As of March 31, 2024, Romania has joined the Schengen Area, bringing significant changes to visa requirements for travelers. If you're planning a trip that includes a stopover in Romania, it's crucial to understand the new visa rules, especially if you come from one of the twelve specified countries. Here's everything you need to know about obtaining a visa to Romania and scheduling your Romania visa appointment.
Travelers from the following twelve countries must now obtain a Schengen Transit Visa before passing through Romania:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
This requirement applies to those who need to make a stopover or transfer from an international flight in Romania on their way to a non-Schengen destination.
If your travel itinerary includes more than one airport in the Schengen Area, you will not be eligible for an airport transit visa. Instead, you must apply for a regular Schengen visa (Type C). This is because flights between two or more Schengen states are considered 'internal' flights, even if they are for transit purposes.
Certain travelers are exempt from the transit visa requirement for Romania. These exemptions include:
- Holders of Schengen Visas or Residence Permits: Travelers who already possess a Schengen short-term visa, long-stay visa, or residence permit issued by another Member State do not need a transit visa for Romania. Their existing documentation allows them to transit through Romania and other Schengen states.
- Holders of Valid Residence Permits from Specific Countries: Nationals with a valid residence permit issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino, or the United States of America, as well as those with valid residence permits for overseas territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, are exempt from needing a transit visa for Romania.
- Flight Crew Members: Nationals of a Contracting Party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation can transit Romania without a designated visa.
To apply for a Romania transit visa, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm if you need a transit visa based on your nationality and travel itinerary.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare your passport, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and any other required documentation.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book a Romania visa appointment at the nearest Romanian consulate or embassy.
- Submit Your Application: Attend your appointment and submit your application along with the necessary documents.
- Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
Understanding the new visa requirements is essential for a smooth travel experience through Romania and the Schengen Area. If you are a national of one of the twelve specified countries, ensure you secure the necessary transit visa before your journey. For assistance with your visa application or to schedule a Romania visa appointment, contact our visa agency today. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of international travel and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements for your trip.
For more information or to begin your visa application process, visit our website or get in touch with one of our visa specialists. Safe travels!
