Romania entry requirements for Zambia 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
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Romania in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver options for Zambian citizens. Plan ahead: standard processing takes about two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Zambian passport holders need a visa for Romania. Apply through the Romanian eVisa portal at evisa.mae.ro/en. Processing takes up to 30 days — apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date from Romania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Romanian border check for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. A bus, train, or flight ticket to a non-Schengen country works. Budget airlines at Otopeni Airport enforce this strictly. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Romania ready. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your stay. Romanian border police rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply early — no walk-in option
Romanian embassies do not accept walk-in visa applications. Everything goes through the e-Visa portal. Start your application at least 3 weeks before your trip.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa approval email, flight booking, and accommodation confirmation as PDFs on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see them, and having them offline means no stress if Wi-Fi is patchy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-Visa online
Go to the Romanian e-Visa portal (evisa.mae.ro/en). Fill in the application form, upload your passport scan and a recent passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 10–14 days. You'll receive the approved visa by email.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once you have your visa approval, book your flight to Bucharest (OTP) or any Romanian airport, and reserve your first night's accommodation. Keep the confirmation emails and screenshots on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport and go through immigration
At the airport in Romania, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport (with the visa sticker) and your boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof — have them ready. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Romania Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia 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 6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism; must apply at Romanian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires justification for frequent travel.
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 additional documentation.
work visa
Romanian Work Visa (D/AM)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For employment in Romania; requires a job offer and work permit from the employer. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Romanian Student Visa (D/SD)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For enrollment in accredited Romanian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (D/FR)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For family members of Romanian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €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; maximum cap may apply. | €10–€20 per day (approx. $11–$22 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
Zambia passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Romania, even if staying airside. Apply at Romanian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for Bulgaria, Cyprus, or Romania (long-stay) 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, including Zambia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in central and northern Romania; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and forested areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food safety precautions advised; 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 Iorga, nr. 25, sector 1, Bucharest
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents.
Cluj-Napoca
Regional Inspectorate for Immigration Cluj
Str. Traian, nr. 182, Cluj-Napoca
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa-related issues for central Romania.
Practical information for ZM 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. Romania does not offer visa on arrival for Zambian citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel.
Standard processing takes 10–14 days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The standard e-Visa fee is around €80 (about 400 RON). This is subject to change — check the official portal for the current fee.
No. The e-Visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa from your home country.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone is a good idea.
Your visa is tied to your passport. If your passport expires, the visa becomes invalid. Always renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
No. Romania is not yet in the Schengen Area for visa-free travel. You need a separate Romanian visa, even if you hold a valid Schengen visa.
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.