Romania entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can enter Romania without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Romania | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the whole time you plan to be in Romania. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Romanian law, but airlines sometimes enforce a 3-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania or Schengen area | Border officers at Otopeni and other Romanian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation email or a signed letter from a friend in Romania with their address works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers rarely ask Swiss travellers for bank statements, but carry a credit card or cash equivalent to roughly €50 per day of your stay just in case. | Recommended |
90-day limit is a rolling window
The 90 days in any 180-day period is calculated backwards from each day you're in Romania. Use the EU's short-stay calculator online to track your days — overstaying can lead to fines or a re-entry ban.
No visa needed for short trips
Swiss passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Romania for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business meetings, family visits, and short-term study (under 90 days). Just bring your valid passport and proof of onward travel.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Arrange travel insurance and a local eSIM if you want data on arrival.
2
Arrive at Romanian border control
At airports like Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) or Cluj-Napoca, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. You may be asked for your return ticket or accommodation — have them accessible on your phone.
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. Answer briefly and honestly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date. That stamp marks the start of your 90-day allowance.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare. You're now free to enter Romania.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays beyond the visa-free period; apply at Romanian embassy in Switzerland.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€120 (approx. $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 (approx. $130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For employment with a Romanian company. Requires a work permit obtained by the employer. Allows long-term residence and access to healthcare.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Romanian university or accredited institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Romania. Requires proof of monthly income at least €3,300 (approx. $3,600 USD). No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Romania Long-Stay Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient pension or savings (minimum €2,000/month). Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Allows permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not used. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 1 year, max stay 90 days per 180-day period. | €120 (approx. $130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs fines; avoid by tracking your stay. | €4 (approx. $4.35 USD) per day, max €400 (approx. $435 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay30%
No return or onward 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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Romanian airports, as Romania is part of the Schengen area for air travel.
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, especially in central and northern Romania; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water is safe in major cities but bottled water recommended in rural areas.
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 6
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Moților nr. 3
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in Transylvania; appointments recommended.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP.
Money
CurrencyRomanian Leu (RON)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.47 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Swiss citizens can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or family visits. The 180-day window is a rolling period — count back from any day to check you haven't exceeded 90 days.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family reunification) at the Romanian embassy in Switzerland before you travel.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight, bus, or train ticket showing you'll leave before your 90 days are up is sufficient. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
No, it's not required for entry. However, it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Romania can be high for uninsured visitors — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of euros per day. A basic travel insurance policy covers this.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Romanian border police. Always check your passport's expiry date before booking. If it's less than 6 months from your planned entry, renew it first.
Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer without a visa. But you cannot work for a Romanian company or provide services locally. If you plan to work for a Romanian employer, you need a work visa.
If you stay more than 15 days, you must register with the local immigration office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) within 15 days of arrival. Hotels usually handle this for you. If staying in private accommodation, you need to do it yourself. The process is free and takes about 30 minutes.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.