Do you need ETIAS for Romania?
Romania is one of Europe’s most underrated trips: castles and painted monasteries, wild Carpathian mountains and the Danube Delta. Once ETIAS is live, eligible visa-exempt visitors will need an approved authorisation before they travel.
In brief
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Romania at a glance for ETIAS
- Bucharest and the painted monasteries of Bucovina
- Transylvania: Brașov, Sibiu and Bran Castle
- the Carpathian mountains and Transfăgărășan road
- the Danube Delta and the Black Sea coast
- city breaks and road trips
Personalised check
What does ETIAS mean for your Romania trip?
ETIAS will likely apply to your trip
With ETIAS expected to be mandatory for visa-exempt travellers from 2027 onwards, plan to apply through the official EU system before you travel.
- €20
- Fee
- 3 yrs
- Valid
- 90/180
- Stay limit
Guidance only, not an application. Always confirm on the official EU ETIAS website.
Is Romania part of ETIAS?
Yes. Romania is a Schengen country and sits fully inside the ETIAS scheme. The same rules apply across the country, whether you are in Bucharest, exploring Transylvania, driving the Carpathians or heading to the Black Sea coast.
Transylvania, the Carpathians and Danube Delta trips
Romania suits travellers who like to roam: castle routes through Transylvania, a drive over the Transfăgărășan, the painted monasteries of Bucovina or birdwatching in the Danube Delta. All of it sits inside Romania and the wider Schengen area, so one ETIAS covers the trip and there is no separate authorisation as you move between regions. The days still count toward your 90 in any 180.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS for Romania?
Yes, UK passport holders are expected to need ETIAS for Romania once the system becomes mandatory. That covers Bucharest city breaks, Transylvania tours, mountain road trips and the Black Sea coast, as long as each stay sits within 90 days in any 180-day period.
Do US citizens need ETIAS for Romania?
Yes. Americans are visa-exempt for short stays in Romania and will need ETIAS once it becomes mandatory. ETIAS covers tourism and short visits, but it does not replace a Romanian residence permit or work visa for a longer stay.
Do Canadian and Australian citizens need ETIAS for Romania?
Yes, Canadian and Australian passport holders are also expected to need ETIAS for Romania once the system goes live, on the same basis as UK and US travellers.
How long can you stay in Romania on ETIAS?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, with ETIAS itself valid for up to 3 years, or until your passport expires. Time in Romania counts toward the same Schengen total as time in Hungary, Bulgaria or the rest of the area.
When should you apply for ETIAS for Romania?
Once ETIAS launches, apply a few days before you travel to allow for any checks. The official fee is expected to be €20.
EES and the border
Separately from ETIAS, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is already live at external Schengen borders. It records non-EU travellers’ entries and exits with a facial image and fingerprints instead of a passport stamp, and there is nothing to apply for. See EES explained and what to expect from EES delays.
Travelling to Romania? Read by nationality
Get the rules specific to your passport.
Get the ETIAS launch alert for Romania trips
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Common questions
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule?
ETIAS-eligible travellers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. ETIAS does not extend that limit; it only authorises short stays within the existing rules.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.