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. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Romania to Ukraine. There's a risk to life.

If you have arrived in Romania 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 target travellers. These groups may include children.

Thefts from hotel rooms are common.

Thefts and assaults take place on intercity trains.

Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Centrul Vechi (the old town in Bucharest).

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep your personal belongings close, particularly near hotels and on public transport
• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night
• lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside
• don't leave luggage unattended in your train compartment
• don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met
• don't leave food or drinks unattended

More information:

• Avoiding danger
• Partying safely

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 in Romania.

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

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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

The US Embassy in Bucharest issued a security alert on 11 October about threats potentially targeting a synagogue, temple, or mosque in Romania. You should exercise increased caution near religious institutions.

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
• monitor the media for possible threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Torrential rain and flash flooding occurs in Romania. 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. Torrential rain and flash flooding can happen throughout the year.

If there's a natural disaster or severe 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

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes 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.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Romania. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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 Romanian Health Ministry has confirmed cases of West Nile virus in:

• Alba
• Bucharest
• Cluj
• Constanta
• Dolj
• Galati
• Mures
• Sibiu
• Teleorman

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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities in Romania are below Australian standards.

Some medical supplies are limited, particularly outside major cities.

Treatment can be expensive, and 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.

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

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

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 relations with a person under 18

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Dual nationals are legally recognised in Romania.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

You don't need a visa to enter as a tourist for up to 90 days. You'll need a visa for other types of travel.

Romania partially joined the Schengen area on 31 March. Border checks will cease between Romania and other Schengen countries for air or sea travel. 

Checks continue at land borders between Romania and other Schengen countries. 

If you're travelling without a visa, ensure your entire visit to the Schengen area, including your stay in Romania, is within the 90-day limit. This applies to all arrivals (air, land and sea).

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Romania for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

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

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBQTAI+ travellers 

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 in Romania, you'll need both:

• your current Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

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)
• Driving or riding

Road travel

Romania has 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.

Additional driving hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• wet and icy roads during winter
• stray dogs, wandering livestock and horse-drawn carts on the roads

If you need emergency roadside help, call 9271.

More information:

• Driving or riding

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 drink and drive, you may:

• lose your licence
• face fines
• receive a prison sentence of up to 5 years

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

Police strictly enforce traffic laws. They conduct frequent checks, including radar speed checks. You may lose your licence and have to pay a fine if caught.

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

Weather conditions

Road travel can be dangerous when roads are wet or covered with ice and snow.

Winter tyres are mandatory on snow-covered roads. Roads become snow-covered most often from November to March.

In extreme weather conditions:

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

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
• Roviniete

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

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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 
Fax: (+4 031) 107 1378
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
Fax: +30 210 870 4111
Website: greece.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Greece

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