Romania entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Romania. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead: standard processing takes 10–15 business days, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Romania eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Romanian visa through the official eVisa portal at evisa.mae.ro/en. Processing takes 5–10 business days for most nationalities. You need a scanned passport bio page, a digital photo, and supporting documents for your travel purpose.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Romania. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Romanian border officers ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket leaving the Schengen zone. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country works. Budget airlines at Otopeni Airport check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation covering your entire stay or a letter of invitation from your Romanian host. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your stay. Border officers rarely check this for short visits, but they can ask. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Ethiopian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or a visa waiver for Romania. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Plan for at least 3–4 weeks lead time.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in Romania, not from the day you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to https://evisa.mae.ro/en, create an account, fill in the application form, upload your passport scan and supporting documents, and pay the fee. Processing takes 10–15 business days. You'll receive the visa by email.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Print or save to your phone: the visa approval email, your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Keep them in a folder or a dedicated phone album.
3
Arrive at a Romanian airport or land border
At immigration, hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the immigration check, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then go through customs. There's usually nothing to declare unless you're carrying large amounts of cash or restricted goods.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires appointment at Romanian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90+ days, up to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (Long Stay D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For employment in Romania. Requires a job offer and work permit approval from the Romanian Immigration Office.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (Long Stay D/SD)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Romanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (Long Stay D/VF)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For family members of Romanian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sponsor's legal status.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €500 (approx. $545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders generally require a transit visa to pass through Romania en route to a third country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, or Romania may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsHenri Coandă International Airport (OTP) – Bucharest · Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) · Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)
Health & vaccines for Romania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Ethiopia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially during spring and summer.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites; seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended.
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
Str. Nicolae Iorga nr. 25, sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian nr. 34
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles local visa and residence matters.
Practical information for ET 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you're an Ethiopian passport holder and you plan to leave the airport transit area, you need a visa. If you're just connecting flights and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally don't need a visa. Check with your airline to confirm.
Standard processing is 10–15 business days. In busy periods it can take longer, so apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip. You'll receive the visa by email.
The standard fee is around €80 for a short-stay visa (up to 90 days). Fees can change, so check the official evisa.mae.ro site for the current amount.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines, a ban, or trouble entering the Schengen area later.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your planned entry date into Romania.
Yes, it's common for immigration officers to ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Romania is not yet in the Schengen area for land borders, but it does accept Schengen visas for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). If you have a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Romania without a separate Romanian visa. Check the latest rules before traveling.
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.