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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Travel Advisory August 15, 2024

Romania - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Romania.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Romania.  

If you decide to travel to Romania:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X/Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Romania.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond departure date.

1 page per stamp.

Not required for stays under 90 days.

Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Romania

4-6 Liviu Librescu Blvd. District 1 Bucharest, Romania Telephone: (+40) 21 200-3300, (+40) 21 270-6000  Fax: (+40) 21 200-3578 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Romania . 
• With a valid U.S. passport book, U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period.  You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
• Departing Romania and then attempting to re-enter Romania does not “restart the clock.” U.S. citizens who depart Romania and return after spending less than 90 days in the Schengen will be admitted for the remainder of their 90-day stay. U.S. citizens attempting to re-enter Romania after having already spent 90 days in Romania the Schengen area may be denied re-entry to Romania. 
• U.S. citizens who wish to stay longer than 90 days must obtain an extension (resident permit) from the  Romanian Immigration Inspectorate .  
• U.S. citizens traveling to Romania should also consult the  CDC’s Romania website  for immunization and other health information.
• U.S.-Romanian dual nationals should consult the  Romanian Border Police  website for information on exit requirements. 
• If you have a temporary or permanent Romanian residence permit, be ready to present it upon request from local competent authorities.

Visit the Embassy of ROMANIA website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
• The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Romania.  

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Reported types of crime include:

• Robbery, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit card fraud are the most commonly reported crimes. 
• Organized groups of criminals, sometimes including minors, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and busses.
• Money exchange schemes often involve individuals posing as plainclothes policemen who approach you, flash a badge, and ask for your passport and wallet. Insist on the presence of a uniformed police officer and request that any issues be resolved at the police station.
• If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available.
• Do not leave your personal belongings unattended; stow them securely out of sight.
• Use ATMs located inside banks. You should check ATM machines for any evidence of tampering before use.
• Be extra cautious of your surroundings if using an internet café.

Be cautious about entering into contracts with Romanian businesses and/or organizations without legal assistance. The Romanian legal system is difficult for foreigners to navigate, making the assistance of a  local attorney  nearly essential.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Romania. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:  

• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Lotteries 
• Bank overpayments 

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the embassy at (+40) 21 270-6000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

• Romania is situated in a seismically active region and has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the greatest risk in Bucharest.
• Avoid contact with stray dogs. You may consult the CDC's Romania website  for rabies immunization and other health information.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Be aware that recreational drug possession is not allowed in Romania, regardless of type or quantity. The penalty for possession of drugs for personal use can be imprisonment of up to three years.

Romania has strict regulations on importing/exporting firearms, other weapons, drugs, antiquities, local currency and gold or gold jewelry. Contact the Romanian Customs Office  for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Romania. The annual gay pride parades in Bucharest have been the scene of violent protests in past years, though this has been less common recently. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Romania prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference between the large cities and the rest of the country.

Availability of rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants is very limited. Contact the Embassy for information on providers.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

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 meet Western quality standards are available in Bucharest and other cities but can be difficult to identify and locate.

Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.  Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Travelers seeking medical treatment should therefore choose their provider carefully.

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited outside of the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions. 

Most prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are available in Romania but are often sold under different names. A list of approved medicines available in Romania can be found on the website of the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices .

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country and are unreliable in some areas except in or around major cities.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices  to ensure the medication is legal in Romania.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Romania.  Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Though Romanian traffic laws are very strict, road accidents are a real threat in Romania. According to the European Commission, Romania has the highest per-vehicle rate of road fatalities of any country in the EU.

While major streets in larger cities and major inter-city roads are generally in fair to good condition, many secondary roads are poor quality unpaved, poorly lit, narrow, and lacking marked lanes.

• Mountain roads are dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice. Snow removal is intermittent.
• Mountainous areas can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in the spring and summer.
• Streets and sidewalks are often icy and hazardous during winter.
• It is common for pedestrians, animals, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts to share a road with motor vehicles, especially in rural areas.
• Parked vehicles often block sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
• Cross only at crosswalks and exercise vigilance as crosswalks are generally poorly marked.
• Although emergency services and road assistance services exist, it is advisable to carry spare tires, fuel and tools. The law requires motorists to carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective triangles. This obligation has been eliminated for motorcycles and mopeds.

Traffic Laws: Romanian traffic laws are very strict.

• The traffic police can confiscate a driver's license or permit for 1-3 months and request payment of fines at the time of the infraction.
• Police are required to give all drivers involved in an accident a breathalyzer test on the scene.
• Refusal to take a breathalyzer test may result in criminal penalties regardless of whether or not alcohol was involved.
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
• Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat.
• Use of mobile phones while driving is banned, with exception of hands free systems.
• The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or injury of a person must immediately call the emergency number 112, and must not move the vehicle, alter or leave the scene of the accident.
• In the case of an accident that only caused damage to the vehicles, drivers must move the vehicles to the side of the road, signaling their presence, and report the accident to the police or exchange insurance information and fill out an amicable accident report.

Use of U.S. state issued drivers’ licenses (DL) is not sufficient to operate motor vehicles in Romania.  U.S. citizens arriving in Romania for stays up to 90 days may use their U.S. state drivers’ licenses only when accompanied by an International Driving Permit . Most rental car companies require international driving permits when renting a car to a U.S. driver’s license holder.

For current traffic regulations and speed limits in Romania please visit the website of the  Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

If entering Romania by vehicle you must purchase a road tax badge, “rovinieta”, at the border crossing point. Proof of insurance and a car registration document are required. Drivers of vehicles registered abroad who are not in possession of a valid international insurance document must buy short-term insurance at the border.

Public Transportation:   Public transportation in Romania is inexpensive and reliable. Inner city travel options include a variety of buses, trams, trolleybuses, and “maxitaxis” (private vans operating as shared taxis).

• You can purchase bus or tram tickets at street kiosks before boarding and validate the ticket once aboard.
• For “maxitaxis” you may buy a ticket directly from the driver.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Romania was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Romania . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Exercise normal safety precautions in Romania.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Romania to Ukraine. 
• Pickpocketing and bag-snatching occur. Thefts from hotel rooms are common. Assault and theft happen on intercity trains. Keep your personal belongings close. Lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside.
• Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Bucharest's Old Town. Don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met.
• Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your ID and wallet. Romanian police won't stop you at random to do this. If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer, ask to see their identification.
• Financial, dating and marriage scams occur. Only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night. Always keep your credit card in sight. Be wary of people you've met online.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Rabies occurs in wild and domestic animals. If an animal scratches or bites you, get medical treatment immediately.
• West Nile virus can occur. Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Measles has occurred in recent years. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
• Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid ice cubes and raw or undercooked food. 
• Medical facilities and supplies are limited. You'll need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Make sure your insurance covers this.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences of up to 20 years.
• By law, you must always carry a photo ID. Keep your passport in a safe place. Carry a photocopy.
• Taking photos of airports, military sites, or other secure locations is illegal.
• It's illegal to engage in sex work or have sexual relations with a person under 18. 
• Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania but not widely accepted. 

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You don't need a visa if you're a tourist staying for less than 90 days or transiting through Romania. For other types of travel, you'll need a visa.
• 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 to be undertaken at land borders between Romania and other Schengen countries. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an  Embassy or Consulate of Romania  for details about visas, customs and quarantine rules.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• The Australian Consulate in Bucharest provides limited consular and passport assistance.
• You can get full consular help from the  Australian Embassy in Athens .
• Follow the embassy's social media accounts to stay up to date with local information.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Border with ukraine.

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

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

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  

Civil unrest and political tension

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
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Romania, 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
• monitor the media for possible threats
• take official warnings seriously

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.

Tours and adventure travel

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.

Climate and natural disasters

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

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

Travel insurance

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.

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

Physical and mental health

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.

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

Medications

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

Health risks

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.

• 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:

To protect yourself from disease:

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

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

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.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

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.

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

• Carrying or using drugs

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

Australian laws

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

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

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

Avoid public displays of affection.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Dual citizenship

Dual nationals are legally recognised in Romania.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

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).

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Other formalities

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.

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

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. 

• LGBTI 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.

Local travel

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.

• 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.

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
• 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.

Motorcycles

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

Always wear a helmet.

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

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.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

English-speaking operators are available.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

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:  [email protected]

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

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Romania travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: August 7, 2024 16:29 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, romania - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Romania.

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Violent crime is rare.

Pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging occur, particularly in Bucharest and other urban centres. Be vigilant in crowded areas such as busy streets, public transportation, train stations and airport terminals. Avoid walking alone after dark.

Organized groups of thieves are particularly active in public transport hubs, such as train and bus stations, and subways.

Theft can occur on intercity trains. Don’t leave your compartment unattended. Always lock the door from the inside. Don’t travel on your own, particularly on overnight trains.

Theft from hotel rooms is common. Make sure your valuables are always locked away if leaving them in the room while you’re away.

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask you to see your foreign currency and passports. Politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station to sort out the issue.

Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. With the exception of major city streets and intercity highways, many roads are in disrepair, poorly lit, narrow and without marked lanes.

Driving can be hazardous due to aggressive drivers, erratic driving behaviour and excessive speeds.

Don’t drive after dark outside of major cities due to unsafe conditions. These can include horse-drawn carts without lights and wandering livestock on the road.

Public transportation

Use only licensed metered taxis that display their price lists. Verify the tariffs on the taxi’s window before boarding and ensure that the meter displays the correct tariff. Tariffs are more expensive at night and when travelling outside of the city limits.

At the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, arrange for a taxi from the taxis booth within the arrivals terminal to get a fair rate. Don’t hail a taxi on the street; instead, order one from your hotel or use a trusted ride-sharing app.

Avoid travelling alone in a taxi to remote areas.

Rail services safety standards are generally good.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Romanian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

schengen_area

• Schengen area

Romania entered the Schengen area on March 31, 2024. Air and maritime border controls are no longer in effect. Land border controls will remain in effect until further notice.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Romania.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period Student visa: required

The 90-day, visa-free period begins upon initial entry into Romania.

If you plan to return to Romania within 180 days of your last visit, authorities will only allow you entry for what’s left of your 90-day, visa-free exemption. If you’ve already spent 90 days within any 180 day-period, authorities may refuse you entry.

Romania is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Children and travel

Romanian authorities consider a child born to a Romanian parent as a citizen of Romania, even if the child was born in Canada and has a Canadian passport.

When leaving Romania, a Romanian citizen under the age of 18 must:

• travel with one of the following
• both parents
• one parent with the written consent of the non-accompanying parent
• their legal guardian(s)
• an authorized person over the age of 18 who has passed a criminal record check.
• carry a standard statement of consent to travel from their parent(s) or guardian(s), notarized by Romanian authorities. This does not apply to Romanian children returning to their proven country of legal residence.

Entry and exit requirements for children under the age of 18 may change without notice. Parents of children travelling alone or with one parent should contact the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate before departing for Romania to confirm that each child meets the latest entry and exit requirements.

• Travelling with children
• Terms of leaving Romania with Romanian minors (in Romanian)

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities vary throughout the country. They may not be up to the standards you might expect in Canada. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Most medical facilities expect cash payment at the time of service.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Romania are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Romania to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Romania authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

You must carry photo identification at all times as local authorities can ask you to prove your identity. A photocopy of your passport is acceptable, and will help in case of loss or seizure of the original document.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences of up to 15 years and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It is illegal to photograph government buildings and military installations, unless prior permission has been obtained from local authorities.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Romania.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Romania, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Romania.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Romania, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Romanian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Romania to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

You must carry an international driving permit along with a valid Canadian driver’s licence in order to drive or to rent a vehicle in Romania. However, your Canadian driver’s licence is only considered valid for up to 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to exchange your driver’s licence for a Romanian one.

Traffic laws are strict and local authorities carry out frequent road checks.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol and penalties are severe. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. It is illegal to refuse a breathalyser test.

You must carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

A motorway vignette (locally known as a rovinieta) is required to travel outside major cities. You may purchase these at border points, post offices and large gas stations.

Headlights must be on at all times when driving, regardless of the time of day or weather.

Winter tires are mandatory during winter months.

You must carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car.

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.

Children under 12 cannot sit in the front seat of a vehicle.

International Driving Permit

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Although Romanian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not widely accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

The currency of Romania is the leu (RON).

Exchanging money on the street is illegal. You may exchange Euros in recognized establishments, such as exchange shops, banks and hotels. Carry crisp bills, as merchants may not accept well-worn or used banknotes. Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted. The economy is primarily cash-based, but credit cards are widely accepted in major urban centres.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Seismic activity

Romania is located in an active seismic zone.

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions when rapidly warming temperatures follow a particularly harsh winter. Extreme weather can cause landslides.

Exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Emergency information guide – Romania’s General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (in Romanian)

Flooding is common in the winter and in the fall, but could occur at any time throughout the year.

High temperatures

Extreme temperatures, in both summer and winter, may cause electricity outages.

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Bulgaria, Moldova

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Bucharest and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Special Offers

Romania, Travel Advisory for Visitors

Trip planner.

• Travel Advisory

Last update:  August 19, 2024

Romania is safe and hospitable.   All visitors are welcome! There are no events or situations - such as diseases, distress or unrest - threatening the personal safety or well-being of visitors. We do hope you will enjoy your visit to Romania and that the following information will be of interest to you.

• Romania Excessive Heat Warning

Travel to Romania given the Ukraine situation

• Traffic Delays and/or Restrictions // Road Closures
• Bucharest Taxi , avoid possible scams

Bucharest Public Transport

• Money Exchange / Leftover Romanian currency

Driving in Romania

• Feedback about tour operators / travel agencies.

Excessive heat warning in effect August 19 -- August 25, 2024

A record-breaking heat wave will bring high temperatures across Romania. Administratia Nationala de Meteorologie - ANM (Romania Weather Service) has issued an excessive heat warning,   effective August 19 until August 25. Daytime highs will be in the upper 90s (36° Celsius) for southern and western Romania. Overnight lows will be in the high-60s (20° Celsius) and mid-70s (24° Celsius). Please make sure you have access to effective cooling and adequate hydration.

The unfortunate situation in the Ukraine does not affect - and does not threaten to destabilize - Romania at all. Dynamics of inflation did not significantly affected prices, converted to Euro or US Dollars; hotel rates and price of restaurant meals are still competitive compared to those in Western Europe.

Romania Traffic Restrictions / Road Closures

National Road DN 7 C (Drumul National 7 C) crossing the Fagaras Mountains Current Road Status:  Open , with restrictions Scheduled days:   Monday - Sunday. Restrictions: Acccess permitted during day-time only, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Speed limit: 19 mph (30 km/h) Max. gross vehicle weight: 7,800 lbs (3.5 tonnes) Caution: bears roam in the area, do not feed or get close to them. TransFagarasan road more info .

National Road DN 67 C (Drumul National 67 C) crossing the Parang Mountains Current Road Status:  Open , with restrictions Restrictions: Acccess permitted during day-time only, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Speed limit: 19 mph (30 km/h) Max. gross vehicle weight: 7,800 lbs (3.5 tonnes) TransAlpina road more info .

Information on Road Conditions can also be obtained from the Romania Road Authority ( Compania Nationala de Administrare a Infrastructurii Rutiere - CNAIR) Telephone:   (+4) 021 264.33.33 ext. 4   or   0800 800.301 (local toll free) E-mail

Bucharest Taxi, avoid possible scam

RomaniaTourism has received several complaints concerning Bucharest taxi drivers who have overcharged customers by not using the meter or employing malfunctioning meters. Drivers approaching you at the airport or at Bucharest train station ( Gara de Nord ) are likely to inflate their rates; please be aware and try to avoid them. Taxis can be summoned by telephone or hailed on the street. Meridian Taxi,   Cris Taxi   and   Speed Taxi are three of the most trusted Bucharest taxi companies. All accept credit cards and have efficient dispatch service. Confirming the approximate cost of the ride with the driver, before starting the trip, is always a good idea. Visitors arriving at Bucharest International Airport can book a taxi by using the touch screen taxi dispatch ( Dispecerat Automatizat Taxi ) located in the arrivals terminal, next to the Taxi Desk ( Taxi la Comanda ).

If you run into a problem with any taxi in Bucharest - or if you are suspecting that you have met a dishonest driver - ask for a receipt and write down the vehicle's license plate #, if possible. Taxi tariffs can vary from company to company.

Typical Bucharest Taxi tariffs:

* Tariffs in U.S. Dollars estimated at an exchange rate of 4.50 Lei / Dollar.

The average cost of the taxi trip from Henri Coanda (Otopeni) Airport to downtown Bucharest is 80.00 Lei (US$ 18). To call a taxi visitors can use the kiosks available in the arrivals hall. Select the taxi company and get the confirmation ticket that shows taxi's number plate. Reliable taxi companies include   Cobalcescu,   Cristaxi,   and Speed Taxi. More information on transportation from/ to Bucharest Airport are available at RomaniaTourism Bucharest info section.

If you run into a problem with any taxi in Bucharest - or if you are suspecting that you have met a dishonest driver - ask for a receipt and, if possible, write down the vehicle's license plate #.

To file a Taxi complaint please contact:

Bucharest public transport system is safe, efficient and inexpensive . Fares can be paid with (contactless) credit or debit card. Feedback recently received from visitors to Bucharest indicates that Bucharest Transport Authority (STB) controllers they have encountered where rather obtuse and aloof. Most ticket kiosks attendants do not speak English or other foreign language.

Money Exchange / Lefover Romanian currency

Romania's currency (Lei) is not readily available abroad. If you do not wish to keep your leftover Romanian Lei (RON), please make sure that, before leaving Romania, you have converted them into the currency of your choice. To check the official exchange rates please visit the Website of Romania's National Bank .

Most major tourist attractions in Romania are easily accessible by public transportation but travel by car is perhaps the best way to discover Romania's charming villages and to reach attractions located in areas with limitted bus or train service.

In some areas of Romania, conditions of roads, the number of slow moving vehicles and even the level of adherence to traffic regulations and common road courtesies may be different from what you are familiar with in the USA or Canada.

Feedback from several foreign visitors have indicated that some Romanian drivers have a competitive driving style (improper passing / cutting into another car's path and tailgating flash of the headlamps are not uncommon).

While in North America flashing the headlamps may be considered rude, in Romania a quick flash of the headlamps is sufficient to get the car lead to move on the first lane of the (multi-lane) road.

In rural areas be ready to share the road with slow-moving vehicles, including horse-drawn wagons.

A number of roads are under construction. Signage and safety studs may be inferior to those used in North America.

The numerous photo opportunities offered by Romania's scenic countryside may make you to stop more often than planned and driving to your destination may take longer than expected.

However, as long as you will drive cautiously we believe that you will enjoy your driving vacation in Romania.

Map of Romania's roads condition

Map of road traffic intensity forecast (not real-time traffic info)

Feedback about tour operators / travel agencies

All Romanian Tour Operators, Travel Agencies and Freelance Guides must be licensed by the Romanian Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Be particularly cautious if: ~   the Website of a travel company or a freelance guide does not indicate a physical address, ~   hotel rates and prices for similar services are significantly lower then those offered by other companies, ~   full payment - in cash / wire transfer - is being asked when making the reservation or long before the beginning of trip, especially for services that must not be paid in advance by the travel company (meals, guide services, ground transportation).

Please E-mail us if your Romania experience was flawed by a company and/or its staff, or you wish to check the credentials of a Romanian tour company.   Thank you for your feedback and helping us to make Romania safer and more appealing to visitors.

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Is Romania safe?

In light of global events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it's reassuring to note that Romania remains a haven. There are no current travel advisories or warnings for this scenic European gem. Backed by its commendable 26/162 ranking on the Global Peace Index, Romania stands as one of Central and Eastern Europe's safest destinations. Whether you're planning a solo trip or considering relocation, Romania beckons with safety and rich heritage.

With the ongoing war in Ukraine raising concerns about safety in Eastern Europe, many wonder, is Romania safe ? It is heartening to know that Romania remains a safe haven. There are no current travel advisories or alerts for this picturesque European destination. Romania is one of the safest places in Central and Eastern Europe, as evidenced by its impressive 26/162 score on the Global Peace Index. Whether you're planning a single trip or thinking about relocating, Romania offers safety and a rich tradition.

Is Romania a safe place to visit?

There are no travel advisories or warnings in Romania. Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other world events, Romania, a lovely European country, is still one of the safest in Central and Eastern Europe. According to the  Global Peace Index , Romania is a peaceful country, ranking as one of the safest in Europe. If you're thinking about moving to Romania, you might be interested to hear that the country rates 31/163, making it an excellent choice for a single trip or possibly remaining here.

https://ro.pinterest.com/pin/726486983631138413/

Is Romania safe? 

Every destination holds its own charm, but with the ease of international travel comes the need to prioritize safety. Romania, with its rich history, captivating marketing, and unique geopolitical position, can evoke a mix of perceptions. Travellers, especially solo adventurers, naturally have questions. So, is Romania safe for female solo travellers ?

While consular assistance and entry/exit information are crucial (always check with your embassy or consulate!), Romania generally enjoys a reputation for safety, including for solo female travellers. The crime rate is low, with violent crime uncommon. However, as with any destination, staying vigilant in crowded areas can help avoid petty theft like pickpocketing.

Table of contents:

1. Where is Romania? 

2. Is Romania safe to visit?

3. Who does Terrorism affect?

4. Roads, public transport and driving in Romania

5. Covid19 travel to Romania

6. Pickpocketing 

7. Why should you travel to Romania?

8. Is Romania safe from war? Is the Ukrainian war affecting Romania?

9. Is Romania safe for solo female travelllers?

Where is Romania?

Romania is nestled in the southeastern part of Central Europe, on the north of the Balkanic Peninsula, and is one of the countries in Europe that boasts a unique blend of natural beauty. Surrounded by countries like Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine and the Moldova Republic and having access to the Black Sea, this European country has always been a gem for foreign travellers. 

From 2007 Romania became one of the members of the European Union, and in 2020, it is the 8th largest county in the EU with a surface of 238.397 km2 (92.046 sqm). The Romanian territory is very well balanced between mountains (31%), hills and orchards (36%), and plains (33%). The Carpathian Mountains, also known as the Transylvanian Alps, are concentrated in the center like a fortress. The Danube River marks the south border of Romania and ends in the Black Sea. Time in Romania is Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) is 3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) .

A common mistake is the confusion of Romania with the ex-Soviet countries. Even if the Communist Party ruled Romania for almost 50 years wasn't part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ( USSR ). Romania is the only Latin country in Eastern Europe, and the primary language is Romanian which combines influences from Latin, Dacian, Slavic, and less German and Turkish.

Is Romania safe to visit

In today's world, with ever-changing global events and concerns about travel restrictions and health risks, choosing a safe destination can feel overwhelming. But fear not, for Romania emerges as a beacon of peace and security for tourists.

While some areas may have limitations in lighting, Romania boasts a medical infrastructure that meets high standards. This, coupled with a low overall risk for tourists, ensures a relaxing and secure travel experience. So, it seems that the answer to the question ” Is Romania a safe place to visit ?” is a resounding YES ! While some vigilance, as in any travel situation, is recommended, Romania offers a secure environment for tourists.

However, a little preparation goes a long way. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before your trip. This demonstrates respect for the culture and can help avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, ensure all your travel documents, such as your passport and visa (if required), are valid and up-to-date. This will streamline your entry process and allow you to focus on enjoying your Romanian adventure.

Who does Terrorism affect?

The GTD (Global Terrorism Database) rates countries according to terrorist activity. Fortunately, Romania has a minimal terrorism risk, ranking 138th out of 163 countries, signifying negligible terrorist attacks.

The image above shows an interactive map of how the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is generated for each country and what factors are taken into account. The data presented in this graphic are from 2018. 

GTD (Global Terrorism Database) rates countries throughout the world according to their level of terrorist activity. The GTD was created by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and is based on data from the Global Terrorism Database. 

Based on this, is Romania safe to live in?

Looking at the GTD rankings, Romania presents a reassuring picture. With a ranking of 138th out of 163 countries, Romania boasts a remarkably low risk of terrorist activity. This is further supported by the absence of reported terrorist attacks within the country.

Comparison with Popular Tourist Destinations

Interestingly, some popular tourist destinations, including France, Spain, Italy, the UK, China, and Mexico, rank lower than Romania on the GTD index. This means they have a statistically higher risk of experiencing terrorist attacks.

The Global Terrorism Index: Identifying High-Risk Zones

For a broader perspective, the Global Terrorism Index (2018) highlights the countries facing the most significant terrorism threats. These include Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Syria.

So, is Romania safe to live In ?

Based on the GTD ranking and the absence of reported terrorist attacks, Romania appears to be a safe country in terms of terrorism risk. 

But, is Romania safe to travel to?

Source: Vision of Humanity

We've explored Romania's low terrorism risk, but a crucial question remains: is Romania safe to travel to?

The answer is a resounding yes! Here's why:

A haven of peace: According to the highly respected Global Peace Index (GPI) 2023 , Romania ranks peaceful 31st out of 163 countries. This impressive placement positions it among the safest destinations in Europe.

Terrorism-free travels: As highlighted earlier, Romania enjoys a near-absence of terrorist activity, further bolstering your peace of mind while travelling.

The GPI is a valuable tool created by the Institute for Economics and Peace. It assesses a nation's peacefulness through three key factors: militarization, societal safety and security, and internal conflicts. Romania's improving GPI ranking signifies a positive trend towards greater peace and stability. This translates to a safe and enjoyable travel experience for visitors.

With minimal terrorism risk and a strong showing on the GPI, you can confidently plan your Romanian adventure.

As a result, despite what is going on in the globe, Romania remains one of the safest countries in Central and Eastern Europe, with a crime rate lower than the European average. However, the amount of corruption remains high, fueled by the population's need for quick combats against bureaucracy. To avoid incidents, always request legal rationale and evidence, and never encourage those in positions of responsibility to seek solutions outside of the law.

Roads, public transport and driving in Romania

Travelling to Romania can be done by booking a flight to Bucharest Otopeni or one of the cities in Romania that you wish to visit first like Cluj Napoca , Iasi , Sibiu, or Timisoara.

If you travel by car, you should be aware that obtaining proper parking can be difficult, but only in urban areas. On the other hand, once you reach the countryside, don't be shocked if you see carts and animals on the road; simply slow down and use your horn to attract their attention.

If you are planning to start your journey from Bucharest Romania, you have to know that traffic in Bucharest is not light at all, therefore if you plan to drive around the city, just do it with patience, carefulness, and by following the traffic rules. 

If you plan to go around the city by public transportation, the quickest way is by metro. The metro can take you almost anywhere in Bucharest, and it has quite good links if you change into Piata Unirii. If you choose train travel, Bucharest's train station has connections with all the major cities in Romania; hence, you can consider this as well. 

For public transport in Romania, we recommend using buses more than trains. The last ones often have delays and the night trains even if are safe take 30%-40% more time. 

Travelling around the country is quite safe; however, Romania is lacking when talking about road infrastructure. The road conditions in Romania, if compared with other infrastructural developed countries, are lacking. Most of the main roads that link the main cities are quite small, and they pass through lots of little villages; therefore, traffic gems exist sometimes. 

If you plan to take a taxi around a city in Romania, you can go on ahead! Taxis in Romania are quite safe and cheap as well. Just be aware of scams. Some taxi drivers can take advantage of naive tourists and set an excessive fee, especially in Bucharest. To avoid these scams, just ask the driver what the price for your trip is before departing. You can as well take an Uber or just call for a taxi, which is usually safer. 

If you decide to rent a car and drive in Romania , please take into consideration the following advice:

In Romania, we are driving like in most European countries on the left side;

Most of the national roads have only on way lane or one and a half, and drivers exceed the other cars driving in the opposite lane. Don't panic after a few days; you will get used to it. The highway network is underdeveloped, and the rhythm of new cars is higher than the capacity of building new roads.

In some villages and close to certain cities, you can meet stray dogs along the roads. If they are crossing the street, suddenly don't try to avoid them unless you don't have the speed or other cars coming from the opposite direction. This is a common accident source.

Another important point for tourists who ask „ Is Romania safe ?”, could be the water in Romania. Although tap water is drinkable in Romania, the majority of the people are buying bottled water. The reason is that the water is highly chlorinated and, depending on the city that you travel in, the water system could be quite old. Therefore, if you travel for a couple of days or a longer period you can buy water from every shop and supermarket to stay safe, as in most of the countries.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814

COVID-19 and the restrictions to travel to Romania

The effect of the Coronavirus was felt by everyone, no matter where one was living, what is their income how old they are. Like all other countries, Romania was affected by the virus spread, but starting with January 2022, the number of Covid cases started to drop, and from March 9th, 2022 Romania does not have any restrictions regarding Covid 19.

While the pandemic affected every country, Romania has managed it commendably. Travel restrictions eased in 2022, making it feasible for solo travel or even travel with children. 

To enter Romania there is no need for proof of vaccination, immunity, or other Covid-related information.

If you are wondering „ Is Romania safe for solo female travelllers ?”, and you wish to travel in Romania, but want to avoid the crowds, public transport, and unexpected fight changes, we recommend you a shared tour of Romania , Rolandia operates these tours with a maximum of 6 people, following the last safety and medical recommendation, with a flexible cancelation policy.

Is Romania a safe place to visit: Pickpocketing

Is Romania a safe place to visit ? Absolutely! While pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas anywhere in the world, Romania is generally safe for tourists. Here's how to ensure a smooth and secure trip:

Be vigilant, especially in crowds: Pickpocketing is the most common crime tourists might encounter. Keep valuables secure, preferably in a bag worn in front of you.

Relax, but stay aware: Romania is a welcoming country with a low overall risk for tourists, including solo female travellers. However, staying aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

Ditch the shady money exchange: For safe currency exchange, stick to banks or reputable exchange offices. Avoid street money changers.

Embrace cashless convenience: Many establishments, especially in cities, accept card payments. Public markets might be the exception, so carry some cash for those situations.

Why should you travel to Romania?  

All this being said, wondering „ Is Romania safe to travel to?” should be the least of your problems. You should instead think about what you want to do here, either taking Romania by step off the beaten tracks and observe the wildlife , or having a relaxing day at SPA, or maybe taking biking and hiking trip on the highest peaks in Romania.

We have such a range of destinations that it is impossible not to like at least one! You can go sea sight as we have the Black Sea in the Southeast of the country. Combine it with a visit to Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta), and you will have the perfect itinerary. 

You can as well start your journey in Romania by visiting Bucharest and heading further north to discover the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania, or Moldova. Some of the most popular attractions in Romania, such as Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Turda Salt Mine , the city of Brasov , the Corvin Castle , and so many other destinations, are all in the itineraries and day trip tours on our website , so make sure to check them out

Is Romania safe from war? Is the Ukrainian war affecting Romania?

Given the proximity, the Ukrainian situation is a valid concern and the question ”Is Romania safe from war?” deserves an answer. However, Romania remains unaffected by the conflict directly, ensuring tourists and those considering moving to Romania feel safe.

Romania is a member of NATO , and the possibility of a conflict on our territory is highly unlikely. Visiting Romania is safe, even though we share a land and sea border with Ukraine, and the situation here remains normal.

Romania isn't just about safety; it's one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. From the Danube Delta to the fortified churches, there's so much to explore. If you plan to exchange money, avoid exchanging money on the streets and use banks or exchange houses.

Is romania safe for solo female travelllers?

Many solitary female travellers ask, " Is Romania safe for me?" The answer is an absolute yes! Romania has a strong reputation for safety, making it an ideal location for adventurous women. 

Violent crime is uncommon in Romania, and petty theft, the most likely concern, can be easily mitigated by staying alert in crowded areas. Keeping valuables secure in a bag worn in front of you goes a long way in deterring pickpockets.

Moreover, Romanians are known for their hospitality . You'll likely encounter friendly locals who are happy to help you navigate or answer questions. This warm and welcoming atmosphere can significantly enhance your solo travel experience.

Romania is an intriguing destination for travellers, offering a distinct blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. However, for many, the question of safety remains. So, is Romania a safe place to visit ?

The answer is a clear yes ! Romania has a well-deserved reputation for safety. Violent crime is infrequent, and the most common issue, petty theft, is readily avoided by taking simple precautions such as keeping valuables secure in public locations.

So, pack your luggage, embrace your adventurous spirit, and prepare for an incredible tour around Romania! This safe and welcoming country guarantees an experience that you will remember long after you return home.

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• Dan Cernaianu

Planning a trip involves many considerations, and one of the most important aspects is safety. If you’re wondering, “Is Romania safe to travel?”, you’re not alone. Many tourists ask this question when considering a visit to this beautiful Eastern European country. Romania, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we will address all your concerns about travel safety in Romania, from general safety conditions to specific tips for solo travelers and health precautions. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to stay safe while exploring Romania.

Whether you’re planning an adventure tour, a cultural excursion, or a relaxing city break, knowing the safety measures and precautions can enhance your travel experience. We’ll provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to ensure your trip to Romania is not only enjoyable but also safe. Read on to discover everything you need to know about traveling safely in Romania.

General Safety Overview: Is Romania Safe to Travel?

Romania, a gem in Eastern Europe, offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, historical treasures, and vibrant culture. But how safe is it for travelers? Understanding the general safety conditions is crucial for a worry-free trip.

Crime Rates in Romania

Romania is considered a safe country for tourists, with relatively low crime rates compared to many Western European countries. Violent crime is rare, and most visitors experience trouble-free travel. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are rare too.

According to recent reports, Romania has seen a decrease in overall crime rates, and the local authorities are committed to maintaining a safe environment for both residents and tourists. Police presence is notable in tourist areas, adding an extra layer of security.

Government Travel Advisories

Checking government travel advisories before your trip is always a good practice. Countries such as the Australia, USA, UK, and Canada provide up-to-date information on safety and security in Romania. These advisories often include details about areas to avoid, health and safety tips, and contact information for emergencies.

Australia Romania Travel Advice & Safety

US Romania International Travel Information

Canada Travel advice and advisories for Romania

UK Government Travel Advisory for Romania

Tourist-Friendly Measures

Romania has implemented several measures to ensure tourist safety. These include:

• Local Police Units : Special units that assist and protect tourists in major cities and popular destinations.
• Emergency Services : Efficient emergency services, including a dedicated tourist helpline, provide assistance in multiple languages.
• Safe Accommodation : Hotels and guesthouses in Romania adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards, ensuring a comfortable and secure stay.

Local Hospitality

Romanians are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Engaging with locals can enhance your travel experience and provide additional safety through local knowledge and advice. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet village, you’ll find that people are generally helpful and welcoming.

Practical Tips for Staying Safe

• Stay Aware : Keep an eye on your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Secure Valuables : Use a money belt or hidden pouch for important documents and cash.
• Emergency Contacts : Save local emergency numbers and your country’s embassy contact details.
• Trust Your Instincts : If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

By understanding the general safety conditions and taking some simple precautions, you can enjoy all that Romania has to offer without worry. As you explore its rich heritage and stunning landscapes, you can feel confident in the safety measures in place.

Safety in Major Cities: Is Romania Safe to Travel?

Romania’s major cities are popular destinations for tourists, each offering unique experiences and attractions. Understanding the safety conditions in these cities can help you plan your trip with confidence.

Bucharest: The Capital City

Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital, is known for its lively atmosphere, historic sites, and modern amenities. The city is generally safe for tourists, with many areas patrolled by police, especially around popular tourist spots like the Old Town, the Palace of the Parliament, and Herăstrău Park – Michael I Park.

Safety Tips for Bucharest :

• Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps ( Uber App or Bolt App ) for transportation.

Explore more about Bucharest in our article: Discover Romanian Urban Gems: Ideal City Breaks for Every Traveler .

Cluj-Napoca: The Heart of Transylvania

Cluj-Napoca is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and historical landmarks. As a major student city, it has a young, dynamic vibe and is considered very safe for travelers.

Safety Tips for Cluj-Napoca :

• Enjoy the bustling nightlife but always keep an eye on your belongings.
• Take advantage of the city’s efficient public transportation system.
• Engage with friendly locals to get insider tips on safe and interesting places to visit.

Brașov: A Gateway to Transylvanian Heritage

Brașov, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, is famous for its medieval architecture and proximity to Bran Castle. It is a safe city for tourists, offering a mix of historical exploration and outdoor adventures.

Safety Tips for Brașov :

• Enjoy hiking and nature activities but always follow marked trails.
• Use certified tourist guides and book tours from certified travel agencies.
• Explore the city’s charming streets and squares confidently, even at night.
• Use local guides for mountain excursions to ensure safety.

Learn more about Brașov in our article Brasov: A Gateway to Transylvanian Heritage .

Sibiu: The Cultural Heartbeat of Transylvania

Sibiu is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural life. It has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Romania, making it a perfect destination for families and solo travelers alike.

Safety Tips for Sibiu :

• Participate in cultural events and festivals but stay aware of your surroundings.
• Use trusted accommodations and check reviews before booking.

Timisoara: The Crossroads of Cultures

Timisoara, with its diverse cultural heritage and beautiful squares, is a safe and welcoming city. It is often praised for its cleanliness and friendly atmosphere.

Safety Tips for Timisoara :

• Wander through Victory Square and Union Square, but keep your belongings secure.
• Enjoy the local cuisine at reputable restaurants.
• Use public transport and reliable taxi services for getting around.

For more on Timisoara, check out our article Timisoara: The Crossroads of Cultures .

Transportation Safety

When considering travel safety, transportation is a key aspect. Romania offers various modes of transport, all of which are generally safe and reliable. Here’s what you need to know about traveling safely around Romania.

Public Transportation

Romania has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and trains, which are commonly used by both locals and tourists. Public transportation is a safe and cost-effective way to get around the cities and explore the country.

Safety Tips for Public Transportation :

• Be Vigilant : While public transport is generally safe, petty theft like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Use Official Services : Stick to official public transportation services and avoid unlicensed operators.
• Plan Your Routes : Use reliable apps or maps to plan your routes in advance, ensuring you take the safest and most efficient paths.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available in Romanian cities. These options are generally safe and convenient for tourists.

Safety Tips for Taxis and Ride-Sharing :

• Use Reputable Services : Always use licensed taxis or well-known ride-sharing apps to ensure safety and fair pricing.
• Confirm Details : Before getting into a taxi, confirm the driver’s details and vehicle information with your booking.
• Stay Alert : Share your ride details with a friend or family member and stay alert during the ride.

Car Rentals

Renting a car can be a great way to explore Romania at your own pace. The country’s road network is extensive, connecting major cities and tourist attractions.

Safety Tips for Car Rentals :

• Choose Reputable Companies : Rent from well-known, reputable car rental companies to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.
• Inspect the Vehicle : Before driving off, inspect the car for any damage and ensure it is in good working condition.
• Follow Traffic Rules : Adhere to Romanian traffic laws and speed limits. Use seat belts at all times and avoid driving after consuming alcohol.

Intercity Travel

Traveling between cities in Romania can be done via train or bus. Both options are safe, affordable, and provide a scenic way to see the country.

Safety Tips for Intercity Travel :

• Book in Advance : Secure your tickets in advance through official websites or authorized agents to ensure availability and safety.
• Travel During Daylight : When possible, travel during daylight hours to enjoy the scenery and enhance your safety.
• Keep Valuables Secure : Use luggage locks and keep your valuables in a secure, easily accessible place.

By following these transportation safety tips, you can navigate Romania with confidence, making the most of your trip while ensuring your safety.

Health and Medical Safety: Is Romania Safe to Travel?

Ensuring your health and well-being during your travels is a critical aspect of enjoying a safe and worry-free vacation. Romania offers excellent healthcare facilities and services, making it a safe destination for tourists.

Access to Medical Services

Romania has a well-established healthcare system with a network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies available in both urban and rural areas. Major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Brasov and Timisoara are equipped with modern medical facilities that cater to both locals and tourists.

Safety Tips for Accessing Medical Services :

• Know Your Nearest Facility : Upon arrival, identify the nearest hospital or clinic to your accommodation.
• Emergency Numbers : The emergency number in Romania is 112. Save this number on your phone for quick access.
• Travel Insurance : Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuations.

Health Precautions

While Romania is generally safe from major health risks, it’s always wise to take standard precautions to stay healthy during your trip.

Health Tips for Travelers :

• Vaccinations : Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. There are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to Romania, but it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider.
• Food and Water Safety : Tap water is generally safe to drink in Romania’s cities. However, if you prefer, bottled water is widely available. Stick to reputable restaurants and be cautious with street food.
• Hygiene Practices : Follow good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and using hand sanitizer, especially after using public transport or visiting crowded places.

Pharmacies and Medication

Pharmacies are plentiful in Romania and well-stocked with both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Pharmacists are generally knowledgeable and can assist with minor health concerns.

Tips for Using Pharmacies :

• Know the Local Name : Pharmacies are known as “farmacie” in Romanian. Look for the green cross sign.
• Prescription Medications : If you require prescription medications, bring a sufficient supply with you. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need a refill.
• Common Medications : For common ailments like headaches or colds, you can easily find medications such as pain relievers, cold medicine, and digestive aids.

COVID-19 Considerations

In light of the ongoing global pandemic, it’s important to stay informed about COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in Romania. The country has implemented measures to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

COVID-19 Safety Tips :

• Stay Updated : Check the latest travel advisories and COVID-19 guidelines from official sources before your trip.
• Follow Local Guidelines : Adhere to local health protocols, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitizing hands.
• Vaccination : Ensure you are fully vaccinated and carry proof of vaccination as it may be required for entry into certain venues or events.

By following these health and medical safety tips, you can ensure a safe and healthy trip to Romania. With modern healthcare facilities and easy access to medical services, Romania is well-prepared to handle any health concerns you may have during your visit.

Natural and Environmental Safety

Romania’s stunning natural landscapes, from the Carpathian Mountains to the Danube Delta, offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. Ensuring safety while exploring these natural wonders is essential for a worry-free and enjoyable experience.

Hiking and Trekking

Hiking and trekking are popular activities in Romania, with numerous trails catering to different levels of experience. The Carpathian Mountains, Bucegi Mountains, and Apuseni Mountains are some of the most sought-after destinations.

Safety Tips for Hiking and Trekking :

• Stay on Marked Trails : Always follow marked trails to avoid getting lost. Romania’s trails are generally well-marked and maintained.
• Weather Conditions : Check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes. Carry appropriate gear such as waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots.
• Inform Someone : Let someone know your hiking plans, including your expected return time. This is crucial in case of emergencies.
• Professional Guidance : For activities like hiking or climbing, use professional guides and services to ensure safety.

Wildlife Encounters

Romania is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and lynx, especially in forested and mountainous regions. While wildlife sightings can be exciting, it’s important to observe animals from a safe distance.

Safety Tips for Wildlife Encounters :

• Stay Calm : If you encounter wildlife, remain calm and do not approach the animals. Make yourself appear larger and slowly back away.
• Avoid Feeding Animals : Feeding wildlife is dangerous and can lead to unpredictable behavior. Keep your food securely stored.
• Travel in Groups : Hiking in groups reduces the risk of dangerous encounters with wildlife.

Water Activities

From rafting and kayaking to swimming and boating, Romania’s rivers, lakes, and the Black Sea coast offer plenty of water activities.

Safety Tips for Water Activities :

• Wear Life Jackets : Always wear a life jacket when participating in water activities.
• Check Conditions : Ensure that water conditions are safe before swimming or engaging in water sports. Follow local advice and signage.
• Professional Guidance : For activities like rafting or kayaking, use professional guides and services to ensure safety.

Seasonal Considerations

Romania experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique travel experiences but also requiring different safety considerations.

Safety Tips for Different Seasons :

• Winter : Snow and ice can make travel challenging. If you plan to ski or snowboard, use designated slopes and wear appropriate gear.
• Spring and Fall : These seasons can bring unpredictable weather. Dress in layers and be prepared for rain.
• Summer : High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat.

By following these natural and environmental safety tips, you can enjoy Romania’s breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities with confidence. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains or exploring the waterways, safety should always be a top priority.

Cultural and Social Safety

Experiencing the local culture and social atmosphere is a highlight of any trip. Romania, with its rich heritage and welcoming people, offers a safe and enriching cultural experience. Understanding and respecting local customs can enhance your travel experience and ensure a smooth journey.

Respecting Local Customs

Romania is a country with deep-rooted traditions and customs. While Romanians are generally very hospitable and understanding of tourists, showing respect for their customs goes a long way.

Cultural Tips for Travelers :

• Greetings : A polite handshake is a common greeting. In rural areas, it’s customary to greet everyone when entering a room or a home.
• Dress Modestly : Especially when visiting churches or rural areas, dress modestly to show respect. For women, covering shoulders and knees is appreciated in religious sites.
• Polite Manners : Use polite forms of address, such as “Mr.” (Domnul) and “Mrs.” (Doamna), followed by the person’s last name.

Social Interactions

Romanians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Engaging with locals can enhance your trip and provide deeper insights into the culture.

Social Safety Tips :

• Be Open and Friendly : Smile and be open to conversations. Many Romanians speak English and are happy to help or chat with tourists.
• Avoid Sensitive Topics : Discussions about politics, ethnic issues, and communism can be sensitive. Approach these topics with caution and respect.
• Accept Hospitality : If invited into a Romanian home, it is polite to bring a small gift, such as flowers or sweets, as a token of appreciation.

Public Behavior

Being aware of your behavior in public spaces is important to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a positive experience.

Public Behavior Tips :

• Quiet in Churches : When visiting churches and monasteries, maintain a respectful silence. Photography may be restricted, so always ask for permission.
• No Littering : Help keep Romania clean by disposing of trash properly. Many natural and historic sites have strict no-littering policies.
• Queuing Etiquette : Romanians generally respect queues. Be patient and wait your turn, especially in busy places like train stations and stores.

Safety for Solo Travelers

Romania is considered safe for solo travelers, including women and LGBTQ+ travelers. However, taking common-sense precautions can further ensure your safety and comfort.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers :

• Stay Connected : Keep in touch with friends or family back home. Share your itinerary and check in regularly.
• Choose Safe Accommodations : Opt for well-reviewed and centrally located accommodations. Hostels and guesthouses can be great for meeting other travelers.
• Trust Your Instincts : If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

By understanding and respecting local customs, engaging positively with locals, and following basic safety tips, you can enjoy a culturally rich and safe travel experience in Romania.

Practical Safety Tips for Tourists

When traveling to a new country, having a set of practical safety tips can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe while exploring Romania.

Staying Aware and Vigilant

Awareness of your surroundings is the first step to staying safe. Romania is generally safe, but like any destination, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas.

Tips for Staying Aware :

• Avoid Distractions : Keep your phone and valuables out of sight in busy areas to avoid attracting attention from pickpockets.
• Blend In : Try to dress like a local and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or gadgets.

Securing Your Belongings

Keeping your belongings secure is crucial for a hassle-free trip. Simple precautions can prevent theft and loss of important items.

Tips for Securing Belongings :

• Use a Money Belt : Store cash, credit cards, and important documents in a money belt or hidden pouch.
• Lock Valuables : Use the hotel safe to lock away passports, extra cash, and other valuables.
• Travel Light : Carry only what you need for the day and leave unnecessary items in your accommodation.

Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for emergencies can provide peace of mind and ensure a quick response if needed.

Emergency Tips :

• Know Emergency Numbers : The general emergency number in Romania is 112. Save this number on your phone.
• Embassy Contacts : Keep contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in Romania.
• Medical Kit : Carry a basic medical kit with band-aids, antiseptics, and any personal medications.

Using Technology Wisely

Technology can enhance your travel experience and keep you safe. Make use of apps and online resources to stay informed and connected.

Tech Tips :

• Navigation Apps : Use apps like Google Maps or Maps.me for reliable navigation and to find safe routes.
• Translation Apps : Apps like Google Translate can help with language barriers, especially in rural areas.
• Local SIM Card : Consider getting a local SIM card for reliable internet access and to stay connected with travel companions.

Booking Tours with Holiday to Romania

One of the best ways to ensure a safe and enriching experience in Romania is to book guided tours with a reputable provider like Holiday to Romania. Our tours are designed with your safety and enjoyment in mind, offering well-planned itineraries and knowledgeable guides.

Benefits of Booking with Us :

• Expert Guides : Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about local customs, history, and safety.
• Planned Itineraries : We take care of all the planning, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
• 24/7 Support : We offer continuous support throughout your tour, ensuring your questions and concerns are addressed promptly.

By following these practical safety tips and booking your tours with us, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip.

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and Romania is an excellent destination for those who prefer to explore on their own. The country is generally safe for solo travelers, with friendly locals and a wide range of activities suited to individual explorers. Here are some specific safety tips for solo travelers to ensure a memorable and secure journey.

Planning Your Trip

Proper planning is crucial for solo travelers. Knowing your itinerary and having a clear plan can help you stay safe and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Planning Tips :

• Research Your Destination : Learn about the places you plan to visit, including popular attractions, local customs, and safety tips.
• Book in Advance : Reserve your accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Share Your Itinerary : Let a friend or family member know your travel plans, including accommodation details and contact information.

Choosing Accommodations

Selecting the right place to stay is vital for solo travelers. Look for accommodations that are safe, comfortable, and centrally located.

Accommodation Tips :

• Read Reviews : Use platforms like TripAdvisor , Booking.com , or Airbnb to read reviews and choose highly-rated places.
• Safety Features : Check for safety features such as secure locks, 24/7 reception, and good lighting in common areas.
• Female-Friendly Options : Many places offer female-only dorms or rooms, which can provide an extra layer of comfort and security.

Staying Connected

Keeping in touch with others while traveling alone is important for your safety and peace of mind.

Staying Connected Tips :

• Local SIM Card : Consider getting a local SIM card for reliable internet access and to make local calls.
• Regular Check-Ins : Set a schedule to check in with someone back home regularly.
• Emergency Contacts : Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency numbers and the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate.

Navigating Safely

Exploring new places can be exciting, but it’s important to navigate safely, especially when traveling alone.

Navigation Tips :

• Use Trusted Transportation : Stick to reputable taxi services, ride-sharing apps, or public transportation.
• Stay in Well-Populated Areas : Avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and tourist areas.

Engaging with Locals

One of the joys of solo travel is the opportunity to meet new people and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Engaging Tips :

• Join Group Tours : Participate in group tours or activities to meet other travelers and locals in a safe environment.
• Learn Basic Phrases : Learning a few basic Romanian phrases can help you communicate and show respect for the local culture.
• Be Open But Cautious : While it’s great to be friendly and open, always be cautious about sharing personal information with strangers.

By following these tips, solo travelers can enjoy the beauty and culture of Romania with confidence. Booking tours with Holiday to Romania can provide additional security and enriching experiences, making your solo adventure truly unforgettable.

Affordable Travel in Romania

One of the many reasons Romania is an attractive destination for tourists is its affordability. Traveling in Romania allows you to experience a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can enjoy an affordable yet fulfilling trip to Romania.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Romania offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets. From luxurious hotels to budget hostels, there is something for everyone.

• Hostels and Guesthouses : These are great options for budget travelers. They offer a chance to meet fellow travelers and often provide a cozy, homely atmosphere.
• Airbnb : Renting an apartment can be a cost-effective and comfortable choice, especially for longer stays.
• Booking in Advance : To get the best deals, book your accommodation in advance. Look out for discounts and special offers.

Affordable Dining Options

Romania is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. The good news is that eating out is quite affordable, allowing you to enjoy a variety of culinary delights.

Dining Tips :

• Local Restaurants : Try local eateries and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Romanian dishes at reasonable prices.
• Street Food : Don’t miss out on street food like mici (grilled sausages) and langos (fried dough), which are both delicious and inexpensive.
• Market Shopping : Visit local markets to buy fresh produce and snacks, which can be a fun and cost-effective way to experience Romanian food culture.

Economical Transportation

Getting around Romania is affordable and convenient with various transportation options available.

Transportation Tips :

• Public Transport : Buses, trams, and metro services are cheap and efficient, making it easy to navigate cities.
• Trains : Romania’s train network connects major cities and tourist destinations. It’s a scenic and cost-effective way to travel longer distances.
• Car Rentals : For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car can be affordable, especially when shared among a group.

For a well-rounded and hassle-free experience, consider booking guided tours with Holiday to Romania. Our tours are designed to be both enriching and affordable, providing excellent value for money.

• Expert Planning : We take care of all the details, from transportation to accommodation, ensuring you get the best deals.
• Local Insights : Our guides offer deep insights into Romanian culture and history, enhancing your travel experience.
• Customized Itineraries : We can tailor your tour to fit your budget and interests, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

By following these tips and choosing us for your travel plans, you can enjoy a memorable and affordable trip, making the most of what this beautiful country has to offer.

Practical Travel Tips for a Safe Trip to Romania

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip involves more than just being aware of your surroundings. Here are some practical travel tips to help you navigate Romania safely and comfortably, making the most of your experience with us.

Travel Insurance

Having comprehensive travel insurance is essential for any trip. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.

Insurance Tips :

• Choose Comprehensive Plans : Look for insurance that covers health, theft, and cancellations.
• Carry Your Policy : Keep a digital and physical copy of your insurance policy with you.
• Emergency Contacts : Save the insurance company’s emergency contact number on your phone.

Local Currency and Payments

Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). While card payments are widely accepted, it’s useful to have some local currency for small purchases.

Currency Tips :

• ATMs and Banks : Use ATMs to withdraw cash and avoid currency exchange kiosks with high fees.
• Carry Small Denominations : Small shops and markets might not accept large bills.
• Credit Cards : Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Communication

Staying connected is crucial for a safe travel experience. Consider the best ways to maintain communication during your trip.

Communication Tips :

• Local SIM Cards : Purchase a local SIM card for affordable data and calls.
• Wi-Fi Access : Many cafes, hotels, and public places offer free Wi-Fi. Use it to stay in touch and access travel information.
• Language Apps : Download translation apps to help with basic Romanian phrases.

Safety Precautions

Taking some basic safety precautions can prevent common travel mishaps and ensure a smooth journey.

Safety Precautions :

• Avoid Overpacking : Travel light to make it easier to move around and keep track of your belongings.
• Secure Your Documents : Keep your passport, visa, and travel documents in a secure place. Consider using a money belt or a hidden pouch.
• Emergency Numbers : Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and the contact information for your embassy or consulate.

Booking with a trusted tour provider like Holiday to Romania can greatly enhance your travel experience by ensuring safety, convenience, and insider knowledge.

• Customized Itineraries : Tailor-made tours that suit your interests and budget.
• Expert Guides : Knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights and ensure your safety.
• Hassle-Free Planning : We handle all the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

By following these practical travel tips, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable holiday to Romania. Booking your tours with Holiday to Romania will further enhance your experience, offering the assurance of expert planning and local knowledge.

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• Romania at first glance
• Tips to consider before visiting Romania
• The best period to visit Romania

Is it safe to travel to Romania?

• Gastronomy in Romania
• Currency in Romania and how to pay
• Cluj Napoca
• Târgu Mureș
• Transylvania

The safety of a country is extremely relevant when choosing a vacation destination. Considering the unfortunate events happening worldwide and especially the one at the border of Romania, we must be cautious in this delicate matter. But don’t worry, Romania is a safe country, a place where you will spend beautiful moments without any danger. This fact is based on solid arguments and evidence which you can find below.

An example that speaks for itself about safety in Romania is reflected in the Global Peace Index . It is an annual report conducted by the Institute for Economics and Peace , ranking countries worldwide based on their level of peace and safety. According to the 2022 report , Romania ranks 31st globally, being safer than countries like Italy, Estonia or UK.

Another argument that highlights the high level of safety in the country is demonstrated by the SafeAround application, which evaluates the risks and safety rate of countries worldwide. 0% represents the highest level of danger, while 100% represents the highest safety. Romania has a safety rate of 80%.

Bine de știut

• Be careful with your bag, don’t hold it out of sight – the risk of pickpocketing is not high, but it’s best to be vigilant.
• Scams by taxi drivers are a fairly common problem (especially in Bucharest). To avoid them, make sure the taxi meter is running. If not, request it, and if it’s not done, don’t proceed with the ride and find another taxi. You can track the route on Google Maps to ensure the driver is taking the shortest path. Transportation is 100% safe ; the only risk is potentially paying more than you should. Of course you have many other alternatives like Uber, Bolt, etc.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in the car and park in designated areas.
• If you rent a car , be aware that you might encounter some aggressive drivers on the road. However, if you drive cautiously and follow traffic rules, you won’t have anything to worry about.
• Several cities in the country, including Bucharest, are located in seismic risk areas.
• Floods and snowfall are some of the natural events that may sometimes hinder access to certain areas of the country.
• Be cautious in clubs or bars to ensure that nothing is added to your drink. This doesn’t happen frequently, but it’s better to prevent such incidents.
• Pay attention to currency exchange – only exchange money at official exchange offices and double-check the amount received before leaving. 

The best time to visit Romania

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Romania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Romanian Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Romania.

Passport validity requirements

Romania follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must have: 

• a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.  Renew your passport  if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Carry your passport if you travel from Romania to other Schengen area countries. Border guards will check it if you cross land or river borders into Bulgaria or Hungary, both are in the Schengen area. 

There are no routine checks when travelling by air or sea within the Schengen area, but carry your passport in case you’re asked for it.  

Visa requirements  

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes Romania, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: 

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Romania are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. 

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.  

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. 

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the  Romanian Embassy in the UK . 

If you’re in Romania with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. 

Read about  passport stamping if you live in Romania . 

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Romania guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about  goods you can take into or out of Romania  (in Romanian). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Romania

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Romania

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. 

Leaving Romania with children aged 17 and under

To leave Romania with a child aged 17 and under who holds Romanian citizenship, you may need to show notarised parental consent if:

• you are not the child’s parent
• you are a parent but the other parent is not travelling with you

For more information, contact the Romanian Embassy in the UK .

For a list of the public notaries, see the  National Union of Public Notaries from Romania website.

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Is Bucharest Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Romania : Safety by City

• Cluj-Napoca

Apart from being Romania’s capital, Bucharest is also a very important industrial and commercial center of the country.

With 2 million residents, Bucharest is the 6th largest city in the European Union by population within city limits, right after London, Rome, and Berlin.

Although the city boasts rural and old monuments, architecture and structure, the modern buildings and infrastructure are just booming these past few years, and the city is becoming more and more popular.

A part of the city’s historical heart is Bucharest’s Old City which you shouldn’t miss by any means because it has a soul to it, a very unique part of the city.

• Warnings & Dangers in Bucharest

OVERALL RISK: LOW

For the most part, Bucharest is a safe city to travel to, and considered to be a welcoming traveling destination, ranked among the most-threat free countries on the planet.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally speaking, transportation in Bucharest is safe. As in any other tourist city, cab drivers could take advantage of an unprepared tourist, scamming him into paying the ride way too much.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets and small thefts are some of the most common crimes you can encounter in Bucharest and other famous tourist destinations in Romania, and even there they are rare compared to other bigger European capitals.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Bucharest is somewhat vulnerable to earthquake hazards, given the fact that they are located in an active seismic zone. Apart from that, Bucharest is susceptible to heavy rains or snowfall during winter.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Even though crimes against tourists remain a problem in this city, and especially towards tourists, mugging is not an issue and rarely happens towards them.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Given the fact that as of recently, Romania started boosting anti-terrorism laws, even though it was always considered to be one of the most terrorism threat-free countries in the world, traveling to Bucharest is considered as safe as can be, when it comes to terrorism.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There are, of course, regular scams that are being conducted towards tourists in Bucharest, but they're mostly in the form of overpricing in bars, or by the street vendors. Drink spiking is also an issue in night clubs.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Bucharest is as safe as can be for women travelers, but even so, they should be aware of the dangers of roaming alone in a strange city. Just like pretty much anywhere, they should avoid walking alone down empty or poorly lit streets, walking past groups of people that behave or look strange or getting into conversations with unknown people that might seem strangely friendly.

• So... How Safe Is Bucharest Really?

Bucharest is a very safe city to visit, especially when compared to some other famous cities in this part of Europe.

The chances of being physically attacked in Bucharest are far less than being attacked, say, in the US or the Western Europe states.

That certainly doesn’t mean you won’t encounter minor incidents such as pickpocket incidents, smaller thefts or vendors trying to trick you while selling something.

Watch out for scammers, plan everything, negotiate all fees in advance, double-check everything you hear from vendors on the streets and be careful when making friendships with unknown “friendly” locals trying to help you with anything: they might try to steal something from you or charge for their help.

One thing to bear in mind is the scammers that show up when people are boarding or leaving trains.

They tend to impersonate other travelers and enter couchettes or sleeping booths and then skillfully steal your belongings.

Also, pay attention in night clubs or bars for people trying to spike your drink (not common, but has been reported) and in poorly lit streets and areas, or upon seeing strange activities on the streets.

• How Does Bucharest Compare?
• Useful Information

In most cases, visas are not needed for any stay in Bucharest shorter than 90 days. However, you should make sure that your password is valid for at least six months from your date of return and if you're not sure whether or not you need a visa, you should consult your local Romanian embassy.

Currency in Bucharest is Romanian Leu. You should avoid exchanging money on the street or any unofficial money exchange offices. You will find the best exchange rate in the official banks. Another option can be withdrawing money from local ATMs using your debit or credit card.

Bucharest climate is mild, with all four, very distinct seasons. It's colder in the north since the Carpathian Mountains are there, so if you're traveling to Transylvania, be prepared and dress warmly.

As would be expected, the busiest Romanian airports are located right in this city. There are two of them, and the most prominent one is located 16.5 km north of Bucharest, called Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport.

Travel Insurance

Travelers are strongly advised to make sure they have travel insurance that would, in case of any emergency, cover all costs of any medical problems, as well as in cases of theft or loss of personal items.

Bucharest Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Romania - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

4 Reviews on Bucharest

Seems really nice.

Bucharest never came off as unsafe. Having never been there though, I wanted to do some research. Most places I had read are saying similar things to this page which is a relief. I was worried my first trip over there might not be so good. My husband and I are going in October. I think it will be an amazing trip!

BUCHAREST IN COVID TIMES

Hello! Indeed, Bucharest is just like it is written in the article. Of course, this should be added: this year, the pandemics covid 19 has changed everything. Yet, it is still safe to visit the town and you can find safe pubs to have a drink or something to eat, and I say it as a local travel guide. As for the rest, Bucharest is the same. Maybe not so crowded like it used to be, but this may be a chance for foreign tourists to have a good city-break or short vacation. Cheers!

Can't wait to travel there again! <3

Visited the Romanian capital city of Bucharest August of 2019 for a metal concert. We were skeptical due to the things we’ve heard about the state of the country due to poverty and other sad situations. We were so wrong. We stayed in Bucharest for 4 days, crossed on foot almost the whole city center(avoided the slums area of course) and we were mesmerized from the city vibes, day and night, as well the beautiful mixed architecture(art nouveau, soviet era, modern-current era). The only times we felt a bit unsafe was the on foot return from the concert(National Arena Stadium) to the centre due to low light and low traffic small roads. The other occasion was on some narrow roads in the center due to a teenager that was following us from a distance for some reason, we arrived in the Unirii boulevard and everything was good from this point on. Use Uber to avoid taxi scams, apply basic sense travel safety measures and you will be alright, trust me. Places to visit are of course the amazing old town and the lovely cafes inside it, the beautiful Carturesti bookstore, the city center and the outskirts of it and the huge Herastrau Park with the village museum inside it. I enjoyed so much the time in Bucharest that i can’t wait to travel there again. Greetings from Greece!

It's way HOTTER in summer

Very good article and fairly accurate. Good job!

Though I really need to mention that in summer temperatures are way higher than you mentioned here. You said a max of 28 degrees Celsius in July and August. In reality, July hits often 32 degrees C and August hits at least 2 days 40 degrees C, with an average of 32.

So a 28 degrees C high temp would have been a dream for us in summer :))

And I’ve lived my whole life in Bucharest, so I know.

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Article Contents

• Bucharest : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Is Romania Safe to Visit? Romania Safety Travel Tips

Modified: May 28, 2022 by BasicPlanet · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Situated in the north of the Balkan Peninsula, Romania is one of the most beautiful destinations in Eastern Europe . Even if it does not feature in tops of must-see places in a lifetime, Romania’s beauty is undeniable.

Its rich cultural legacy and magnificent landscapes astonish people all over the world every year. And the numbers would probably increase if more people found out about how safe is Romania for tourists.

Apart from the Black Sea, Carpathian Mountains, and Dracula, Romania comes with many other attractions. The contrast between modern cities and rural villages might be surprising at some level.

Nevertheless, the beauty of the traditions combined with the untouched countryside areas is impressive. These attract tourists every year, even though on their first arrival they are rather skeptical.

Find out from this article whether Romania is safe to visit. With this Romania safety travel guide, you’ll embark on this journey aware of the dangers and how to avoid them. Read on to find out everything you need in case you desire to visit Romania one day.

Highest Risks You Expose Yourself to When Visiting Romania

For the last decade, Romania has enjoyed significant growth in the number of tourists. This is because more freedom and fewer worries have managed to change the atmosphere after the fall of the Soviet Union. Now, every tourist can enjoy Romania at its best- but not before getting informed about how safe is Romania for tourists.

Overall Risks in Romania: LOW

Yes, it’s true. This country- famous for its vampire stories- is in fact quite safe. Ranked the 30 th out of 162 countries on a ranking of the safest countries in the world, Romania is quite welcoming. Violent crimes are rare, scams do not happen very frequently and the terrorist attack risk is not yet a threat for this country.

Nevertheless, this does not mean you should not pay attention to everyone around you and get informed before embarking on this journey. This Romania safety travel guide will ensure your trip to the country of Dracula will be a safe one.

Pickpocketing and Theft Risks in Romania: LOW

When traveling in big cities, you should be aware of the risks you’re exposed to. In Romania, such things happen mostly in big cities, such as Bucharest. Unsupervised luggage, valuable objects left at sight will always bring unwanted attention.

You might risk getting stolen from crowded areas such as markets, buses, or metros. With the right Romania safety travel tips , you can avoid these unpleasant situations.

• How to avoid pickpocketing and theft in Romania?

In order not to risk losing valuable goods, you can follow some useful tips. First of all, try not to leave any valuable objects, such as wallets , expensive phones, pieces of jewelry, or money at sight, and always watch your bags. Also, do not forget to zip your bag when using public transport. It is one of the most common places for thieves to act.

Scam Risk in Romania: LOW

In this country, scams are only a matter of opportunity. If you allow someone to approach you and share personal information or valuable goods with them, they might take advantage of that. Even if Romanian people are very welcoming and friendly, you might end up being scammed if you share too much.

Such unpleasant events usually happen around bars, airports, or ATM zones. Follow our Romania safety travel tips and you’ll stay safe in Romania.

• How to avoid getting scammed in Romania? 

It is important to make friends while traveling. And this country is full of friendly people. But it’s also important to have a safe trip. This is why it is advisable not to trust everyone you meet.

Be a little skeptical and do not allow anyone to approach you. This attitude is advisable especially with taxi drivers in big cities, people approaching you in bars or next to ATMs.

Kidnapping Risk in Romania: LOW

Kidnapping is definitely one of the usual events in this country. Walking alone at night, in dangerous places can end up in violence sometimes, but kidnapping is not one of your concerns. If you choose to travel to Romania, find out that kidnapping and mugging do not exist here. But- as any holiday preparation requires- you should still know how to avoid kidnapping and stay safe in Romania.

• How to avoid getting kidnapped in Romania?

As it was already mentioned, kidnapping does not exist here. Nevertheless, you might encounter violence around bars at night, so you should know how to defend yourself. In the first place, try to avoid walking at night by yourself in such areas. And- if you’re approached by violent people- try calling the local authorities and ask for help. 112 is definitely a useful telephone number you should try to remember.

Terrorism Risk in Romania: LOW

The global threat of terrorists makes every country aware of the risks. Since Romania is a European country, the threat cannot be ruled out . Even if attacks have not happened here yet, authorities still advise visitors to be vigilant and get informed ahead. In this way, such attacks that are usually carried out in crowded areas can be avoided. Read on and you’ll find out how to stay safe in Romania at all times.

• How to avoid terrorism in Romania?

Such events usually happen in very crowded places, such as train stations, airports, or tourist attractions that are most visited by tourists. No one has by now seemed to know how to prevent them, but they can definitely be avoided if you know how to act during such attacks.

As soon as you notice something unusual, try calling the authorities and find shelter. Stay away from the crowd and try to warn as many people as possible.

Risks for Women Traveling Alone in Romania: LOW

If you’re a woman traveling solo in Romania , the good news is on its way. Romania is safe for women traveling alone- and therefore, you can enjoy its beauties even if you do not have a travel companion this time.

As in any other country you’d go to, you should still know what dangers could be waiting for you around the corner. Unpleasant events do not happen often here, but precaution is always better than cure. So what can you do to stay safe in Romania when traveling alone?

• How to avoid crime as a solo woman traveler in Romania?

People in Romania are quite tolerant, so you shouldn’t worry about violent remarks. The only problems you could encounter during your stay in Romania could be related to drunk people. Both in big cities and in villages, bars are places you should avoid- especially at night. This is because alcohol always turns into bad decisions and unconsciousness about one’s acts.

Rape Risk in Romania: LOW

You might have heard some rumors about domestic violence in Romania- and they’re mostly true, especially if we’re speaking about villages. Nevertheless, the risk of getting raped while traveling in Romania is very low. Once you’re polite, you do not walk in remote areas at night, or trust people you shouldn’t, you’re safe.

• How to avoid getting raped in Romania?

Depending on the city you choose to visit, you might encounter all types of people. Do not trust anyone, and do not put yourself in situations in which you’re vulnerable. Avoid dark areas and bar areas and do not engage in personal conversations with people you barely know. With these Romania safety tips in mind, you’ll definitely have a pleasant journey.

Risks for People Traveling with Children in Romania: LOW

Romania is definitely one of the countries you’d want your children to see. From pristine natural areas to unique traditions, new experiences waiting for you at every corner. Since raping, kidnapping and violent acts are not common here, the only thing left is for you to exercise a normal degree of precaution when traveling with your kid.

You might want to keep an eye on him/ her on the streets, as stray dogs are quite common in every city or village. You should also not let him hold valuable goods in public and be careful about the places you visit together.

• How to avoid unwanted scenarios?

In order not to risk ruining your trip just because of a small moment of distraction, here are some Romania safety tips. First of all, always keep an eye on your child when walking on the streets. Stray dogs can become violent very fast and many cases in which children were bitten were registered in the last years.

What is more, be careful about the places in which you let him play. And mostly, be careful about letting him/ her hold valuable goods in public. The saying ‘like stealing candies from a child’ is taken literally with valuable objects by some people.

Natural Disaster Risks in Romania: LOW

Depending on the period you choose to go this country in, you might be careful about the weather forecast. Winters have been quite harsh lately and heavy snowing can cause serious damage especially for drivers. Roads can become inaccessible and you might get stuck in the middle of the road.

Apart from areas such as Vrancea and Bucharest, situated in a seismic zone, nothing could ruin your holiday. No active volcanoes, no heavy raining season, and- fortunately- no vampires!

Transportation Risks in Romania: MEDIUM

Even if you might be surprised by how modern big cities are here, transportation is still a problem. If we’re speaking about traffic, find out that many of the traffic rules are not followed by drivers here. Consequently, many road accidents happen often in this country. In 2016, there were 1,913 deaths on the road. Therefore, vigilance is required at all times.

Also, make sure you have the right documents, especially when renting a car, as fees are quite expensive.

Regarding public transportation- those modern big cities would sometimes be in contrast with the old buses and trams on the roads. They’re crowded, old, and rusty and you might risk being late to the airport if you do not plan every journey in advance.

In big cities such as Bucharest, taxis are not a good idea- especially if you’re foreign. This is because taxi drivers seem to take advantage of your poor knowledge of the city and make every journey longer…and more expensive. Be careful about how you choose to travel and don’t forget to be vigilant during every journey.

Night-clubs, Pubs, and Bar Risks in Romania: MEDIUM

Drunkenness is unfortunately one of the things that can ruin your night when you’re out enjoying your stay in Romania. You will encounter it in bars or pubs and it can disturb you very much.

When going out at night, try not to go by yourself and enjoy the company of a friend. In this way, you will not risk encountering violent acts or- at least- someone will have your back. Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and of the people around you and you’ll enjoy nice evenings out in the city.

Health Risks in Romania: LOW

Apart from the flu, Romania is not notorious for any dangerous diseases. Nevertheless, when planning to go there, always get informed about the travel vaccines . This is one of the first steps to stay safe in Romania. Contact your health provider and you’ll be prepared for everything.

In what concerns the unpleasant medical needs you might be needing during your trip, find out that Romania has good medical facilities. They are not excellent, but they can ensure you are in the right hands in case of trouble. All you have to do is dial 112 for emergency and, with good travel insurance at hand, you’ll be safe in Romania.

List of Vaccines You Need in Romania  

As already mentioned above, once you decide to travel to Romania, you should be aware of the vaccines you need to have. The routine vaccines every visitor who wants to go to Romania needs to have are against:

• hepatitis B
• meningitis vaccines
• tick-borne encephalitis
• tuberculosis (TB)
• yellow fever

Once you’ve made sure you are all set to embark on this journey, Romania is waiting for you. Getting the right medical insurance and the proper vaccines before leaving for another country is definitely advisable. Responsible acts will turn into pleasant journeys.

Most Dangerous Area in Romania

On the whole, Romania is quite a safe country. You can enjoy pleasant views, witness amazing traditions, experience delicious traditional dishes and still not get bored of this country. You can roam around the city all day long- but you should still be careful in some of the areas of this country.

If you want to stay safe in Romania, try to exercise a normal degree of precaution at all times in big cities. This is because all kinds of people live there and- as in any other part of the world- dangers cannot be ruled out completely.

One of the most dangerous areas in Romania is Bucharest- the capital city. While you can enjoy nice walks during the day, the night can bring unwanted events. With an active nightlife, Bucharest is notorious for some neighborhoods that are not very welcoming: Ferentari is one of them. You might risk encountering violence or being approached by strangers.

Such unpleasant experiences can be encountered in rural areas as well, during the night. Poorly lit places, as well as areas where bars gather many people every night should be avoided.

Another unpleasant aspect you could encounter is car theft in some areas. Volkswagen, Mercedes, or Opel vehicles can attract unwanted eyes. Any valuable object left at sight will be lost if you are not precautious.

Concluding Remarks: Is Romania Safe to Visit?

As you could see, the risks are quite low in this country. Road accidents, violence, and petty theft are to be found, but surprisingly- the rates are smaller than in other countries in Europe. Who would have thought, right?

Romania might have gained bad notoriety in the last years, but not necessarily for the right reasons. You can still enjoy your time in Romania if you follow our Romania safety travel tips and are precautions enough. Because we want you to gather only nice experiences in any place you’d choose to travel to, be always careful to follow the right tips:

• Make sure you have the right vaccines and health insurance before embarking on this journey;
• Do not leave your valuable goods unattended;
• Exercise a high degree of caution when exploring the country and do not forget about common sense
• Pay attention to the people around you and be skeptical about the people you’ve just met.

Now that you found out everything about this amazing country, what are you waiting for? Choose the c ity you want to visit and enjoy every moment of your safe travel to Romania. With our Romania safety guide and a normal degree of precaution, you’ll have an unforgettable stay in this amazing country.

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Is it safe to travel to Romania?

Is it SAFE to travel to Romania?  You might be surprised, but despite what you might have heard, Romania is one of the safest countries to travel to .   Romania is located in the Southeastern part of Europe, bordering the Black Sea. This country is not only astonishingly beautiful because of its nature but incredibly friendly and welcoming towards foreigners.

You should know that a vacation here will be one of a kind! The delicious food, the beautiful traditions and culture, the warmth of the people, the places full of history, and the more than affordable day-to-day living is what you can expect from Romania.   

Let us talk SAFETY!

Romania is super safe! It might surprise you or not: the chances of being assaulted in Romania are far less than in the US or other countries in Western Europe. Romania is generally peaceful, but be aware of your surroundings as a tourist!   Stuff like mugging, break-ins, and other more dangerous violations, rarely happen in Romania, which can easily have us say that Romania is not a threatening country to visit or live in.

This article will help you take those extra precautions, whether you choose dancing in nightclubs, shopping for souvenirs, or making new friends who might want to charge you for their help. Remember that locals can always tell you are a tourist, and they might take advantage of that.   

Transport Risks and Road Safety in Romania

Generally, transport in Romania is safe. If your journey starts in Bucharest – the capital city, be aware that the traffic is quite heavy. Therefore, if you plan to drive around the city, do it patiently and by following the traffic rules.

One thing to remember when visiting the big cities is to try and make taxis your last resort. It is not a must, but remember that most taxi drivers tend to scam tourists into paying more for the ride or not even turning on the meter. Avoid overcharging by checking the taxi companies and their pricing ahead or go digital and opt for a transport app like Bolt or Uber.

Regarding the rest of the country, if you are traveling by car, know that the main roads are usually not a problem, but be aware that their condition is variable while secondary roads can be in a bad state of repair and will, for sure, slow you down. Be wary of double-parked cars, people suddenly braking to avoid potholes, horse-drawn carts, and livestock running in front of the vehicle, especially in rural areas.   

Pickpocketing and Theft in Romania

The risk of theft exists, especially in Bucharest and other big cities. Avoiding crowds will keep you safe from bag snatchers and pickpocketing. Be alert in areas like shops, public transport, train stations, exchanges, or even hotels. Thefts from hotel rooms can sometimes happen – so hide all electronics and money when you leave your room. You can also use the vault, if available, for your peace of mind. 

Generally, when you find yourself in crowded areas, keep your valuable belongings hidden or in a closed bag in front of you. That way, you can stay away from any trouble.  Even though this kind of crime is frequent among tourists, it is still rare compared to other big European cities. So, with prevention methods and a bit of staying on your toes, you will be safe!

Another piece of advice we give to all tourists reaching out to us is travel insurance! Make sure you have one because it would, in case of any emergency, cover all costs of any medical problems, as well as in cases of theft or loss of personal items.  

Tips for Exchanging Money in Romania

Romania has its own currency called “leu” or “RON.” This means you must exchange whatever money you have for this specific currency. Always watch out when exchanging money. Try to do it only in the official exchange offices after you check the Romanian National Bank’s (BNR) rates online !

For cash: Use only ATMs in banks, exchanges, and shopping centers, especially at night! You can mostly pay with a card everywhere in Romania, which means you can get by only using small amounts of cash. No need to risk getting scammed! Cash in small banknotes is preferable since you will use those for tipping, souvenirs, or street food.    

Safety Tips If You Enjoy the Nightlife

Bucharest’s Old Town is probably Romania’s most popular nightlife spot. Club culture is quite big here, but so are overcharged menus, spiked drinks, and overly friendly strangers. If you are a fan of parties, good music, and crazy lights, you will enjoy the clubs of Bucharest. But here’s what you need to know to stay safe: The first tip would be to always keep an eye on your glass! Drink spiking is quite common, targeting local and foreign women and men.

Try to keep your head as clear as possible, track your drinking, and maybe even use some method to protect your cup – cup covers are quite popular nowadays!  Regarding all the new “friends” you will be surrounded by: just remember not to accept food, drinks, gum, or cigarettes from people you have just met. Bring your own snacks and buy your own drinks. “Better safe than sorry” is valid when enjoying the nightlife!

Like in all countries, when traveling, watch out for scammers. Try and plan ahead, double-check your bookings and routes, negotiate all fees, and be careful when making new friends. If you take into account these safety aspects, you’ll enjoy Romania to its fullest and embrace all it has to offer. With such a low crime rate, the majestic snowy Carpathians, the green hills capped with charming forests and vineyards, the Black Sea with its sunny beaches, and the largest and best-preserved delta in Europe, Romania has something exciting to offer to all explorers. 

The best way to safely enjoy Romanian tours is by booking a trip with certified guides with experience and great reviews or with a well-known and trusted travel agency! Let us help you: If you are ready for your custom-made Romanian adventure, BalkanTrails has one of the best tours!.

Don’t miss out on the chance to discover the hidden treasures of Romania!

Book your custom tour now and embark on an unforgettable journey through this captivating country. With our expert guides and personalized itineraries, you’ll experience the very best that Romania has to offer.

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Is Romania safe to visit? – Important info for tourists

Are you thinking about visiting Romania? Then you are probably asking yourself if you should have any safety concerns. 

Romania is one of those underrated countries, with breathtaking scenery and an incredible culture. Yet, not too many tourists seem to visit this beautiful country. 

This actually is one of the advantages of visiting Romania. You can explore it at your own pace, without worrying about being disturbed by hordes of tourists. However, the question still remains – Is Romania safe for tourists?

I am here to answer your questions and share with you some valuable information about this country.

1. Is Romania safe to visit? – Facts  

The answer is definitely yes. 

Romania is the world’s fastest growing destination for UK travelers. In the past 10 years, there has been an increase of more than 600% in the number of UK tourists coming to Romania.

The most visited cities in Romania are Bucharest , Brasov , Sighishoara , Sibiu , and Cluj-Napoca . With a diverse landscape, an incredible culture, and friendly people, Romania is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Europe.

No time to read now? Pin it for later!

2. Romania travel insurance

Get insurance! Better safe than sorry. Anything can happen while traveling. Even if you’re planning to visit Romania just for a few days, you should always have travel insurance.

You don’t want to end up paying thousands of dollars for something that can be covered by insurance. I totally recommend World Nomads . Check it out here!

->Are you planning to backpack Romania? Find out everything you need to know in this guide .

3. Safety tips for traveling to Romania

Although Romania is a safe country, crime can happen anywhere. This is why the tips below will come in handy when visiting any country, not only Romania.

• Keep an eye on your bag at all times – don’t leave your bag unattended. Don’t trust anyone to look after it. 
• Scams can happen – read below about the most common scam in Romania – the taxi scam
• Don’t carry or consume any drugs – you’ve guessed it! They’re illegal in Romania too!
• Keep your money safe – always use a money belt when traveling.

4. Is Romania safe to travel alone?

Solo traveling in Romania is perfectly safe. Traveling alone is a great way to push your boundaries and re-discover yourself. You’ll meet new people, discover a new country and you’ll get out of your comfort zone. That’s great!

Romanian people are really friendly and you can ask them anything. If they can help you, they will. If you like hostels, you can find them in any of Romania’s big cities such as Bucharest, Brasov or Cluj-Napoca. Sleeping in hostels is a great way to make new friends while traveling solo.

If you choose this method of traveling, there are a few things you should keep in mind. I’ll list them below:

• Don’t get totally wasted – nothing will happen to you but getting scammed becomes so much easier. 
• Learn a bit of Romanian – locals will love this! Romanian people are proud of their country and hearing a foreigner speaking their language will definitely impress them.
• Join a tour – if you’re feeling alone, you can join a tour in any of the big cities. It’s a fun way to make friends and, at the same time explore the Romanian culture.

5. The people of Romania

Romanians are well known for their kindness and hospitality. Locals are really happy when they see that foreign tourists are visiting their country. They will proudly tell you more about the Romanian culture and show you around.

If you get the chance to visit a Romanian’s home, you won’t leave the house until you’ve eaten 3 dishes, drank a shot of palinca and take some food with you. You know, for later.

The only problem is that most of the elderly people don’t speak English. During the communist regime, Russian was the main language taught in schools. However, young Romanians are fluent in English and they will be happy to help you if you ever need directions.

Read more about the Romanian people here and find out 15 unique characteristics that define them.

6. Terrorism in Romania

Romania is a safe country to travel to from a terrorist standpoint. There haven’t been any attacks yet but this doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. No matter where you’re traveling to, take precautions and stay safe.

I would say that Romania is a bit safer than Germany, France or Spain giving the fact that no terrorist attacks happened until now.

7. Road conditions in Romania

Let’s talk about the roads in Romania. There is one thing that you should know – Romania has only a few highways. Although this is a subject of continuous debate and dissatisfaction, for the moment it looks like Romania’s highway infrastructure will stay the same for the near future.

The roads, in general, are good as long as you plan to drive between big cities. Once you get off the national roads, potholes are abundant and driving gets increasingly difficult, especially during winter.

-> Popular tours in Romania:

• Bucharest to Transylvania day trip
• Bucharest to Dracula Castle & Peles Castle day trip

Car accidents in Romania are rare but they do happen. Make sure to follow the traffic rules and you will be ok.

Let’s talk about traffic. While the traffic in Romania, in general, is decent, expect the worst if you plan to drive in Bucharest. The city’s infrastructure is terrible and you can easily get stuck in traffic for hours during the rush hour.

All in all, driving in Romania can be a bit challenging but it’s not something to worry too much about. Follow the traffic rules and enjoy the scenic villages and mountains around the country.

8. Public transport in Romania

If you’re only visiting Bucharest, I strongly advise you to use the subway system. It’s the fastest way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes the traffic in Bucharest can be a mess and the subway will save your life.

If you want to travel around Romania but don’t want to rent a car, you can definitely travel by train. The trains in Romania are in pretty good condition, they are comfortable and they are affordable. Sometimes they’re late but hey, Romania is not Japan!

In Romania, public transport is completely safe and affordable. Use it as much as you can!

9. Taxi scams in Romania

Unfortunately, taxi scams in Romania are common, even for locals. The first step you need to take to avoid taxi scams in Romania is to ask your driver to turn on the meter. If the driver refuses, try another taxi.

Also, use Google Maps and make sure that your driver is choosing the shortest route to your destination. Apart from paying a few RON more, taking a taxi in Romania is safe.

An alternative to taking the taxi is using Uber. I absolutely love that I can see the price in advance and I can pay by card.

10. Theft in Romania

The risk of getting pick-pocketed in Romania is pretty low. However, I would definitely take precautions as in any other country. Always keep your bag somewhere you can see it and take extra care when walking around busy areas.

11. Bucharest’s old buildings

If you are planning to stay in Bucharest for a long period of time or if you’re just looking for a hotel for a few nights, make sure that the actual building where you’re going to stay at is relatively new. 

There are many dated buildings in Bucharest which are marked as “not safe” in case of a big earthquake. Most of these buildings are located in the Old City of Bucharest so I would avoid getting accommodation in that area.

-> To read more interesting facts about Romania, click here .

12. Drinking water in Romania

Can you drink tap water in Romania? The answer is yes. Tap water is safe to drink in Romania. However, few locals drink it. Most people prefer to buy bottled water.

13. Helpful Romanian travel phrases

• Hello – Buna
• Thank you – Multumesc
• You’re welcome – Cu placere
• Please – Te rog
• Sorry – Scuze
• How are you – Ce faci?
• Very good – Foarte Bine
• My name is Ana – Numele meu este Ana
• Nice to meet you – Imi pare bine
• Where is the toilet – Unde este toaleta?

14. Final thoughts

Romania is a safe country to visit and I am sure that you will love it. This underrated East-European country is a true hidden gem. Its traditions, welcoming people, and stunning landscapes are one of a kind. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments section below.

May the travel bug bite you!

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

Thank you so much for your information on visiting Romania. We, two friends and I are looking forward to visiting for a three day stay to see the Christmas markets. I have been looking for advice on culture and customs to be respectful and I must say that you have been exceptionally helpful. I have emailed to myself the list of phrases translated from English to Romanian and I am sure that it will make our stay much more enjoyable. So thank you very much😊

This makes me really happy! I am really glad I could help!

Thanks so much for this post! Or should I say, multumesc.

I am so keen on going to Romania but I’m just a bit worried about travelling around on my own. Especially as I do want to hire a car because some of the places I want to visit are quite rural. This has helped calm my anxieties somewhat!

Out of interest, did you ever visit Cheile Nerei National Park?

I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Romania. It’s such a beautiful country. Unfortunately, I haven’t been to Cheile Nerei. Enjoy and don’t forget to try some of the local dishes – mici, papanasi, galusti cu prune, and sarmale.

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The mpox strain spreading now is different from the one in 2022: Here's what to know

The World Health Organization’s decision to declare mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years may seem like déjà vu — but there are key differences between the strain that’s causing international concern now and the one that spread in 2022.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by painful lesions. It’s spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated items like clothing or bedding.

The virus is classified into two distinct groups: clade I and clade II. 

Clade II was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, which has led to around 100,000 cases worldwide . 

But now, a version of clade I has spread internationally. The outbreak started in January 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has since reached 12 other countries in the region.

On Thursday, Sweden confirmed the first known infection of clade I outside Africa , though Swedish health officials said the person was infected while spending time in Africa. Health authorities in Pakistan also confirmed a case of mpox on Friday but have not identified the strain yet. 

Clade I is more transmissible than clade II and capable of being more severe, so infectious disease experts are concerned about further international spread.

“We should have learned a lesson from 2022 that an infection anywhere is potentially an infection everywhere,” said Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health.

How does this version of mpox spread?

Mpox has historically spread in a few ways. The first is through close, personal contact with an infected person, such as skin-to-skin contact with rashes or with saliva or mucus. The second is via contact with contaminated materials. And the third is contact with infected animals: hunting, trapping or cooking them, touching sick rodents or getting bitten or scratched. 

In 2022, the version of clade II that spread globally, dubbed clade IIb, was passed primarily through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo recently, clade Ib has also been spreading through sexual contact among female sex workers and men who have sex with men. Research that hasn’t yet been published or peer reviewed linked an outbreak in an eastern mining town in Congo to professional sex work in bars.

But that’s not the only way the virus is being transmitted. Dr. Stuart Isaacs, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said much of the spread of clade I could be due to exposure to animals and transmission within households, but limited surveillance in the regions where the virus is make it difficult to know for sure. 

Isaacs said there’s early evidence that clade Ib has certain “properties that are allowing it to spread more readily person to person.”

How severe are the recent cases?

In the past, outbreaks of clade I have been deadlier than clade 2, killing up to 10% of people who got sick . But more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates. Out of an estimated 22,000 cases in this outbreak in Congo , more than 1,200 people have died — which puts the fatality rate at just above 5%. 

By comparison, clade II outbreaks in Africa have generally had a mortality rate of around 1%, and just 0.2% of cases linked to the 2022 global outbreak were fatal.

Rimoin said the disease’s severity “can have less to do with the actual clade and more to do with route of transmission, the immune system of the individual, the source of the infection.” 

The threat in the U.S. could be milder than in Africa, according to Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“The underlying health conditions of the population in the DRC are probably contributing to the current case fatality rate,” he said, using the acronym for the Democratic Republic of Congo. “With less malnutrition and better access to health care resources, I would imagine that the case fatality rate will not be as high as we’re seeing in the DRC.”

Vaccines for mpox are also widely available in the U.S., following a major rollout effort in 2022. Two doses of the mpox vaccine or a previous clade II infection should protect against severe illness from clade I, the Department of Health and Human Service said Wednesday.

Do mpox symptoms differ between the clades?

Symptoms of the two mpox clades can be difficult to distinguish from each other.

The illness generally starts with a rash that progresses to small bumps on the skin, followed by blisters that fill with whitish fluid — a hallmark of the disease — and eventually scab over. People may also experience a fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

These symptoms often disappear on their own within a few weeks. But in severe cases, people may develop larger, more widespread lesions, secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, heart inflammation or swelling of the brain. Immunocompromised people may develop atypical symptoms and have a greater risk of hospitalization and death. 

Historically, mpox lesions have tended to appear on the face, chest, palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. But during the 2022 outbreak, people frequently developed lesions around the genital and anal region or inside the mouth and throat, presumably because of how the virus was spreading at the time . The lesions were also fewer in number and less pronounced overall.

Some cases of this nature have also been detected in the current outbreak in Congo. 

“There is talk that there are more people that have lesions around the genitals this time around than previous clade I outbreaks,” said Amira Albert Roess, a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University. “It’s going to take us some time to really understand what may be going on here.”

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Late-Summer Travel Plans? You Might Want to Put On a Mask.

With U.S. Covid-19 cases at very high levels and new vaccines still several weeks away, we asked experts for their advice on when and where to wear a mask.

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By Ceylan Yeğinsu and Dani Blum

It is the height of the summer travel season: Airplanes and cruises are packed, hotels are booked, and travelers are crowding theme parks and attractions. Yet throughout the United States, Covid-19 is currently circulating at very high levels.

During the peak of the pandemic, masks were ubiquitous in hotels, airports and other public places. They were required to fly , and many travelers donned them elsewhere to help reduce the transmission of the deadly coronavirus. Since the end of the mandate, and as travel has returned to or surpassed prepandemic levels , most travelers have abandoned preventive measures, particularly masks.

With updated vaccines not available until the fall , experts are reminding travelers about the benefits of masking, particularly in airports and poorly ventilated indoor environments.

Here’s what you need to know about masks and your travel plans.

What’s going on with Covid right now?

The number of reported cases appears to be climbing both in the United States and abroad. In the United States, there are “very high” levels of the virus in wastewater samples nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization reported that cases around the globe rose by 30 percent from June 24 to July 21, compared with the previous 28 days. Put simply: There’s a lot of Covid out there.

How effective are masks? What is the best mask to use?

People who want to minimize their risk of respiratory illnesses like Covid (along with colds and the flu) should wear a mask while traveling, experts say. Even if you’re the only person wearing one on a train or at an airport, a mask continues to offer protection — provided you wear it properly, which means covering both your nose and your mouth.

“It does not eliminate the risk, but it substantially reduces the risk of exposure,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System, in Missouri. Aim for a high-quality mask, like an N95, a KN95 or a KF94 , all of which filter out the overwhelming majority of virus particles and are far more effective at reducing the chance of a Covid infection than cloth or surgical versions. Masks should fit snugly on your face.

“If you have symptoms and you have any question about it, I would wear a mask, just to protect other people,” said Dr. Marc Sala, a co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Covid-19 Center in Chicago. Common symptoms of Covid include coughing, fever, sneezing, congestion, headaches, sore muscles, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues . Those who are asymptomatic but have been exposed to Covid may also consider masking.

If you have tested positive during a trip but cannot delay traveling, you should wear a mask whenever you are around other people, Dr. Sala said.

Where should travelers wear a mask?

The C.D.C. urges travelers to “consider wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs.”

Dr. Al-Aly recommended carrying around a few masks in your bag or pockets, so that you have them on hand when you enter a crowded indoor space. “Maintain situational awareness,” he said. If you’re in a crowded indoor space, like a train station or busy museum, you may want to put on a mask. Although airplanes filter and circulate air , there is still a risk that comes with being in close quarters with large groups of people, Dr. Al-Aly said.

What is the travel industry’s stance on masking?

The mask mandate on airplanes became a heated issue at the height of the pandemic, with travel representatives arguing that it was harming the recovery of a hard-hit industry.

The U.S. Travel Association , a trade group that promotes travel to and within the country, believes mask wearing should be up to individual travelers. It welcomed the lifting of the mask mandate on U.S. transportation in 2022, calling it “a step further toward the endemic management of Covid.” That stance has not changed.

The International Air Transportation Association , another industry group, argues that aircraft are designed to reduce the transmission of viruses on board. “Cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes — much more frequently than most other indoor environments,” the agency said in a statement. “It is also filtered and flows from ceiling to floor, all of which helps to maintain a healthy onboard environment.”

Passengers always have a choice to wear masks, the statement continued, and many airlines provide them upon request.

Major cruise lines do not require guests to wear masks, but passengers are required to undergo a health screening before boarding a ship, and some companies, including Carnival Cruise Line, encourage passengers to be up-to-date with Covid vaccines.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeğinsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum

Romania Public Transport Guide: using flights, trains, buses and driving

If you're going to visit Romania's best attractions and you're looking for information on how to travel between cities, regions and tourist sights - you'll find everything you need in this local guide on public transport in Romania: internal flights, trains, buses, renting a car, driving in Romania, buying tickets and much more!

All the info you need to plan your trip and understand how to get around our country is in this up-to-date article. Romania is a big country with a diverse geography but - unfortunately - underdeveloped transport infrastructure.

This creates a lot of frustration (including for locals) because popular tourist attractions and things to do are spread all over the country so understanding the logistics of travelling and getting around our country is essential if you want to plan a relaxing holiday where you're not spending all your time on the road getting stressed!

You might also want to check our guide how to visit Romania for the first time with travel tips.

Or our article on with Romania safety travel advice which includes section on using public transport and how to stay safe.

Table of contents

• The basics about Romania's public transport

1. The best choice for long distance travel in Romania: internal flights

2. travelling in romania by train: slow scenery, decent service, reasonably cheap.

• 3. Driving on Romanian roads & renting a car: the ugly truth

4. Buses, coaches and other transport options in Romania

The basics about romania's public transport.

Before we get into specifics about each transport option in our country, you should be aware that public transport infrastructure in Romania is not as developed or easy to navigate for non-locals as in other Western European countries:

• though trains criss-cross the country, they're slow and sometimes break down
• there are few highways and most roads are one-lane which makes them very crowded and, again, slow; e.g. 100 km takes about 2,5h to drive
• don't expect too much English in train or bus stations, especially in smaller towns

That's why my #1 local tip is to let someone else (a guide) do the driving and route planning so you get these inconveniences out of the way - unless you're planning a 'do-it-yourself' trip and looking for independence and flexibility. In which case the good news is that public transport in Romania is cheap and offers great scenery along the way. So if you do your planning right, you can enjoy your time with a book, talking with others, observe local life and just have a good time while on holiday.

A small lesson on our geography: the Romanian Carpathian Mountains divide our country in 3 regions:

• Transylvania inside the arc
• Wallachia in the South and
• Moldova in the East (don't confuse the country Moldova, our Eastern brothers and neighbours).

So whenever you have to cross from one region to another expect this to take much longer if using ground transportation because crossing the Carpathians is no easy thing!

Now let's get into the specifics for each public transport option to travel around Romania with useful tips, links and apps for you to use. If there's anything missing - let us know!

We'll start with this for obvious reasons: it's convenient, fast & cheap especially if you’re thinking of going from one part of the country to another. For example, traveling from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca (to get closer to the traditional regions of Maramures and Bucovina ) or to Timisoara , Oradea, Suceava or Iasi. An internal flight is the best option.

Why? Because the 450 km between Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca which takes about 7h by car or 10h by train takes only 45 minutes by plane - and for a very affordable price (on average 50 Euro). That's why flying is the best way to travel longer distances in Romania.

There are 3 low-cost companies ( WizzAir , RyanAir and HiSky ) and the national airline Tarom that operate internal flights in Romania connecting major cities around the country. Though lots of Romanian cities have airports, they're only used for external flights and not connected between them with internal ones.

• the most popular internal flight routes connect Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Oradea, Iasi and Suceava; some airlines connect these cities with a layover

Ticket prices start as low as €15 (per way) and can go up to 50-70€ if you buy 2-4 weeks in advance. So if you're short on time and want to see as much of Romania without the stress and hassle of extra-planning, it’s worth saving time and energy and looking at internal flights. It's a cheaper option than renting a car and definitely much faster than taking the train or bus for long-distances.

Traveling by train in Romania is a great way to enjoy a stress-free journey, admire landscapes and mountain scenery on routes crossing the Carpathians (e.g. Bucharest-Brasov) and to see the countryside and local life. The downside is that our railway infrastructure has not seen any major developments or improvements since the 60s and the state-owned company has been riddled with corruption. This means trains travel at slow speeds and the trains themselves are old (which means they can break down) and not very well serviced (no bar) or cleaned (don't have high expectations for toilets).

Nevertheless, trains within Romania are reasonably cheap and a good way for navigating the country because all cities, small towns and even villages have a railway station. Most tourist areas can be reached by train - so that's good news for you! There are different types of trains: IR (InterRegio) travel between regions and stop only in major cities and towns, while R (Regio) stop in almost all train stations along the way (good for heading in the mountains or the countryside, but very slow!). There's usually 1st class and 2nd class, with not much difference between them other than fewer people in the 1st and slightly better comfort.

Transylvania Tours and Trips

80% of all train routes in Romania are operated by the state-owned national railway train company called CFR (short for Romanian Railway Company - website ). There are also some privately-owned railway companies operating short distance routes (mostly around Bucharest) which are sometimes faster, cheaper and more reliable (on-time) than CFR: TFC (Transferoviari Calatori - website ), Softrans ( website ), Astra Carpatic ( website ), Regio Calatori ( website ). Except for CFR, none have an English version website so you'll have to use Google translate.

Buying train tickets in Romania. Each company offers different options (online, physically or on the train) so you'll need to check on their website to make sure. Tickets for CFR can be bought only online (but you'll need to create an account) or physically inside the train stations at ticket desks (casa de bilete) or at the grey automated ticket machines, using cash (Lei) or card.

It's usually ok if you buy train tickets on the day of travel 20-30 min before the scheduled departure. Places in sleeping carts (on routes such as Bucharest-Oradea or Bucharest-Timisoara) need to be bought at least 1 hour in advance of departure. Other routes (Bucharest-Brasov or Bucharest-Constanta) get very crowded during weekends and summers because everyone wants to get out of the city. So best to buy them online or in advance. If you bought your train ticket online you'll get an email with the PDF - no need to print, just show it.

There is no concept of 'advance reservation' for trains in Romania - you either buy your ticket, or you don't! When buying a ticket which requires you to change trains, you will get 2 tickets one for each train.

• train tickets are valid only for your chosen day, time and train which is clearly printed on the ticket; each ticket also has an allocated seat number (and cart) which people usually respect;

Ticket changes and cancelations are possible only at ticket desks in train stations and only before the scheduled departure of the train on your ticket. Tickets are checked on board the train. CFR trains tickets can't be bought from the inspector - unelss you also want to pay the fine for traveling without a ticket! But with other companies such as TFC, it's possible to buy them on the spot.

As I've said, prices for train tickets in Romania are reasonably cheap (Bucharest – Brasov or Bucharest – Constanta for €10 per way) and about 20€ for longer distances such as Bucharest - Cluj-Napoca. Overnight or sleeper trains are used for longer routes such as Bucharest - Oradea or Bucharest - Timisoara (~12-13 hours). You can choose between a regular sleeping cart (with 4-6 bunk beds in a compartment; always book the one with 4!) or 'premium' sleeping wagon (2 beds) for around 30-50€ per way.

Just keep in mind that trains are notoriously late, especially on long distances (300+ km) or during hot summers or snowy winters in Romania , when 1-2h delays are very common. So stock up with food and water!

Final notes. Generally, trains in Romania are safe including on overnight routes. On frequent day routes you may come across harmless beggars. Some popular tourist routes like Bucharest - Sibiu or Cluj-Napoca - Timisoara take 6 hours by train (or longer) - but only 4 hours by bus, so make sure to check other transport options. The main train route goes from Bucharest to Oradea and stops in the most popular tourist cities: Brasov, Sighisoara and Cluj-Napoca.

3. Driving on Romanian roads & renting a car: the ugly truth

Driving on Romanian roads is a little more challenging and stressful because infrastructure is underdeveloped with few high-speed roads and fewer highways, especially on frequent routes between major cities - which are of interest for tourists too. All traffic (including trucks, lorries, busses etc) is condensed on one-lane national roads. And to make things worse, these roads pass through numerous villages where the speed limit is 50 km/h so traffic slows down even more.

The poor road infrastructure is the #1 complaint and source of anger Romanians have against all politicians since 1989 and the governments they formed which made lots of promises without any results. The good news is some roads are incredibly scenic and beautiful especially those crossing the Carpathian Mountains such as Transfagarasan or Transalpina Road :

What driving in Romania and on Transfagarasan Road looks like

Transfagarasan Road Tours

The road network in Romania is extensive and there are few places that can't be reached by car. The tricky part is knowing which of these are in good state because local roads, especially those between villages or in the mountains, are administered by local authorities which don't always take care of them. So you may come across sections full of potholes or patchworks where you need to slow down. Here are the main road types in Romania and the speed limits:

• highways (marked 'A1' with green) - the network is nice on paper but in reality only small sections have been completed, some of which are closed for maintenance work; the speed limit is 130 km
• European roads (marked 'E70' with green) are the main roads connecting major cities (eg. Bucharest - Brasov); they're also the most heavy with traffic (lots of trucks), but have the best road conditions; the speed limit is 110 km
• national roads (marked with numbers in red, e.g. '75') are good alternatives to E roads because there's less traffic on them and they're more scenic; they connect small towns and major cities; speed limit is 100 km; when I'm not in a hurry, I use them and I recommend you to do the same if you're looking for a comfortable driving experience
• local roads (marked with numbers and a letter in blue, e.g. '107K') connect villages and small towns and go really deep in the countryside and in the mountains; you'll see lots of local life and the occasional horse-powered cart, tipsy locals on bikes or a herd of sheep saying 'hi' --

Time needed for distances in Romania. Because of the one-lane roads, driving in Romania means you'll most likely be in a column of cars behind a truck or an old car with a slow driver. The average real speed is around 80 km/h - and Google Maps usually gives an accurate estimation of driving times. Here are some examples of travel times onpopular routes for tourists:

• Bucharest - Sibiu which is 278 km will take about 4-5 hours of driving; despite 100 km of that being on highway, the remaining will be on one-lane roads going through hills and many, many villages;
• Bucharet - Brasov is 180 km and that can be done in about 3 hours, but during Summer weekends and Winter holidays there's usually heavy traffic, even congestions and standstills, despite some sections having 2-lanes per way
• Cluj-Napoca - Brasov is 270 km and takes about 4,5 hours of driving
• Bucharest - Cluj-Napoca is 450 km and will take about 6-7 hours
• from Bucharest to the Northern region of Bucovina you'll need about 7-9h of continuous driving; and to Maramures about 10-12h

Because of the heavy traffic and endless columns, Romanian drivers don't respect speed limits (including in villages!) and engage in overtaking manoeuvres which may be risky or even reckless. The sad truth is Romania has the highest death toll and victims due to road accidents. This kind of behaviour in traffic may shock drivers used to highways or roads in good conditions - but not those used to driving in Eastern European countries.

So is driving in Romania safe for tourists? Generally yes, as long as you're cautious. It's not all bad especially if you drive for short distances at a time. But you want a stress-free holiday then hiring a local guide is the best choice, and looking for alternative transport options your next best one. And if you're planning to rent a car thinking you can drive long distances and visit tourist attractions "really quick" -- you're in for a bad surprise. Not only will the reality on the ground mess up your plans, but you'll also be stressed and tired and the end of the day. And that's not a holiday in my book...

What driving in Romania looks like most of the time

Driving in Romania can be a beautiful experience especially if you go into remote, less-travelled regions. Besides picturesque landscapes, seeing local life and having maximum freedom, I think it's a great way to get to know our country. And visiting the famous tourist regions of Transylvania, Maramures or Bucovina is impossible without a car as there is no public transport between villages where tourist sights are located.

• for extra guidance and navigation, install Waze and Google Maps on your phone, they're widely used and reliable

Renting a car in Romania. All the major international companies like Hertz or Avis are present in Romania, but there is also Autonom a very reliable and successful local car rental company with very good client service, network and usually cheaper. The process of renting a car is similar to what you're familiar with in other parts of the world and in Europe: ID, driver's license, deposit, etc. You may need to get an international driver's license if you're coming from a non-EU country. Be warned - most cars come with a manual gear box and my advice is to get full insurance for your rental car.

There’s always the option of letting someone else worry about traffic and road conditions in Romania! This website is a comprehensive aggregator and search portal for coach and bus routes operated by different transport companies in Romania. You'll see departure times, locations, prices and other details.

Another company operating internal bus routes is Memento Bus - haven't used them, but heard good reviews. This company is another reliable company for airport transfers and shuttle services.

From Otopeni Airport there is this company that does transfers to Brasov or Constanta. Check our full guide on Bucharest airport for info on shuttles to the city center, taxi and private transfers.

With roads being as they are, buses and vans may take 1h longer as they're making stops along the way. But even so, prices are very cheap. Buses depart from stations called 'autogari' or near the city's train station. Always ask a local to double check. When getting on a bus, be sure to confirm with the driver that he will stop where you want him to on the route.

There you have it – our complete local guide on public transport in Romania in 2022 and our advice on how to plan your visit and navigate our country. If there's anything missing - let me know!

If you're planning a do-it-yourself itinerary with multiple cities and tourist attractions especially in Transylvania, a convenient option is to book day trips and ask the guides to drop you off in the city you want (for example from Cluj to Sibiu or from Sibiu to Brasov). If you need help with this don't hesitate to contact us !

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Business Travel 2024: Hotels Bet on the New Road Warriors

Sean O'Neill , Skift

August 18th, 2024 at 11:00 AM EDT

Business travel is nearly back – but with an asterisk. Road warriors aren't taking as many trips, longer stays are becoming the norm, and traveler health is a primary focus. So, for those hotels willing to pivot, there’s an opening to snag these lucrative guests.

Sean O'Neill

Gloria Gonzalez, a travel agency account manager in Fort Worth, used to fly back-to-back business trips as a travel manager before the pandemic.

Drew Pinto, Marriott’s chief revenue and technology officer, still travels for work, but when he does, he thinks more about how flight times, jet lag, and other travel realities will affect him. 

And Sophie Hulgard, Accor’s chief sales officer, has traveled almost weekly for years. But recently, she has become more conscious of the physical toll.

Gonzalez, Pinto, and Hulgard are part of a growing trend among corporate travelers. As long-time road warriors, they’re prioritizing their physical and emotional health for sustained effectiveness. 

Business travel may be on its way back — but for many travelers, it feels very different. 

“Maybe I’m not taking the red eye and going right into a meeting, but I’m instead arriving the night before, especially for international travel,” Pinto said. “There’s just this new mentality of being at your best when you’re on a business trip instead of fitting in as much as you can.”

Gone is the era of “more-is-more” business travel that George Clooney glamorized in the 2009 movie Up in the Air.

“It used to be you just rush, rush, rush — going from meeting to meeting,” Hulgard remembers. Now, she is more deliberate in evaluating what makes trips effective. And Hulgard is far from the only one.

Skift spoke to a few dozen frequent corporate travelers and travel managers, and some key themes emerged: First, corporations recognize the importance of in-person meetings, but at the same time, travelers have become more mindful and selective when planning trips.

And hotels are rushing to profit from this mindset shift.

Some brands are pivoting to cater to so-called “executive athletes” who demand more than just a bed. Trips blending business and leisure remain elevated, supported by hybrid work options — even though so-called blended travel is down from 2022 highs. Extended-stay demand is booming, driven by workers having protracted trips on infrastructure and tech projects. New software dashboards are helping travel professionals keep an eye on potential stressors.

The bottom line is that business travel feels different than five years ago. Skift has examined the trillion-dollar sector from a few different angles, noting some opportunities for hotel companies along the way.

Business Travel Isn’t Fully Back

While business travel spending will likely hit 2019’s level this year, it’s still off by 18% if you adjust for inflation. U.S. corporate travel ticket sales were 10% less than they were during the same period in 2019, according to Airlines Reporting Corp.

Many factors explain the incomplete rebound. Rising costs have deterred spending, and some corporations have capped travel to meet climate goals. Changed traveler behavior may also be a factor.

New Business Travel Patterns

People are taking fewer business trips in the last few months of the year than they did pre-pandemic. 

March has been the peak month for business trips during the past five years, and June has come in second, according to CWT. But in 2023, there was a drop in the fourth quarter compared to pre-pandemic.

“This could be evidence of trip batching — choosing a region and doing multiple trips at once,” said Rich Johnson, VP solutions group at CWT. 

The year-end decline in business travel might also reflect people’s greater emphasis on spending time with family during the holidays, Johnson noted.

Others have observed this trend, too, and forward bookings for late 2024 suggest there may be relative weakness again.

“What has changed post-pandemic is we’ve continued to see real softness in and around holiday weeks, and following holiday weeks that’s really affected business travel in a way that it hasn’t necessarily in the past,” said Jonathan Stanner, CEO of Summit Properties, which runs nearly 100 U.S. hotels.

Blending Business and Leisure

Some road warriors are adding leisure time to business trips to manage stress. 

The rise of “blended” travel is reshaping industry dynamics. About 60% of business travelers surveyed by Skift Research in the first quarter said they had extended their trips for leisure in the previous three months. 

“It’s very, very clear that the blended trip purpose of travel is here to stay, and that’s driving incremental room night demand, especially on what have been traditionally shoulder nights,” said Noah Silverman, global development officer, U.S. & Canada, at Marriott International.

Hybrid work arrangements fuel the shift, although remote working has become more occasional.

“Blended business and leisure travel isn’t happening as much as we saw a year or two ago,” said Ankur Randev, chief commercial officer at Highgate, America’s second-largest hotel manager. “But I definitely expect to see it happening seasonally, especially over springs and summers as parents manage children on holidays.”

Some properties miss opportunities because they lack appropriate amenities. Leisure-focused hotels could boost bookings by outfitting select rooms with ergonomic workspaces. Ennismore is aggressively pursuing this strategy, adding office setups to many of its leisure properties.

A Boom in Longer Stays

Extended-stay travel is also having a moment — fueled by massive infrastructure and tech investments. Hilton says “the workforce travel market” is worth $300 billion.

Who books these stays? Largely workers who temporarily relocate. 

Take the U.S. government’s $1 trillion infrastructure package. When it begins in earnest, it will unleash a wave of construction projects needing a place to house workers.

Meanwhile, tech giants like Amazon are plowing $100 billion into new data centers. A surge in semiconductor manufacturing could inject over $220 billion into facility investments.

“If we look at extended-stay occupancy, it’s up 12 points higher year-to-date than the rest of the industry,” said Wyndham president and CEO Geoff Ballotti in a CNBC interview in July. 

Wyndham’s rival, Choice Hotels, has seen an over 50% jump in workforce travel accounts it services since 2019.

“This surge is real,” said Choice Hotels president and CEO Patrick Pacious in a recent earnings call, noting expansion in “middle class, small business, construction, logistics” verticals. Pacious expects Choice’s number of extended stay units to rise at an average annual growth rate of more than 15% a year for at least a few years.

A demand-supply imbalance is exacerbating the situation. According to The Highland Group, U.S. extended-stay demand exceeds supply growth by 1.5 to 1.

This mismatch forces more long-term guests into traditional hotels that are ill-equipped for their needs. Brands that can deliver amenities like full kitchens stand to benefit most from this lucrative and expanding segment.

In the past two years, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Wyndham have debuted new extended-stay hotel brands, including Marriott’s StudioRes , LivSmart Studios by Hilton, Hyatt Studios , and Echo Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham .  

Health and Safety Concerns

What does health maintenance commonly mean in a business travel context? It’s all about productivity — thanks to a healthy body and a clear mind. 

“Wellness isn’t a massage chair or a first-class seat,” Hulgard said. “It’s instead about minimizing factors that can reduce an employee’s productivity on a trip. It’s also about avoiding burnout, which can lead to attrition that adds to a company’s hiring costs.”

Safety is an under-reported aspect of business traveler contentment. Half of global business travelers — especially American travelers — have had to change their accommodations because they felt unsafe, said a survey this year of 3,850 business travelers by SAP Concur .

One reason? Some companies keep their travel and expense budgets tight. Employees default to booking stays in hotels that accidentally turn out to be in dodgy neighborhoods.

Hotels Lean Into Health

Travelers’ interest in maintaining their health creates opportunities. Healthier guests may be happier customers willing to splurge on extras. Hotels are addressing sleep deprivation , poor diet, and fitness needs with targeted perks and services.

IHG now offers InterContinental guests free access to the Timeshifter jet lag app, which can help guests plan meals, sleep, and exposure to sunlight. Other hotel companies are focusing on noise reduction through amenity kits with earplugs and white-noise machines and apps.

Regarding fitness, hotels can do more than merely have a windowless room with some weights and a treadmill.

“Our surveys find that travelers are increasingly focused on maintaining their fitness routine and health while traveling,” said Christiane Cabot Bini, vice president of global business travel sales at Hilton.

In the past year, Hilton has added at least one Peloton machine to every one of its U.S. hotel properties.

Hyatt is outfitting about 800 properties worldwide with Peloton equipment, and nearly 400 hotels will offer guests access to in-room Peloton content. Soon, it will reward usage with loyalty points. Meanwhile, Accor touts its Technogym fitness equipment.

On the diet front, InterContinental added nutritious dishes to combat energy slumps. Marriott and Hilton are testing zero-proof drinks for those looking to socialize without alcohol.

Travel Dashboards for ‘Executive Athletes’

Should corporate travelers be treated as the elite competitors of the boardroom? Yes, says Ted Finn, who has flown 2.5 million air miles as a business traveler and consultant. 

“We need to redefine road warriors as executive athletes,” Finn says. “You send your executives to competitions to compete for millions of dollars worth of business opportunities, and you expect them to win.”

Should executive athletes prep for travel like a sports team? Some companies have begun asking their travel managers to track health issues. A year ago, CWT launched a “traveler well-being dashboard” module in its software platform for customers.

“The dashboard looks at the stress and impacts of certain traveler behaviors on their well-being,” said Rich Johnson, vice president of CWT’s solutions group.

If everyone on a team is always taking red-eye flights or flying long-haul in economy class, the well-being score won’t be as high as it could be. 

“This information might influence a travel buyer’s negotiations with airlines,” Johnson said. “Maybe a carrier has imperfect scheduling that’s creating a huge amount of fatigue on the travelers, who aren’t closing deals or who are leaving the company.”

Corporate Travel’s New Vibe

Business travel’s incomplete rebound reflects more than corporate belt-tightening in the face of inflation. Changed industry attitudes are also reshaping the sector. 

“Five years ago, I think everybody wanted travelers to have a better life, but no buyer wanted to say it,” said Hulgard of Accor. “You couldn’t introduce any wellness aspects into your corporate travel program because you would look weak.”

But that’s no longer the case. “Today, it’s completely the norm that travel managers are looking at aspects like security or fitness options in the hotel,” Hulgard said. “It’s a conversation that hotel account managers have with the buyers. That’s a big change.”

Sean O’Neill is the senior hospitality editor at Skift. Contact him at [email protected] Graphics by Vonn Orland Leynes.

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Tags: business travel , corporate travel , duty of care , future of lodging , wellness

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Top Labor Day Travel Trends of 2024

Aaa booking data shows alaska cruises, european cities, and tourist attractions are most popular.

WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 19, 2024) – This year’s record-breaking , blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend* destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.  

“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.”  

AAA travel experts say if you’re interested in going on an Alaska cruise next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin you want.   

According to AAA booking data, o verall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year , while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins. To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time. “ Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,” Twidale said. “You can find free things to do in Denver or the best museums in New York City .”  

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data weekly .   

International travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers , while the cost to travel internationally is up 11%. Most of those travelers are heading to Europe. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities. Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into 10 languages. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.   

  Top Labor Day Destinations  

  Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend   

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.    

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”  

Source: INRIX  

*Labor Day Weekend   

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.   

About AAA   

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.  

  About INRIX  

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

Planes are made to handle bad weather, so why is your flight canceled? | Cruising Altitude

• Planes are designed to withstand tremendous forces on their components when they’re flying.
• But there’s more to keeping flying safe than the structural capabilities of airplanes.
• The decision to delay or cancel a flight due to weather ultimately comes down to safety.

Sometimes, I’ll be on a flight going through a patch of turbulence and think to myself: “OK, this is unpleasant, but I know I’m safe.”  

Planes are designed to withstand tough weather conditions, which brings the question: Why do weather delays happen?

It turns out there’s a lot going on behind the scenes of weather disruptions. 

“Airplanes themselves are very capable,” Ken Byrnes, assistant dean and chairman of flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told me. “When you look at how these aircraft are designed, they’re designed to withstand tremendous loads.” 

Airplanes can structurally handle much more than Mother Nature is ever likely to throw at them, but that’s just one aspect of the “go” or “no-go” decision for a flight. 

All flyers know weather is often enemy No. 1 of a smooth travel day. Here’s why. 

Planes can withstand the weather 

Next time you’re flying through turbulence, look out the window at the wing. You’ll notice it flexing. It’s supposed to do that. The flex actually helps the plane stay more stable in rough air and means the wing is absorbing and dissipating the forces it’s encountering safely. 

As Byrnes said, planes are designed to withstand tremendous forces on their components when they’re flying.  All parts of an airplane’s structure are tested to make sure they can stay intact even in severe conditions. 

“A lot goes into reducing the risk through the design capability,” he told me. 

In testing, airplane wings will be flexed way beyond their regular inflight limits. 

Similarly, airplane engines are designed to withstand natural obstacles like hail, torrential rain and bird strikes within certain limits. 

Why bad weather can make flying dangerous anyway 

There’s more to keeping flying safe than the structural capabilities of airplanes, however. 

“They may be physically capable to withstand the loads, but the aerodynamic pressures that may occur within storms may make it very difficult to continue to fly,” Byrnes said. “There are a couple of things you want to avoid, first would be windshear, any changes in wind or directions.” Rapidly shifty or changing wind conditions can affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the plane and could result in a loss of lift. 

“We want to avoid those more turbulent conditions. They can cause an airplane to stall,” Byrnes said. “At a high altitude that is more forgiving. At a low altitude, that is very unforgiving. There’s no room to recover.” 

That’s part of why bad weather is especially difficult on airport operations. 

Incoming suboptimal weather conditions can often be avoided by changing the flight plan, but at an airfield, a storm is virtually impossible for arriving and departing aircraft to avoid. 

“In that condition, it’s more important to ensure that you have enough lift to stay aloft,” Byrnes said. “The closer you are to ground, the less altitude you have to recover.” 

It’s all about safety 

As with pretty much everything in aviation, the decision to delay or cancel a flight because of weather ultimately comes down to safety. 

“The goal of the airline is to provide the highest level of customer service, but at the utmost safety,” Byrnes said. “They’re not going to take risks that are unnecessary in order to meet that demand because it’s just not worth it.” 

An airplane’s flight capabilities aren’t the only safety consideration, either. We’ve seen time and again recently that passengers these days are pretty bad at obeying the seat belt sign . Though an airplane may be designed to withstand severe turbulence, the human body is not if it’s not strapped in, so rough weather can present a danger to the people inside the cabin even if the aircraft itself is perfectly safe from an engineering standpoint. 

Laura Einsetler, a captain at a major U.S. airline and author of the Captain Laura blog, told me that flight crews will never intentionally fly through severe weather, but sometimes they have no choice but to go through more moderate turbulence. 

If that happens, she said, she’ll do everything she can to prepare her passengers for the bumps, but it ultimately comes down to each person to keep the cabin safe for everyone. 

“Unfortunately, we’ve flown enough we make the announcement and nobody listens,” she said. “It’s important for passengers to observe what the flight attendants are doing and saying in addition to the PA announcements we’re making to keep themselves safe at all times.” 

Last week's Cruising Altitude: Now is a great and cheap time to fly, even if airlines aren't perfect.

The domino effect of weather on flying 

Delays from bad weather often have a compounding effect on flying. A single delayed flight puts the plane and its crew out of sync with the airline’s schedule and can cause headaches for air traffic control as flight plans get adjusted. 

If something goes wrong with your travel plans, it’s important to keep in mind these two pointers from Byrnes: 

• First, remember the airline is putting your safety first. As much as you may want to get going, the airline wants to get you to your destination safely and comfortably. You’d probably leave a negative social media comment if your next flight became an hourslong roller coaster through a storm. 
• Second, stay patient and kind with airline employees. As frustrating as delays can be, you’re all in the experience together.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .