Romania

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. There have also been attacks on Ukraine's Danube ports along the border with Romania and instances of falling debris on Romanian territory. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Romania to Ukraine. There's a risk to life.

If you have arrived from Ukraine and are in need of assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen, usually:

• near hotels
• on public transport, especially to and from the airport
• in train stations
• in airport terminals

Organised groups of thieves often use distraction techniques, such as crowding and pushing at busy tourist areas. These groups may include children.

Thefts from hotel rooms are common.

Thefts and assaults take place on intercity trains.

To reduce the risk of theft:

• stay in physical contact with your belongings, particularly on public transport, buses and trains to and from the airport
• be alert, don't leave bags on the back of chairs or the floor in cafés or restaurants
• research your accommodation and parking areas carefully and pay attention to your surroundings.

Scams

Sometimes, thieves pretend to be police officers and ask for ID and wallets.

Romanian police won't stop you at random to ask for your ID or wallet. However, they may conduct checks if you don't comply with local laws.

If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer:

• ask to see their identification
• don't hand over your personal belongings
• offer to go to the nearest police station with them to check their identity.

Financial scams, including credit card and ATM fraud, are common.

Internet fraud, including dating and marriage scams, also occur.

To reduce your risk of card theft and scams:

• only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night
• always keep your credit card in sight
• be alert to internet scams and other fraud
• be cautious if someone asks for your bank account details
• be wary of connections you make through internet dating schemes or chat rooms.

More information:

• Scams

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Protests occur in Bucharest and other major cities.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

They may also disrupt services, traffic and public transport.

To stay safe:

• avoid demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor local media

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks, they can still happen.

In recent years, terrorists have attacked several European cities.

European security services have also disrupted several planned attacks.

To protect yourself:

• be alert to possible threats
• report anything suspicious to the police
• take official warnings seriously

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Torrential rain and flash flooding can occur throughout the year. Take emergency alerts and official warnings seriously.

Serious earthquakes are rare, but Romania is in a seismically active region and earth tremors are common.

Wildfires are becoming more frequent in the summer months.

Alert messages may be sent by local authorities to mobile numbers advising of critical incidents. Alerts are posted in Romanian and in English. If there's a natural disaster or extreme weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• closely monitor the media and other local sources of information
• follow the advice of local authorities

In case of an emergency, 112 can be called from all public telephone and mobile networks for police, ambulance and fire services.

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Extreme weather and natural disasters

Wildlife

Bear attacks occur in Romania, particularly in the Carpathian mountains and surrounding areas.

Wolves and wild boars are also present. Do not approach wild animals or attempt to feed them.

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards, including operators of adventure activities.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts.

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in wild and domestic animals.

Ask your travel doctor about getting the rabies vaccine before you travel.

Get medical treatment immediately if an animal scratches or bites you.

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk, especially if you travel through forests and rural areas.

Ticks are active in spring from March to June and autumn from September to December.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease spread by mosquitoes. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has confirmed cases of West Nile virus.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Measles

An outbreak of measles has spread across Romania in recent years.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To reduce your risk of illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Preventing infectious diseases while travelling

There’s no agreement between Australia and Romania for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities are below Australian standards.

Some medical supplies are limited, particularly outside major cities.

Doctors often require payment up-front.

Ambulance services are unreliable in some areas outside larger cities. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited outside major cities.

Romania has 3 decompression chambers. All are in the port city of Constanta on the Black Sea coast. Clinics with hyperbaric equipment can also be found at Bucharest, Oradea and Cluj-Napoca.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. 

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include prison sentences of up to 20 years.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy

Surrogacy is not legally recognised and unregulated in Romania.

The Australian Embassy can't provide:

• legal advice about surrogacy
• information on clinics

More information:

• Going overseas for international surrogacy

Drones

Recreational and commercial flying of drones is regulated. Drones must be registered for use across the European Union. 

Non-compliance may lead to fines and drone confiscation. 

More information:

• Information for visitors concerning drones – Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (RCAA)
• Civil drones - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

Other laws

Always carry a photo ID.

Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy.

In Romania, it's illegal to:

• take photos of airports, military sites or other secure locations
• engage in sex work or pay for sexual services
• have sexual relationships with a person under 16.

Same-sex relationships are legal. However, they're not widely accepted.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Dual nationals are legally recognised in Romania.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Romania is part of the Schengen area. This allows you to enter without a visa in some cases. Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control when you first enter the Schengen area.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, and you'll need a visa in some situations. Contact the nearest Romanian Embassy or Consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Schengen Area

Travel with children

Special entry rules apply to children aged under 18 years, including Australian-Romanian dual nationals.

The child must be accompanied by an adult and have their own passport.

If you're a parent or guardian travelling alone with a child, you must carry a legal permission document signed by the non-travelling parent.

If this isn't possible, you'll need:

• a death certificate of a parent registered on the child's birth certificate
• a court order granting sole custody to the travelling (or authorising) parent

The documents must be translated into Romanian.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children
• Embassy or consulate of Romania

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON).

Romania is a member of the European Union (EU).

Declare cash over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Romania and non-EU countries. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare or give incorrect information, you'll need to pay a fine.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Romania is largely a cash economy. However, credit card and debit card use is increasing.

It's illegal to change money on the streets. Exchange money at banks, large hotels or exchange bureaus.

Accessibility

If you have a disability, you may encounter limited accessibility in some parts of Romania.

Public transport and building accessibility is better:

• in Bucharest and other large cities
• at international airports and large hotels

Driving permit

To drive a vehicle, you'll need a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted). 

If you hold a valid Australian driver's licence, you can drive for up to 6 months from your arrival in Romania.

Your licence must be valid for the type of vehicle you'll drive.

You could face a large fine if you don't have the correct licence. Your insurance won't cover you if you have an accident.

Accessibility

If you stay longer than 185 days, you can apply for a Romanian driver's licence. Do this through the General Directorate for Driving Licences and Car Registration.

More information:

• DRPCIV (Romanian)

Road travel

Romania has one of the highest rate of road fatalities of all EU countries. Take care on the road.

Major city streets and inter-city highways are generally in good condition. Most other roads are poorly maintained, badly lit and narrow.

Be aware of stray dogs, wandering livestock and horse-drawn carts on the roads

Road travel can be dangerous when roads are wet or covered with ice and snow from November to March. Winter tyres are mandatory on snow-covered roads.

In extreme weather conditions:

• use tyre chains when driving
• check weather alerts on meteoalarm

If you need emergency roadside help, call +4 021 222 2222.

Road rules

Learn Romanian traffic laws before you drive. Be aware that:

• the minimum age for driving is 18 years
• children aged under 12 years can't sit in the front seat of a vehicle
• driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is illegal
• use of mobile phones while driving is banned. Only hands-free is permitted
• wearing a seatbelt is mandatory.

If you're involved in an accident, you must take a breathalyser test. Refusing to take this test is a crime.

You need a road toll sticker (Roviniete) to use national roads. Buy one online or from petrol stations or border points. Driving without a sticker may lead to a fine.

Vehicle insurance

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you if you plan to hire a car or other vehicle.

Also, ask if any restrictions apply. Your cover may only be valid if you're licensed for that vehicle type in Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding
• Driving in the EU
• Travel insurance

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Authorised taxis are generally safe and reliable.

At airports, you can find them in ranks outside the arrivals terminal.

These vehicles:

• display taxi registration, licensing and tariff information
• have an airport sign on both sides of the vehicle

To avoid overcharging and other problems:

• only use authorised taxis
• avoid taxi service offers from touts at airports, train stations and other public places

Air travel

Check Romania's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

English-speaking operators are available.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Bucharest, headed by an Honorary Consul.

The consulate provides limited consular services and doesn't issue passports.

Australian Consulate, Bucharest

Honorary Consul
The Group
3 Praga St, District 1
Bucharest 011801, Romania

Phone: +4 037 406 0845 or +4 021 206 2200 
Email: office@australianconsulate.ro

You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Athens.

Australian Embassy, Athens

5 Hatziyianni Mexi Street 
Level 2
Athens 115 28, Greece

Phone: +30 210 870 4000
Website: greece.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Greece
X: @AusAmbAthens
Instagram: @ausembgr

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia