Romania entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Romania in 2026. You must apply for a Romanian visa at the embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Iraqi citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Romanian eVisa at the official portal before departure. Processing takes up to 30 days, so submit well in advance. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Romania. Airlines and border officers check this at check-in and upon arrival. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Romanian law, but some airlines may ask for 3 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Border officers will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your allowed stay. A flight, bus, or train ticket out of Romania or another Schengen country works. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host with their address ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, you need a printed or digital copy. Airbnb bookings are accepted. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash to show you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. Officers may ask if you look short on cash. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Romanian visa processing can take 3-4 weeks or longer. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand. Last-minute applications are risky.
Romania is part of the Schengen area for visa purposes
A Romanian visa allows you to travel to other Schengen countries (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). But you must enter through Romania first if that's your main destination.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, passport photos, return ticket, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statements, and any supporting documents (invitation letter, employment letter, etc.). Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Take your documents to the Romanian embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil. You may need to book an appointment in advance. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under 6). Processing takes 15-30 days.
3
Wait for processing
The embassy may call you for an interview. Do not book flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand. Processing times vary — apply at least 4 weeks before your planned travel.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, validity) are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in Romania
At the airport (usually Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest), go to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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
ValidityUp to 3 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 (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; may require stronger justification.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For employment with a Romanian company. Requires a work permit obtained by employer. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (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 funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (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 depends on duration and discretion of authorities. | €4–€20 per day (approx. $4–$22 USD), max €500 (approx. $545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
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
Iraqi passport holders generally need an airport transit visa to change planes in Romania, 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
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially during spring and summer.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas.
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 (IGI)
Str. Nicolae Dărăscu nr. 7, Sector 1
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian Vuia nr. 201
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa-related issues for Transylvania region.
Practical information for IQ 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Romanian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing typically takes 15 to 30 days. In some cases it can take longer, especially if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply if you use a visa application center.
You apply at the Embassy of Romania in Baghdad (Al-Mansour district) or the Consulate General in Erbil. Check their website for appointment booking and specific requirements.
Yes. You need to provide proof of a booked return or onward flight. This is a standard requirement for the visa application and may also be checked at the border.
Yes. You must have travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. It must be valid for the entire Schengen area and the full duration of your stay.
Generally, no. The visa is issued for a specific period. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from entering the Schengen area. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your visa expires.
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.