Romania entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Romania visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and 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 your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Romania. No extra 6-month validity is required for Romanian immigration, but your airline might check for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Border officers at Bucharest Otopeni and other Romanian entry points routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Romanian immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. A bank statement or credit card showing access to around €100 per day of your trip usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Romanian border officials check your passport's expiry date against your entry date. If it's less than 6 months away, you will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport well before your trip.
Romania is in the Schengen Area (partially)
Romania joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel in March 2024. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts toward the Schengen 90/180-day limit. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, check your remaining days.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at Romanian border control
At Bucharest Otopeni or any other airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying).
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. Check the stamp is clear and the date is correct before leaving the counter.
4
Keep documents handy during your stay
Carry your passport and a copy of your return ticket with you. Police or immigration may ask to see them at any time.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 (approx. $88 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity, subject to 90/180 rule.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Romanian employer. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For enrollment in accredited Romanian educational institutions. 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 income from outside Romania. Requires proof of employment, minimum income threshold, and health insurance.
retirement visa
Romania Long-Stay Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income or pension. Requires proof of funds and accommodation. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine is €800 (approx. $880 USD). Overstay may also lead to entry ban. | €4 per day (approx. $4.40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 1 year, max 90 days per 180-day period. | €120 (approx. $132 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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Romanian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Romania, visa-free rules apply (90 days).
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, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania. Vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare in tourists but present in summer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient; 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
General Inspectorate for Immigration
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.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj County Immigration Office
Str. Traian Vuia nr. 50
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for Transylvania region.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable for tourism. You must leave after 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen Area.
No. New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa for transit through Romanian airports, as long as you stay in the international transit area and your onward flight is within 24 hours.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Romanian border officials strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, and family visits. Remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated for short stays, but you cannot work for a Romanian company or provide services locally without a work permit.
If you stay in a hotel, the hotel registers you automatically. If you stay in a private residence, you must register with the local immigration office within 3 days of arrival. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
Overstaying is a violation of Romanian immigration law. You may be fined (typically 100-500 RON), banned from re-entering the Schengen Area for up to 5 years, and face deportation. Always track your days carefully.
Not strictly required at the border, but strongly recommended. If you need medical treatment, costs can be high. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
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.