Romania entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can enter Romania without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, or family visits. As of 2026, the rules are straightforward, but you still need to meet a few entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay in Romania | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Romania. Schengen border officers rarely enforce the 3-month validity rule for UAE passports, but airlines may still check it. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania or Schengen zone | Immigration at Otopeni Airport (OTP) regularly asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or train ticket out of the Schengen area also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. A simple booking printout or email on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Romania does not have a fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask for bank statements or cash. Have at least €50 per day of stay available — a credit card and a recent bank statement cover this. | Recommended |
Schengen 90/180-day rule applies
Your 90-day visa-free stay in Romania counts toward the Schengen-wide limit. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) in the past 180 days, those days reduce your available days in Romania. Check your travel history before booking.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save photos of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your documents, this makes replacement much easier.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at a Romanian airport or land border
At airports like Otopeni (Bucharest) or Cluj-Napoca, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and supporting documents ready.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible before walking away. This stamp starts your 90-day clock.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Romanian embassy in UAE.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals with a job offer in Romania. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals enrolled in a Romanian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
business visa
Romanian Business Visa (D/AC)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals starting a business or investing in Romania. Requires business plan and minimum investment (varies).
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (D/VF)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals joining a family member who is a Romanian resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Romanian embassy. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 6 months; max stay 90 days per entry. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if you exceed the 90-day visa-free limit; pay at border or immigration office. | €4 (~$4.35 USD) per day, max €800 (~$870 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Romania
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Romanian airports, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsHenri Coandă International Airport (OTP) – Bucharest · Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) · Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)
Health & vaccines for Romania
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water is safe in cities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bucharest
General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
Str. Nicolae Dărăscu nr. 7, Sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents.
Bucharest
Bucharest Immigration Office (Sector 1)
Str. Calea Victoriei nr. 194
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles short-stay issues; appointments recommended.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.59 RON
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water varies significantly by region.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Romania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. You cannot take up paid employment. For work, you need a work visa and permit arranged by your employer.
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Romania (or the Schengen area) after 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines, a ban, or problems with future travel.
If you're connecting flights and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Romania (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), the same visa-free rules apply.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. Some airlines are stricter than immigration, so don't risk it.
For stays under 90 days, no registration is required. If you stay longer (which requires a visa), you'd need to register with the Romanian Immigration Office within 15 days.
The Romanian Leu (RON). Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas but at poor exchange rates. Use ATMs or exchange offices for the best rates. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
Yes, Romania joined the Schengen area in 2024. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts against the Schengen-wide 90/180-day rule. So days spent in France or Germany also count toward your 90-day limit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.