Romania Tourist Visa Guide for Indians 2026

Indian citizens need a visa to visit Romania, as there is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. Romania has been a full member of the Schengen Area since January 1, 2025, which means the standard Schengen visa rules apply:

1. Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C, Short Stay) — The most common visa for Indian tourists visiting Romania. It allows you to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries. This visa can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, depending on your travel history and the discretion of the consular officer. A Romania-issued Schengen visa also allows travel to other Schengen countries.

2. Schengen Business Visa (Type C) — For Indian professionals attending conferences, meetings, or trade fairs in Romania. Requires an invitation letter from a Romanian company or organisation.

3. Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A) — Required for Indian citizens transiting through a Romanian airport to a non-Schengen destination if you need to exit the international transit area. Most airside transits that do not leave the airport do not require this visa.

4. National Visa (Type D, Long Stay) — For stays exceeding 90 days, including work, study, family reunification, or digital nomad purposes. Requires a separate application and sponsorship from a Romanian entity.

5. E-Visa (Online Application) — Romania offers an online e-visa portal at evisa.mae.ro for certain visa categories. Processing takes 1-6 working days. You may still need to visit the embassy or a VFS centre for biometric collection if you have not provided Schengen biometrics in the last 5 years.

Important Schengen Rules:

·        90/180 Rule: You can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined

·        Main Destination Rule: Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time. If spending equal time, apply at the embassy of first entry

·        Romania's rejection rate is relatively low — approximately 9-10% overall, with an 88% approval rate for Indian applicants

The Romania Schengen tourist visa is available to Indian citizens who meet the following criteria:

Basic Eligibility:

·        Indian passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen area

·        Passport issued within the last 10 years

·        At least two blank pages for visa stamps

·        Clear intention to return to India (strong ties to home country)

·        Sufficient funds to cover the entire stay (minimum €50-€100 per day recommended)

·        Valid travel insurance covering the entire Schengen area with minimum coverage of €30,000

·        No prior immigration violations or overstays in Schengen countries

Financial Eligibility:

·        Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing consistent balance and salary credits

·        Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 assessment years

·        Sufficient balance to cover the trip — approximately ₹1,00,000-₹1,50,000 for a 10-15 day trip

·        India-based employment, business, or property ownership demonstrating strong ties

Ineligibility Factors:

·        Passport with less than 3 months validity beyond the return date

·        Passport older than 10 years

·        Previous visa refusal or deportation from any Schengen country

·        Criminal record or pending legal proceedings

·        Insufficient or inconsistent financial documentation

·        Unclear travel itinerary or purpose of visit

·        Previous overstay in any Schengen country

Romania follows the standard Schengen short-stay visa document checklist:

Core Documents:

·        Original Indian passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date, with at least 2 blank pages, and issued within the last 10 years

·        Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (available on VFS Global website or evisa.mae.ro)

·        Two recent passport-size photographs (35mm × 45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)

·        Cover letter addressed to the Embassy of Romania explaining the purpose, duration, and detailed itinerary of your trip

·        Confirmed round-trip flight reservation (flight itinerary with PNR — do not purchase final tickets before visa approval)

·        Hotel booking confirmation for the entire stay in Romania

·        Travel insurance valid across the entire Schengen area with minimum coverage of €30,000 (medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation)

Financial Documents:

·        Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, stamped and signed by the bank

·        Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 assessment years

·        Salary slips for the last 3 months (for employed applicants)

·        Proof of other assets (fixed deposits, property documents, investments)

Employment Documents:

·        For employed applicants: NOC (No Objection Certificate) from employer on company letterhead, leave approval letter, employment contract

·        For self-employed applicants: Business registration certificate, GST registration, business bank statements

·        For students: College ID, leave letter from institution, NOC from parents or sponsor

·        For retired applicants: Pension statements, proof of retirement

Additional Documents:

·        For sponsored trips: sponsor's bank statements, sponsorship letter, sponsor's passport copy

·        For minors: birth certificate, both parents' passports, consent letter from non-travelling parent (notarised)

·        Previous passports with Schengen visas (if applicable)

Official Schengen Visa Fees (2026):

Additional Charges:

Total Estimated Cost Per Adult Applicant: ₹10,500–₹12,500

Payment Methods:

·        Visa fee: Paid in INR at the VFS centre or embassy on the day of appointment

·        VFS service fee: Prepaid online during appointment booking via debit/credit card

·        E-visa: Online payment through evisa.mae.ro

·        All fees are non-refundable regardless of the visa outcome

Fee Exemptions:

·        Children under 6 years (consular fee only, VFS fee still applies)

·        Certain categories of students, researchers, and NGO representatives

Romania visa applications can be submitted through the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi, VFS Global centres across India, or the online e-visa portal.

Step 1: Determine Your Application Method

·        In-person at the Romanian Embassy, New Delhi (by appointment only)

·        Through VFS Global centres (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad)

·        Online through the e-visa portal at evisa.mae.ro (1-6 working days)

Step 2: Prepare Documents (1-2 weeks before appointment)

·        Gather all required documents in original and photocopy

·        Complete the Schengen visa application form online

·        Print and sign the completed form

·        Arrange documents in the order specified in the Schengen checklist

Begin gathering all documents at least two weeks before your appointment to avoid last-minute issues.

Step 3: Book an Appointment

·        Embassy of Romania, New Delhi: Book online at newdelhi.mae.ro — visa section hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

·        VFS Global: Visit visa.vfsglobal.com, select Romania, choose your nearest centre, and book an available slot

·        Book at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date during peak seasons

Step 4: Attend the Appointment (In-Person, Mandatory)

·        Visit the embassy or VFS centre on the scheduled date and time

·        Submit all original documents along with photocopies

·        Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph)

·        Pay the consular visa fee

·        Collect the acknowledgment receipt with a tracking reference number

Step 5: Track Your Application

·        Use the tracking reference number on the VFS Global website or embassy portal

·        Application status updates: Submitted → Under Process → Decision Made → Dispatched

·        Standard processing: 15 calendar days

Step 6: Collect Your Passport

·        Passport will be available for collection at the VFS centre or embassy

·        Alternatively, opt for courier delivery (additional fee applies)

·        Check the visa sticker for accuracy: name spellings, validity dates, number of entries

E-Visa Alternative (evisa.mae.ro):

·        Complete the online application form

·        Upload scanned documents

·        Pay the fee online

·        Processing: 1-6 working days (typically 1-3 days)

·        You may still need in-person biometrics if not provided in the last 5 years

·        Receive the approved e-visa via email — print and carry it upon arrival

Processing Notes:

·        Processing starts only after the application reaches the Embassy from VFS

·        Weekends and public holidays (Indian and Romanian) are not counted as processing days

·        The minimum processing time is 15 calendar days for Schengen applications

·        Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date

·        Peak application periods: June–August (summer travel) and December (Christmas holidays)

·        Biometrics taken are valid for 59 months for future Schengen applications for 5 years

·        Expedited processing (3-5 working days) may be available for urgent cases like medical emergencies — contact the Embassy directly with documentary evidence

Common Causes of Delays:

·        Incomplete or incorrectly filled application forms

·        Missing or unstamped bank statements

·        Inconsistent travel itinerary or hotel bookings

·        Insufficient travel insurance coverage

·        Additional document verification requests from the consulate

·        High application volumes during peak season

Romania does not specify an official minimum bank balance, but Schengen guidelines generally recommend approximately €50-€100 per person per day of stay.

Recommended Minimum Funds:

Daily Expense Guidelines:

·        Accommodation: €30–€70 per night (budget) / €70–€150 (mid-range)

·        Food and drink: €20–€40 per day

·        Local transport: €10–€20 per day

·        Sightseeing and activities: €15–€30 per day

Financial Documentation Tips:

·        Show consistent salary credits and a stable balance over 3-6 months

·        Avoid sudden large deposits — they raise questions about the source of funds

·        ITR filings for 2-3 years demonstrate long-term financial stability

·        A cover letter explaining your financial situation helps if you have irregular income

·        Supplementary documents (FD certificates, property papers, investments) strengthen your case

Trip Cost Estimator for a 10-Day Romania Trip:

Romania is Europe's best-kept secret — a land where medieval legends come alive and nature remains untamed. Bucharest, the capital, surprises visitors with its wide boulevards, Belle Époque architecture, and the colossal Palace of the Parliament — the heaviest building in the world. But the true magic lies beyond the capital. Transylvania is a region straight out of a Gothic novel — Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), the medieval citadel of Sighișoara (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the charming Saxon town of Brașov, with its Black Church and Council Square. For more Central European inspiration, see our Greece tourist visa guide and our Austria tourist visa guide.

The Carpathian Mountains offer some of the best hiking and wildlife-watching in Europe — Romania is home to Europe's largest population of brown bears, wolves, and lynxes. The painted monasteries of Bucovina, with their vibrant exterior frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, are a UNESCO treasure unlike any other. The Danube Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. And the Black Sea coast, with resorts like Mamaia and Constanța, offers summer sun and seaside relaxation. Romanian cuisine — hearty soups like ciorbă, grilled mititei (skinless sausages), and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) — is a delicious discovery for Indian food lovers.

Indian travellers are drawn to Romania for its affordability, authenticity, and surprising warmth. Unlike Western European destinations that can strain the budget, Romania offers exceptional value — meals at local restaurants cost a fraction of Paris or London prices, and accommodation is remarkably affordable even in city centres.

The Dracula legend is a huge attraction. Bran Castle, while historically linked more to Queen Marie than Vlad the Impaler, delivers the Gothic castle experience everyone dreams of. The medieval festivals in Sighișoara and Brașov, complete with costumed performers, traditional music, and local crafts, are unforgettable. Nature lovers are amazed by the Carpathian hiking trails, the bear-watching hides in the Zărnești area, and the stunning Transfăgărășan Highway — dubbed "the best road in the world" by Top Gear. Indian tourists also appreciate that many Romanians speak English, especially the younger generation, making travel easy. Vegetarian options are increasingly available, and Indian restaurants can be found in Bucharest and major cities. The Romanian people are famously hospitable, and travellers often leave with stories of kindness from strangers.

Mistake 1: Applying at the Wrong Embassy — If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time. If spending equal time, apply at the embassy of first entry.

Mistake 2: Booking Non-Refundable Flights Before Visa Approval — Submit a flight itinerary or reservation with a PNR, not a fully paid non-refundable ticket. If your visa is rejected, you lose the ticket cost.

Mistake 3: Insufficient Travel Insurance — Your insurance must cover the entire Schengen area with a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage. Many applicants purchase policies that do not meet Schengen requirements.

Mistake 4: Stamped Bank Statements — Bank statements must be stamped and signed by a bank officer. Online printouts without a bank stamp are not accepted.

Mistake 5: Inconsistent Itinerary — Your flight dates, hotel bookings, and travel itinerary must be perfectly aligned. Discrepancies are a leading cause of visa rejection.

Mistake 6: Applying Too Late — Apply at least 4-6 weeks before departure. During peak months (June-August), processing can take 30-45 days.

There are no direct flights from India to Romania. The most convenient connecting options are:

Airlines Operating to Bucharest from India:

·        Turkish Airlines: Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore to Bucharest via Istanbul

·        Lufthansa: Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore to Bucharest via Frankfurt/Munich

·        Qatar Airways: Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore to Bucharest via Doha

·        Emirates: Delhi/Mumbai to Bucharest via Dubai

·        Etihad Airways: Delhi/Mumbai to Bucharest via Abu Dhabi

·        Air France: Delhi/Mumbai to Bucharest via Paris

·        KLM: Delhi/Mumbai to Bucharest via Amsterdam

·        Austrian Airlines: Delhi to Bucharest via Vienna

Approximate Round-Trip Fares (Economy, Advance Booking):

·        Delhi to Bucharest: ₹40,000–₹65,000

·        Mumbai to Bucharest: ₹42,000–₹70,000

·        Bangalore to Bucharest: ₹45,000–₹75,000

·        Peak season (June–August, December–January): add ₹15,000–₹25,000

Flight Duration: 9-15 hours depending on the layover

Major Romanian Airports:

·        Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), Bucharest — main international gateway

·        Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) — best for Transylvania

·        Iași International Airport (IAS) — for northeastern Romania

·        Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR) — for western Romania

Pro Tip: Book flights 8-12 weeks in advance for the best prices. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul often offers the most competitive fares from India.

7-Day Transylvania Explorer (Schengen Visa — Delhi via Istanbul to Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj):

·        Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest — explore the Old Town (Lipscani), Romanian Athenaeum, and Revolution Square

·        Day 2: Bucharest — Palace of the Parliament, National Museum of Art, Herăstrău Park

·        Day 3: Train to Brașov (2.5 hours) — explore Council Square, Black Church, hike up Tampa Mountain

·        Day 4: Day trip to Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) and Râșnov Fortress

Romania offers Indian travellers an authentic European adventure without the crowds — medieval Transylvanian castles, the stunning Carpathian Mountains, the painted monasteries of Bucovina, and the vibrant energy of Bucharest. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa at €80 (~₹7,280) plus service fees, with 15 calendar days processing. Apply through VFS Global or the Romanian Embassy with complete documentation, a clear itinerary, and strong financial proof. From Dracula's castle to the Danube Delta, Romania is waiting to be discovered.

Editor's Note: This guide was last verified on 28 July 2026 using information from the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi (newdelhi.mae.ro), the Romanian e-visa portal (evisa.mae.ro), VFS Global Romania, the European Commission Schengen portal (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu), and current mid-market exchange rates from Wise. Visa fees, processing times, and entry requirements can change without notice. Romania has been a full Schengen Area member since January 1, 2025. Always confirm current requirements with official sources before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.