Romania Travel:

  Travel Information

Romania: Limited attraction for tourists (one of four globes)

Romania has undergone profound political and economic changes since the 1989 revolution and is in a period of economic transition. Most tourist facilities, while being upgraded, have not yet reached Western European standards.

1. Romania possesses and inviting geography with some of the most beautiful countryside in Eastern Europe.  Its access to the Black Sea, Carpathian Mountains, and the Transylvania countryside create the potential for interesting vacations: however, the potential of the attractions has not been realized and "tourist" Romania is not yet quite ready for prime time.



2. If you are interested in visiting Romania, we suggest that you do so as a member of  tour group arranged through a reputable travel service.  Individual travel, and car based touring  in Romania are not for the faint of heart. (Read our article on How to evaluate tour operators.)



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations in Romania can be found at Romania: Places To Visit



4. Additional information on travel in Romania can be found at the country's official tourism website http://www.romaniatourism.com.



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Romania's tourism industry is not highly developed and it is safer to visit the country in the company of a tour group than as an independent traveler.

1. The countries of the former Soviet Union do not provide health care and prevention systems that meet western standards.  Read our article on Health issues in Russia and Eastern European Countries for information on health risks and strategies for prevention.  Traveling in Russia or Eastern Europe without practicing the preventions described in this article is not recommended.  Check with the CDC for updates before you travel



2. No specific travel warnings for Romania are in effect at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State   insure that this conditions have not changed.  In addition, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.



3. Americans living or traveling in Romania are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov,  and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Romania. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.



4. Romania has a significant problem with corruption: bribes and graft are commonplace and few areas of interest to travelers seem exempt.



5. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



6. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



7. If you have an emergency in Romania dial 112 for ambulances and other emergency services.
   
   
8. The U.S. Embassy in Romania  is located at Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest (tel. 40-21 200-3300.
   • In life or death emergencies, an after hours duty officer may be reached by calling (40) 21-200-3433.
   • See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad. 
   
   
   • Consular services for U.S. citizens are performed at the Consular Section located at Strada Filipescu no. 26 (formerly Strada Snagov), one block from the U.S. Embassy at the corner of Strada Batistei. The Consular Section can be reached through the Embassy operator at  (40) 21-200-3300, and faxes can be sent to (40) 21 200-3381.
     • The Embassy Information Office in Cluj-Napoca is located at Universitatii 7-9, Etaj 1, telephone (40) 264-593-815. This office is able to provide limited consular information.
     
     
     
9. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

A  valid passport is required for travel in Romania.   Visitors are granted 90 days of stay without a visa within a given six months period.

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

An exit visa must be obtained only in cases when the original passport used to enter the country was lost or stolen and a replacement passport has been issued by the Embassy. For stays longer than ninety days, an extension of stay may be obtained in Romania from the offices of the Authority for Aliens in the area of residence.

The Romanian Government is enforcing visa regulations more vigorously and a record of visa overstay can result in payment of large fines and the denial of entry without visa for a specified time.

Travelers should be advised that the Romanian Government is enforcing visa regulations more vigorously and a record of visa overstay can result in the denial of future visas or entry without visa for a specified time. Visitors can obtain information regarding entry requirements from the Romanian Embassy at 1607 23rd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone number (202) 232-4747, or the Romanian Consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York City. The Romanian Embassy maintains a web site at http://www.roembus.org .

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

In addition to being subject to all Romanian laws affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who also possess the nationality of Romania may be subject to additional laws that impose special obligations on Romanian citizens. 

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at
http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of  any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. 

Romania  has a crime problem that is focused on tourists and tourists need to remain alert due to a higher incidence of crime and assaults on travelers than occurs in Western European countries.

Be alert and avoid the situations described below.

Crimes against tourists remain a problem in Romania.

• Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate in train stations and on trains, subways, and buses in major cities. A number of thefts and assaults have occurred on overnight trains, including thefts from passengers in closed compartments.



• Money exchange schemes targeting travelers are common in Romania. Some of these ploys have become rather sophisticated, involving individuals posing as plainclothes policemen, who approach the potential victim, flash a badge, and ask for the victim's passport and wallet. In many of these cases, the thieves succeed in obtaining passports, credit cards, and other personal documents.



• Credit card and Internet fraud remain among the most common crimes affecting foreigners in Romania.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

• Romanian law allows foreigners to bring up to $10,000 in cash into Romania. No amount in excess of that declared upon entry may be taken out of Romania upon departure. Sums larger than $10,000 must be transferred through banks.

2. Americans should exercise caution when traveling to Romania to meet individuals known only through contact over the Internet.

• A number of confidence scams have been uncovered involving Romanians who contact their prospective American victims through chat rooms or personal advertisements. They generally identify themselves as young Romanian women and develop a “relationship” with their victim over time. Variations of this scam have emerged, but money extortion remains the ultimate goal.
• Americans who suspect they have fallen victim to this kind of scam should contact American Citizens Services at the Embassy.

3. There is a significant population of stray dogs in and around Bucharest and attacks on pedestrians and joggers are not uncommon. While there have not been any reported problems with rabies, travelers are advised to avoid all stray dogs.

4.  Inter-city travel is generally accomplished  using trains and buses, which are relatively safe, inexpensive, and reliable. However, pickpockets pose a danger on night trains and in train stations.

• Inter-city travel by taxi is much more expensive and safety depends on the quality of the driver. Many older taxis are not equipped with seat belts.
• To avoid being overcharged, request the taxi by phone and make sure the taxi has an operational meter, or agree upon a price before entering the taxi.

5.  Romania is an earthquake-prone country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/ .

6.  <ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. The information in this article was updated on May 16, 2006.  Before you visit any country, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular destination.

While driving in Romania, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Romania is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair

Road conditions vary widely throughout Romania. While major streets in larger cities and major inter-city roads are in fair to good condition, most other roads are in poor repair, badly lit, narrow, and often do not have marked lanes.

Pedestrians, animals, people on bicycles, and horse-drawn carts that are extremely difficult to see, especially at night, also use many roads, particularly in rural areas. Roads, especially in the mountains, can be particularly dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice.

Romanian traffic laws are very strict.

• The traffic police can confiscate any form of driver's license or permit for 1-3 months and payment of fines may be requested at the time of the infractions.
  • Some examples of when this might occur are failure to yield the right of way, failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and failure to stop at a red light or stop sign. .
  
  
  • In spite of these strict rules, however, many drivers in Romania often do not follow traffic laws or yield the right of way. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that defensive driving be practiced while driving in Romania.
  
  
  
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory only in the front seats of a car.



• Children under 12 years of age cannot be transported in the front seat.



• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all marked pedestrian crosswalks, but many of these are poorly maintained and difficult to see.

U.S. driver's licenses are only valid in Romania for up to 90 days. Before the 90-day period has expired, U.S. citizens must either obtain an international driving permit in addition to their U.S. driver's license or a Romanian driver's license.

Speed Limits in Romania:

1. Built-up areas - 50 km/h
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 90 km/h
3. Motorways - 120 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs). Many contracts prohibit drivers from taking rented vehicles into eastern European countries. Drivers attempting to enter countries listed as “prohibited” on the car rental contract may be arrested, fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft.

Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information. 

• Romanian traffic law provides for retention of licenses and possible imprisonment  for driving under the influence or for causing an accident resulting in injury or death.

Emergency roadside help and information may be reached by dialing 9271 for vehicle assistance and towing services.  For ambulance services, fire brigade or police, dial 112.

For additional general information about road safety,  including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html .

For specific information concerning Romanian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Romanian national tourist organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://www.towd.com .

Medical care in Romania is generally not up to Western standards, and basic medical supplies are limited, especially outside major cities.

• Some medical providers that are up to Western quality standards are available in Bucharest and other cities, but can be difficult to identify and locate.



• Travelers seeking medical treatment should therefore choose their provider carefully.



• A list of hospitals and physicians is available on the embassy website at http://www.usembassy.ro .

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.