Romania entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can visit Romania without a visa for 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 be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Romania. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 3 months of your departure date, some airlines may deny boarding — renew it before you travel. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Romania | Immigration officers at Bucharest Otopeni and other entry points routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. This applies even if you're entering via another Schengen country first. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from your host with their address and contact number works. I've been asked for this at Bucharest airport twice in the last year. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Border guards can ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. A bank statement or credit card showing access to around €50 per day is usually enough. They rarely check this for French passport holders, but have it handy. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Romania is part of the Schengen area for air travel since March 2024. Your 90-day visa-free stay is shared across all Schengen countries, so track your days carefully.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines often check this before boarding, and border police will enforce it. Don't risk it.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at Romanian border control
At airports like Otopeni (Bucharest) or Cluj-Napoca, join the 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer may ask your purpose of stay and accommodation details.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is clear and correct before leaving the counter.
4
Keep documents during stay
Carry your passport and a copy of your return ticket while in Romania. Police may ask for ID during random checks.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For longer stays or if visa-free is not suitable. Apply at Romanian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple visits; must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For employment with a Romanian company. Requires a work permit obtained by employer. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized Romanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For remote workers with a contract outside Romania. Must prove monthly income of at least €3,300. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Romania Long-Stay Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient pension or savings. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stays cannot be extended; you must leave and re-enter after 90 days outside Schengen. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayFines vary by duration; maximum cap may apply. Pay at border or immigration office. | ~€4–€10 per day (approx. $4.50–$11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
France passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Romania, as they are visa-free for short stays. However, if you plan to leave the airport transit area, you must meet standard entry requirements.
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. Consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare in tourists but can occur in summer. Use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally 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
Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI)
Strada Nicolae Iorga nr. 25, Sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Cluj-Napoca
Inspectoratul Teritorial pentru Imigrări Cluj
Strada Moților nr. 3
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Serves central Romania. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for FR 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
Getting to Romania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Romania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
French passport holders can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and family visits. The 90-day limit is shared across all Schengen countries.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit from the Romanian immigration office (IGI) before your 90 days expire.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel regardless of transport mode. For land borders, a bus or train ticket out of Romania is acceptable.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or entry by Romanian border police. Renew your passport before travel.
Not officially required for short stays, but strongly recommended. If you need medical care, costs can be high. Many travellers use SafetyWing or similar policies.
Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer. But you cannot take a job with a Romanian company or provide services locally without a work permit.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from Schengen area entry, and deportation. The fine is typically around 500-2000 RON (€100-400) depending on the overstay duration.
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.