Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you need a visa to visit Romania depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Starting January 2025, Romania has fully-joined the Schengen Area. 

However, if you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa, you can enter Romania without one if you hold a uniform visa (with two or more entries), a long-stay visa, or a residence permit issued by Schengen Member States, or Cyprus. This allows for transit and stays not exceeding 90 days within 180 days, provided the documents are valid and the number of entries and duration of stay haven’t been exceeded. Also, a valid long-term residence permit issued by an EU member state allows for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. To check your specific case, you can visit the this official website. 

Travel insurance for Romania is recommended and may be mandatory: 

• Mandatory for Visa Applicants: If you need a visa to visit Romania, travel insurance is required with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. 

• Recommended for Others: Even if you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is highly recommended. Your domestic health insurance may not fully cover you in Romania. 

No specific vaccinations are required for Romania. However, it’s always a good idea to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. 

The official language of Romania is Romanian. Around 91% of the population speak it as their main language. Romanian is a Romance language derived from Vulgar Latin, sharing similarities with Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. It uses the Latin alphabet. Besides Romanian, Hungarian is a widely spoken minority language, and English and French are common foreign languages. 

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON), issued and overseen by the National Bank of Romania (BNR). The currency symbol is “lei”, and each leu is divided into 100 bani. While the official currency is RON, you might see prices, especially for things like accommodation, sometimes expressed in euros, though payments are usually made in lei. 

Although most transactions between residents are conducted in RON, there are exceptions, and you can pay in foreign currency in certain locations such as airport duty-free zones and some hotels. 

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices (case de schimb valutar), and some ATMs. For the most accurate exchange rates, check the official rates on the National Bank of Romania (BNR) website. Keep in mind that banks and exchange offices typically add a small profit margin to the BNR’s official rate. Usually, no commission is added to the exchange.

Yes, you can use your credit card in Romania. Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas. American Express is also accepted at many businesses in urban areas. However, it’s a good idea to have cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas, as card acceptance may be less common there. Some businesses might prefer cash to avoid processing fees. 

Romania is a destination for all seasons, each offering its own majestic features. Here’s what each season offers: Here’s a seasonal breakdown: 

• April-May: Spring offers breathtaking natural landscapes and moderate temperatures, ideal for exploring the countryside and enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-caped mountains. 

• May, June, September, and October: These months offer pleasant weather with temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius and mostly sunny days. 

• June-August: This is the peak tourist season, with hot temperatures, especially in the southern and eastern lowlands (potentially exceeding 30°C). However, expect crowded conditions at major tourist attractions. 

• September: Often considered one of the best months, September offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds after the busy summer. It’s typically dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities. 

• January-March: These are the coldest months, with temperatures potentially dropping to -5°C inland. Some areas of the country might experience heavy snowfall, making them an ideal winter wonderland. 

For budget travelers, April to June and September to November offer a sweet spot with fewer crowds and lower prices. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season. 

Romania enjoys a temperate-continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot, while winters can be very cold, particularly in the mountains where there’s significant snowfall: 

• Seasons: Expect hot summers, cool and dry autumns, cold winters with snow and fog, and mild springs. 

• Temperature: The mean temperature in winter can drop below -3°C (27°F), while in summer it ranges between 22°C and 24°C (72°F and 75°F). The average annual temperature is around 11°C (52°F) in the south and 8°C (46°F) in the north. Keep in mind that temperature variances can be high. 

• Summer: Summers, especially in the east and south, can be particularly warm, with temperatures exceeding 30–35°C (95°F). The hottest areas are the lowlands in southern and eastern Romania, where temperatures can reach 100°F (38°C) in July and August. 

• Winter: Winters can be cold, especially in the mountains, with abundant snowfalls from December to mid-March. Temperatures can average between 3˚C and -15˚C during the coldest months of winter (December and January). 

• Rainfall: Rainfall is moderately low throughout the year, with higher levels in the west and mountainous regions. The annual average rainfall is around 637 mm, with higher values in the mountains (1,000-1,400 mm/year) and lower in areas like the Bărăgan Plain (500 mm/year) and Dobrogea (400 mm/year). 

Yes, Romania is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and petty theft, like pickpocketing, is the most common concern, especially in crowded areas. The terrorism risk is low. Rural areas and tourist regions are generally safe. Be vigilant in crowded areas, use reputable currency exchange services, and stay aware of your surroundings. 

Romania offers a variety of transportation options: 

• Trains: A cost-effective way to travel between major cities. While trains can be slow, they often provide a unique experience and the opportunity to enjoy diverse landscapes. This official website includes timetables for both state-run and privately owned train companies. 

• Internal flights: Convenient for long distances; several airlines operate domestic routes from Bucharest to regional airports like Timișoara, Cluj Napoca, Iași, Oradea and Suceava. 

• Buses: Useful for reaching smaller towns and remote areas not easily accessible by train. However, the timetable is not always reliable, and the information is difficult to find. Online booking is not available. 

• City public transport: Bucharest and other major cities in Romania have extensive and reliable public transportation systems, including buses, trams, trolleybuses, and metro services (only Bucharest). Payment options vary by city, but contactless payment is generally available. Travelers can also use local transit cards or various mobile apps. 

• Taxis & ridesharing: Uber and Bolt are common in larger cities. Taxis are available in smaller towns too. 

• Car rental: Provides flexibility for exploring the countryside but be aware of local driving habits. 

Yes, renting a car is a convenient way to explore Romania. International car rental companies operate in major cities and airports. A valid driver’s license and credit card are required. 

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the bill is customary. For other services, such as taxis or hotel staff, rounding up the bill or giving a small tip is common. 

In most urban areas, tap water is safe to drink. However, it’s recommended to drink bottled water in rural areas or if you have a sensitive stomach. 

Romania is home to one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe, outside of Russia. The estimated population varies, with figures ranging from 6,000 to 8,000, though these numbers are contested by various organizations and NGOs due to concerns about data and methodology. Romania also has significant populations of wolves and lynx.  

While the European brown bear is generally less aggressive than a grizzly bear, attacks can occur. To minimize the risk, follow these guidelines: 

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and stay on marked hiking trails. Be cautious in areas with dense vegetation, fallen trees, or abundant forest fruits; make noise if you must pass through these areas. 

• Make noise: Alert bears to your presence by making noise while hiking in forested areas. This can include talking, singing, using a bear bell, or clapping. A whistle can also be useful. 

• Proper food storage: When camping, store food properly to avoid attracting bears. Use bear-resistant containers or hang food in trees far from your tent. Never keep food in your tent. 

• Avoid conflict: Most bear incidents involve hunting accidents or people fighting bears for food. Never approach, feed, or threaten a bear or its cubs. 

• Carry bear spray: Consider carrying bear spray, which is legal in Romania, and know how to use it. 

• Hike in groups: Hike in groups when possible, and choose well-traveled trails if hiking alone. 

• Be careful of signs: Watch for signs of bear activity in the area, such as tracks or droppings. 

Although not directly related to bears, be aware that shepherd dogs are trained to protect livestock. Exercise caution around sheepfolds and flocks, and consider carrying an anti-dog ultrasound device or hiking poles for protection. 

“Eco-Romania” is a program developed by the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) to promote Romania as an ecotourism destination. The term “Eco” signifies a focus on small groups, small businesses, local ownership, minimal environmental impact, and nature conservation. Eco-Romania also functions as an ecotourism certification system for accommodation facilities and tours. However, not all businesses listed under Eco-Romania hold a valid certificate. To verify a business’s certification status, look for the Eco-Romania certification logo or consult the updated list available here. Businesses listed under Eco-Romania, even without certification, have committed to upholding the principles of ecotourism. 

Ecotourism in Romania focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of local communities. It’s about experiencing Romania’s unique natural and cultural heritage in a sustainable way. Why is it important? 

• Nature Conservation: Ecotourism helps protect Romania’s wild areas, rich biodiversity (including unique flora and fauna, large carnivores like wolves, bears, and lynx), and natural resources like the Danube Delta and Carpathian Mountains. 

• Community Benefits: It generates income and employment for rural communities, encouraging them to preserve their traditions and natural assets. Ecotourism provides an alternative to activities like illegal logging and poaching. 

• Sustainable Development: It promotes responsible land use, supports local businesses, and encourages the best environmental practices among tour operators. The Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) plays a key role in promoting these principles and even offers an ecotourism certification system. 

• Economic Growth: By focusing on high-quality services and unique experiences, ecotourism attracts international tourists and boosts the local, regional, and national economies. A significant portion of tourist spending stays within the rural communities. 

• Romania as a Pioneer: Romania was the first country in the EU to develop a methodology for evaluating ecotourism destinations. 

By choosing ecotourism in Romania, you’re directly contributing to the preservation of its natural beauty and the prosperity of its local communities. 

Consult the list of accommodations and tours with valid Eco-Romania certifications on our website. When booking, please mention that you chose them because of their Eco-Romania certification 

When planning a sustainable trip to Romania, look for the Eco-Romania certification. This is the only ecotourism certification system in Romania, developed by the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER). Other sustainable tourism certification labels may also be present in Romania like the EU Ecolabel, Tourcert, GreenKey and Green Pearls. Find out more here. 

The Eco-Romania certification is a system developed by the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) to ensure nature conservation and sustainable development of local communities through tourism. It objectively assesses tourism services and programs to ensure they comply with ecotourism principles. 

The main benefits for tourists choosing Eco-Romania certified services are: 

• High-quality experience: Certified products offer high-quality tourism experience and a high degree of responsibility for the natural and socio-cultural environment of the local communities. 

• Reduced environmental impact: The certification logo guarantees that the certified tourism product aims to reduce the negative environmental impact and strives to generate benefits for the local communities. 

• Higher quality services: Eco-Romania certification ensures services of a higher quality. 

• Direct contact for issues: Tourists have the possibility to contact AER directly if there are any problems2. Penalties are applied and the certificate can be withdrawn if some criteria are not met. 

• Support for responsible businesses: Tourists can easily identify products that offer high-quality experience and support businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact and benefiting local communities. 

• Contribution to ecotourism principles: Choosing certified services helps ensure nature conservation and sustainable development of local communities through tourism. 

By choosing Eco-Romania certified services, you support businesses committed to responsible tourism, helping to protect Romania’s natural and cultural heritage while benefiting local communities. Look for the Eco-Romania logo or consult the AER website for a list of certified businesses. 

The eco-romania.ro website lists accommodations and tour operators, which can be filtered by destination or type of activity. We provide their direct contact information, such as website, email, and phone numbers, so you can check their offers, availability, and prices. The Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) itself is not a tour operator, so we don’t organize tours directly. However, we can assist you in planning your trip to Romania and suggest tour operators or accommodations that best suit your needs. Simply use the contact form to let us know what you’re interested in.