Since 1 January 2025, Romania is a full member of the Schengen Area, so travel now follows the standard Schengen visa rules. If you hold an Indian passport, you need a visa before you travel to Romania — there is no visa-on-arrival and no e-visa that lets you skip the consulate. For tourism, business or family visits you apply for a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa, valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Valid travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover is mandatory for the visa.
Romania and the Schengen Area: what changed
Romania joined Schengen in two stages. Air and sea borders opened on 31 March 2024, and land borders followed on 1 January 2025. In practice this means:
- A Romanian short-stay visa is now a Schengen visa, valid across all Schengen countries.
- The 90/180-day rule is shared — days spent in France, Germany, Italy or any other Schengen state count toward the same limit.
- If you already hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit from another member state, you generally do not need a separate Romanian visa. See our guide on Schengen vs non-Schengen requirements.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Romania?
Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before entering Romania. The type you need depends on why you are travelling and how long you plan to stay.
| Purpose | Visa type | Maximum stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, business, family visit | Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) | 90 days / 180 days |
| Airport transit only | Airport transit visa (Type A) | Transit zone only |
| Work, study, family reunification, long residence | Long-stay national visa (Type D) | 90 days, then residence permit |
You do not need a visa only if you already hold a valid Schengen visa (with the entries and validity that cover your trip) or a residence permit from a Schengen state.
Types of Romanian visa
Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C)
The most common visa for Indian travellers. It covers tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, conferences, sports and cultural events, and short medical treatment. It allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period and does not permit employment.
Airport transit visa (Type A)
Required only for nationals of certain countries who change flights inside the international transit area of a Romanian airport without entering the country. Most travellers with a connecting flight elsewhere in Schengen will not need this — check with the Romanian consulate if you are unsure.
Long-stay national visa (Type D)
For stays longer than 90 days: employment, study, family reunification, commercial or economic activity, and scientific research. A Type D visa is valid for 90 days, during which you must apply for a residence permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration to stay legally.
Romania also offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers employed by companies outside Romania, subject to proof of income and health insurance. If you are a student, see our notes on studying in Schengen countries and insurance for students.
Documents required for a Romania visa
Exact requirements vary by visa type, but a short-stay application from India usually includes:
- Completed and signed visa application form, submitted through the official e-Visa portal.
- Valid passport — at least two blank pages and valid for a minimum of three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Two recent passport photos (3 cm × 4 cm, white background).
- Round-trip flight reservation or other proof of travel.
- Proof of accommodation — hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Romania.
- Proof of sufficient funds — Romania expects roughly €50 per day, with a suggested minimum of about €500 per trip; bank statements are typically requested.
- Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen Area with at least €30,000 cover for medical emergencies and repatriation.
- Proof of the purpose of travel — itinerary, invitation letters, or business documents.
- For work or study: a work contract and work permit, or an acceptance letter from a Romanian institution, plus (for some categories) an invitation approved by the Inspectorate General for Immigration.
Make sure documents are current and, where needed, translated into Romanian or English by a certified translator.
How to apply for a Romania visa from India
Romania does not use VFS Global or similar outsourcing agencies in India. You apply directly through official Romanian channels.
- Identify the correct visa type for your purpose of travel. Read our guide on choosing the right Schengen visa.
- Complete the online form on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa portal and upload the required documents.
- Wait for validation. Consular staff review your submission and notify you by email, usually within a few days.
- Book an appointment at the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi or the Honorary Consulate in Mumbai once your application is validated.
- Attend in person. Bring original documents, sign the form in front of consular staff, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) if requested.
- Pay the visa fee in the accepted currency and method for that mission.
- Collect your visa once a decision is made, and check that every detail on the sticker is correct.
The Honorary Consulate of Romania in Mumbai handles document submission and biometrics for applicants in western India; confirm current address and appointment procedure directly with the consulate before travelling there.
Romania visa fees and processing time
Since the Schengen visa fee update of 11 June 2024, the standard fees are:
| Visa type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay Schengen (Type C) | €90 | Adults |
| Short-stay Schengen (Type C) | €45 | Children aged 6–12 |
| Airport transit (Type A) | €90 | Where required |
| Long-stay national (Type D) | €120 | Work, study, residence |
Children under six are usually exempt, and some nationalities benefit from reduced or waived fees under bilateral agreements. Additional service or courier charges may apply depending on the mission.
Processing time: short-stay applications are typically decided within about 15 calendar days, but can take up to 30–45 days in busy periods. Apply at least three weeks before travel and no more than six months in advance. Long-stay (Type D) applications should be filed roughly 45 days ahead. Because the exact fee and timeline can change, always confirm the current figures on the official e-Visa portal before you pay. The European Commission also publishes the current Schengen visa policy.
Passport rules for Romania
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area, contain at least two blank pages, and have been issued within the previous ten years. A damaged passport, or one close to expiry, is a frequent cause of problems at the consulate and at the border, so check these details before you apply. If your passport is renewed after the visa is issued, carry both the old and new passports when you travel.
EES and ETIAS: what Indian travellers should know
Two EU border systems affect visits to Romania now that it is inside Schengen:
- EES (Entry/Exit System) — a digital border system that records travellers’ entries and exits and replaces manual passport stamping. On your first crossing you register biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image), which speeds up later crossings.
- ETIAS — a travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals only. Because Indian citizens already require a Schengen visa, ETIAS does not apply to you; your visa remains the document you travel on.
For official timelines and details, consult the European Commission’s EES and ETIAS pages before you travel, as roll-out dates can shift.
Tracking your Romania visa application
After you submit through the e-Visa portal, you can log in with your file number and password to see the status of your application in real time. Once a visa is issued, the ministry also provides an online tool to verify the details on your visa sticker using the sticker number and your passport number.
Why travel insurance is required
Travel medical insurance is not optional — it is a documented requirement for a Romania Schengen visa. Your policy must be valid across the whole Schengen Area for the full length of your stay, with a minimum of €30,000 in medical cover including emergency treatment and repatriation. A missing, expired or under-covered policy is a common reason for delays and refusals.
Compare options in our guide to the cheapest Schengen travel insurance, and note that cover matters even when travelling between Schengen states. Business travellers can review insurance for business trips.
Practical tips before you apply
- Apply early. Submit at least three weeks before travel; peak season slows processing.
- Match your dates. Flight, accommodation and insurance dates should align with the travel period on your form.
- Buy compliant insurance first. Confirm the €30,000 minimum and full-Schengen validity before your appointment — see our destination insurance tips.
- Keep copies. Bring originals plus photocopies of every document to the consulate.
- Be consistent and honest. Contradictions between your form and supporting papers are a common trigger for refusal.
Common reasons Romania visas are refused
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents — mismatched dates, missing translations, or unsigned forms.
- Insufficient proof of funds for the length of stay.
- Insurance that does not meet the €30,000 / full-Schengen requirement.
- Weak evidence of the purpose of travel or of intent to return home.
- Applying too late for the processing window.
If your application is refused, you receive the reasons in writing and may reapply at any time with corrected documents. Our guide on a rejected Schengen visa explains your next steps, and preparing well for your visa interview improves your chances.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Romania?
Yes. There is no visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for tourism or business, or a long-stay (Type D) visa for work, study or residence, before you travel.
Is Romania part of the Schengen Area now?
Yes. Romania became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025 (air and sea borders opened in March 2024). A Romanian short-stay visa is now a Schengen visa valid across all member states.
How much does a Romania visa cost for Indians?
The short-stay Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12. The long-stay national (Type D) visa is €120. Extra service charges may apply.
How long does a Romania visa take to process?
Short-stay decisions usually take about 15 calendar days and up to 30–45 days in peak periods. Long-stay applications take longer — apply well in advance.
Do I need a Romania visa if I already have a Schengen visa?
Generally no. A valid Schengen visa (with enough entries and validity) or a residence permit from a Schengen state lets you enter Romania for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Does Romania use VFS Global in India?
No. Romania does not outsource visa applications to VFS Global in India. You apply through the official e-Visa portal and submit documents at the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi or the Honorary Consulate in Mumbai.
