Planning to visit Romania this year? You’ll discover how Romania’s recent entry into the Schengen Area reshapes short-stay travel, what remains unique to Romania’s C visa, and key updates like ETIAS and the new digital nomad permit. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap—from eligibility through application to border controls—so your trip goes off without a hitch.

Romania Meets Schengen: What Changed on March 31 2024

Romania officially joined the Schengen Area on March 31 2024 through the Council’s decision to apply the Schengen acquis in full to Romania and Bulgaria. This move abolished air and sea border controls with its Schengen neighbors, although land borders remain monitored until the transition period concludes later in 2024.
– Nationals exempt from Schengen visas can now enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day window, as detailed on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa information page.
– Holders of Romanian national visas (including C visas) cannot automatically travel across all Schengen states unless their visa explicitly allows multi-entry in Schengen, according to the SchengenVisaInfo guide on Romanian visa policy.
– Travellers still need a Romanian C visa if their nationality requires one; a Schengen visa does not grant entry to Romania, as noted by SchengenVisaInfo.

Short-Stay (C) Visa: Who Needs It and Why

A Romanian C visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for purposes such as:
– tourism
– business meetings
– private visits
– cultural, scientific or sports events

Eligibility and Key Requirements

To apply, you’ll typically need:
1. Completed visa application form
2. Recent passport-style photograph
3. Valid passport (min. 6 months beyond planned exit)
4. Travel itinerary or round-trip booking
5. Proof of accommodation
6. Bank statements showing sufficient funds (approx. €50/day)
7. Travel medical insurance covering at least €30 000, as specified in the Schengen Visa Code

Local consulates may request additional documents (invitation letters, sponsorships, proof of legal residence) depending on your country of origin; consult the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa information page.

Applying for Your Romanian C Visa

Follow these steps to streamline your application:
1. Verify if your nationality requires a visa: 61 countries enjoy visa-free entry for 90 days.
2. Determine the visa type (C, D, etc.).
3. Gather required documents (see previous section).
4. Schedule and attend your consular appointment.
5. Pay fees—around €80 for adults, €40 for children under 12.
6. Track processing times (usually 10–15 business days).

Pre-March C Visas vs. Schengen-Wide Travel

If you hold a Romanian C visa issued before March 31 2024, it remains valid for Romania only. It does not convert into a Schengen visa. Should you wish to cross into other Schengen states, you must hold a multi-entry Schengen visa or a visa issued by another Schengen member.

“A national visa is always tied to the issuing country. Romania’s accession doesn’t retroactively elevate existing visas to Schengen status.” – Ana Popescu, Romanian Immigration Expert

Calculating Your 90/180-Day Rule Across Romania & Schengen

Once Romania fully adopts Schengen rules, your stays in Romania count toward the standard 90/180-day allowance for the entire Schengen Area. To avoid overstaying:
– Track all entries/exits in a single calendar view
– Use online calculators (e.g., https://ec.europa.eu/assets/home/etias/)

Land Border Controls: What to Expect During Transition

Until the end of 2024, land crossings between Romania and Bulgaria or non-Schengen neighbors (e.g., Serbia, Ukraine) still have border checks. You’ll need:
– Valid travel document (passport/ID)
– For visa-required nationals: Romanian visa at entry points

After transition, land checks with Schengen states will end—but Romania may maintain spot checks on its external frontiers.

What’s Next: ETIAS and Romania-Bound Travellers

From 2026, citizens of visa-exempt third countries must obtain an ETIAS authorization before entering any Schengen member—including Romania. The online application takes minutes and costs €7. Approval is valid for three years; see the European Commission’s ETIAS FAQ for details.

Beyond Tourism: Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa

Romania launched a digital nomad visa in 2022 to attract remote workers. You may be eligible if you:
– Work remotely for a non-Romanian company
– Earn at least €3 000 per month
– Hold valid travel medical insurance
– Provide proof of accommodation for at least one year

Benefits include the right to reside and access to local banking. Applications are handled by Romanian consulates. Refer to the Digital Nomad Residence Permit information sheet for full eligibility criteria.

Ready for Romania?

You’ve seen how Schengen membership reshapes Romania’s short-stay rules, how to secure a C visa, and what’s on the horizon—from ETIAS to the digital nomad scheme. Armed with this guide, you can plan confidently, whether you’re here for 90 days or seeking a year-long remote work adventure. Enjoy your journey!