visa application process. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the countries Romanian passport holders can visit without a visa, those that allow entry with an ID card, the nations that offer eVisas, visa on arrival options, countries with visa requirements, and the general visa application process.

Visa-Free Travel Destinations for Romanian Passport Holders

Romanian passport holders are fortunate to travel without a visa to 142 countries and territories as of October 2023. These countries span across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Here is a breakdown by region:

Europe:

• Romania's European neighbors like Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece.
• Western European countries such as Germany, France, and Italy.
• Unique destinations like Iceland, Vatican City, and Gibraltar.

North and South America:

• Popular tourist spots like the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• Caribbean paradises including the Bahamas and Barbados.
• Central American gems like Costa Rica and Panama.

Asia and Oceania:

• Modern metropolises like Japan and South Korea.
• Island nations such as Australia and New Zealand.
• Emerging economies like Malaysia and Singapore.

Africa:

• Countries rich in culture and nature, like Morocco and South Africa.
• Exotic destinations such as the Seychelles and Mauritius.
• Up-and-coming tourist hotspots like Ghana and Senegal.

While visiting these countries visa-free, Romanian citizens should still ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. Additionally, travel health insurance, as required by the destination country, is often necessary.

Countries Allowing Romanian Citizens to Use ID Cards for Entry

Romanian citizens have the advantage of being able to enter specific countries without a passport, using only their ID card. This list includes various European countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Kosovo
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

This arrangement simplifies travel to neighboring European nations, where an ID card is sufficient to cross the border.

Nations Offering eVisas for Romanian Passport Holders

Romanian passport holders have the convenience of obtaining eVisas for their travel to 25 countries. The eVisa application process closely resembles that of traditional visas, but with the added advantage of online submission. 

After approval, travelers receive an email confirmation along with a printable document that must be presented upon crossing the border. The following countries offer eVisas to Romanian citizens:

• Angola
• Azerbaijan
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Ivory Coast
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Myanmar
• Nigeria
• Papua New Guinea
• Russia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Togo
• Uganda
• Vietnam

Visa on Arrival Options for Romanian Passport Holders

For Romanian citizens, 31 countries offer the convenience of a visa on arrival (VOA) option. The VOA is obtained after entering the country, usually at a dedicated section within the airport. These countries include:

• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Comoros
• Egypt
• Guinea-Bissau
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Rwanda
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Saint Helena
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Zimbabwe

Countries Requiring Visas for Romanian Passport Holders

Romanian passport holders must apply for a visa to enter 28 countries, which have specific visa requirements. These countries include:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• American Samoa
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Republic of the Congo
• Cuba
• Eritrea
• Ghana
• Guam
• Guyana
• Liberia
• Libya
• Mali
• Nauru
• Niger
• North Korea
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Pakistan
• Puerto Rico
• Sudan
• Syria
• Turkmenistan
• United States Virgin Islands
• United States
• Yemen
• Eswatini

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Visa as a Romanian Citizen

The process of applying for a visa typically involves the following steps:

• Make an appointment: Contact the local visa application center in Romania to schedule an appointment. It's essential to note that embassy or consulate meetings may require several months to arrange.
• Prepare documents: Gather the necessary documents, which may include your passport, application form, health insurance, and more. Some documents may need apostille stamps or certification.
• Submit the application: Attend the visa interview and provide biometrics if required. Make sure your documents are translated and verified with an apostille stamp if necessary.
• Waiting period: After submission, the processing time for a visa application varies, taking several weeks.

Notably, if you possess a valid visa that permits entry to multiple countries, there may be no need to apply for a new visa for each destination.

Required Documents for Romanian Citizens Applying for a Visa

While document requirements can vary depending on the destination country, most visa applications commonly require the following:

• Valid Romanian passport (plus a photocopy).
• Completed visa application form.
• Recent passport photos (not older than six months).
• Travel health insurance covering the entire duration of your stay.
• Proof of the paid visa fee.
• Detailed travel itinerary, outlining your intended destinations.
• Letter of invitation (if applicable).
• Proof of a booked return flight.
• Proof of booked accommodation.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Civil status documents (such as marriage certificates or birth certificates).

Before applying for a visa, always check the specific requirements of the country you intend to visit to ensure you have all the necessary documents for your visa application. This thorough preparation will help facilitate a smoother visa application process for Romanian passport holders.

FAQ

1. Where can Romanian passport holders travel without a visa? 

Romanian passport holders can travel without a visa to 142 countries, including popular destinations like the United States, Canada, most European countries, and various nations in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. However, it's essential to check the specific entry requirements and the duration of stay allowed in each country.

2. Can Romanian citizens travel with just an ID card? 

Yes, Romanian citizens can travel without a passport to certain European countries with just an ID card. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and many more.

3. Which countries offer eVisas to Romanian citizens?

Romanian passport holders can obtain eVisas for 25 countries. Some of these countries include India, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, and South Africa. The eVisa application process typically involves an online submission and receipt of a printable eVisa upon approval.

4. Where can Romanian citizens get a visa on arrival (VOA)?

Romanian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in 31 countries, which includes destinations like Thailand, Cambodia, Jordan, and Egypt. A VOA is typically issued upon arrival at the destination's airport or border crossing.

5. Which countries require Romanian passport holders to obtain a visa beforehand? Romanian passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter 28 countries, including China, the United States, Syria, and Afghanistan. Visa requirements may vary from one country to another, so it's essential to check the specific requirements and application procedures for each destination.
6. What is the general visa application process for Romanian citizens?

The visa application process usually involves making an appointment at the local visa center in Romania, gathering the required documents (passport, application form, health insurance, etc.), submitting the application, attending a visa interview (if necessary), and waiting for the visa's processing, which can take several weeks.

7. What documents are typically required for a visa application?

The required documents may vary by country, but common documents include a valid Romanian passport, a completed visa application form, recent passport photos, travel health insurance, proof of paid visa fees, a detailed travel itinerary, a letter of invitation (if applicable), proof of booked return flight and accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds for the trip, and civil status documents like marriage certificates or birth certificates.

8. Can I use a valid visa for multiple countries with my Romanian passport?

If you have a valid visa that allows entry to multiple countries, you may not need to apply for a new visa for each destination covered by the visa. However, this depends on the specific terms and conditions of your visa, so it's essential to check with the issuing authority or the embassy of the destination country.

9. Is there a validity period for the visa-free travel option?

While many countries allow visa-free travel for Romanian passport holders, it's crucial to ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date to avoid any travel issues. Additionally, some countries may have restrictions on the maximum duration of stay for visa-free travelers.