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1,300 mi away
£1 RON 6.03
Today
1:24 pm
+3h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Romania
Romania
19°
Thunderstorm
Sat
15°
19°
Sun
14°
24°
Mon
13°
27°
Tue
16°
22°
Wed
12°
17°
Thu
10°
20°
Fri
11°
22°
SPF level in Romania
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Romania
What British travellers need to know
You can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visiting, or short business.
Your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before you arrive and an expiry date at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Be prepared for the Entry/Exit System (EES), which may require you to register your biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at the border on your first visit.
You may need to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have enough money for your stay.
Visits to any Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90-day visa-free limit, so ensure your entire trip stays within it.
Good to know:
When leaving Romania with a child aged 17 or under who is a Romanian citizen, you may need to show notarised parental consent if you are not the parent or if the other parent is not travelling.
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Romania, with exceptions like powdered baby milk or special medical foods.
Safety in Romania
Tips when travelling
Romania is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert to petty theft in large towns, especially Bucharest, where thieves use distraction techniques.
There is a risk of drink spiking in bars and clubs, so do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended.
Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties like long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Criminals have copied credit or debit cards in some bars and restaurants, so monitor your cards.
Most taxis in Bucharest should list prices on the vehicle, but drivers sometimes overcharge foreign visitors.
Bonus tips:
Use a hotel safe for valuables where possible and carry a copy of your passport.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Romania, but if you have a paper licence, you may need to update it.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Romania
A UK driving license is valid in Romania. Check latest rules, especially after Brexit.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Romania drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Romania
If you're a UK resident, remember to bring your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). These cards allow you to access state-provided healthcare in Romania at a reduced cost or for free. However, GHIC/EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It's still important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Romania has good standards of health care, particularly in urban areas. However, it is always recommended to seek medical advice before travelling and ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available and preferred by many visitors.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities, tourist areas, and larger establishments. Smaller shops and rural areas may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Romania
Tipping is customary in Romania for good service. While not mandatory, it is a common practice to show appreciation.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
5-10% of the bill or round up
Taxi
5-10% of the fare or round up
Hotel Porter
5-10 RON per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 RON per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU-wide free roaming for UK customers no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Romania, as these can vary significantly. Some providers offer daily or monthly roaming packages. Ensure data roaming is enabled in your phone settings.
Local SIM
10 GB for 40 RON (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Romania
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public spaces, especially in urban areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Romania has a good internet infrastructure. Free WiFi is common, but the quality can vary. Mobile data is also a viable option.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Romania
Country code
+40
To call a Bucharest number (021 XXX XXXX) from the UK, you would dial 00 40 21 XXX XXXX.
When calling Romania from abroad, dial the exit code of your country, followed by the Romanian country code (40), then the area code (without the leading zero) and the local number.
Languages in Romania
UK Embassy
British Embassy Bucharest
Strada Jules Michelet 24, Sector 1, Bucharest, 010463, Romania
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The guidance to take no action before arriving at the border now specifically applies only when you enter the Schengen area.
- Be prepared for EES to take extra time at the border both when you arrive and when you depart the Schengen area.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The reminder to get passport stamped on entry and exit (until EES is rolled out) has been removed.
- The advice to show entry/exit evidence and ask for missing stamps is also removed.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- An exemption for long-term residents of Schengen countries from the EES has been added.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Passport validity
- Passports issued before 1 Oct 2018 might be invalid for entry to the Schengen area.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- EES is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
- EES is replacing the previous manual passport stamping system for short stays.
Airports in Romania
Beaches in Romania
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can travel to Romania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. For longer stays or other purposes of travel (work, study), you may need to apply for a visa.
Driving conditions in Romania can be challenging, especially outside of major cities. Roads may be poorly maintained, and traffic can be unpredictable. It's crucial to drive defensively and be aware of pedestrians and animals on the road. Ensure you have valid insurance and a UK driving license.
The best time to visit Romania is during the shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October. The weather is generally pleasant, and tourist crowds are smaller than in the peak summer months. Summer (June-August) can be hot, especially in the cities. Winter (November-March) can be cold, with snow in the mountains, making it ideal for skiing.
Be aware of potential scams such as rigged taxi meters, overcharging in bars and restaurants, and fake beggars or street vendors. Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi, check your bill carefully, and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering assistance. Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.
The currency used in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas.
There is no strict dress code in Romania. Casual wear is acceptable for most situations. When visiting religious sites, such as churches and monasteries, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. For evenings out in cities like Bucharest, smart casual attire is appropriate.
Romanian cuisine is hearty and flavorful. Be sure to try dishes like Sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice), Mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and Mamaliga (polenta). For dessert, try traditional pastries like Cozonac. Local wines and beers are also worth sampling.
While tap water in Romania is generally considered safe to drink, many locals and tourists prefer bottled water, which is readily available for purchase. If you are concerned about the water quality, stick to bottled water, especially in rural areas.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.