Romania Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

British nationals may enter and stay in Romania without a visa, for visits such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, or short-term studies, so long as the stay does not exceed 90 days within any rolling 180‑day period.

Romania Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Short stays (up to 90 days in any 180‑day period)

No visa is required for short visits (tourism, business, visiting family, cultural/sports events, training, etc.) as long as the total stay doesn’t exceed 90 days within a 180-day window
Passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Romania or the wider Schengen area
At border control, you may be asked to show a return/onward ticket, proof of funds, and accommodation details

Long stays (> 90 days in 180 days)

British citizens require a long-stay (D‑type) visa for stays beyond 90 days within any 180-day period. This allows you to enter Romania and then apply for a residence permit.

Romania & the Schengen Area

As of March 31, 2024, Romania is officially part of the Schengen Area for air and sea travel. Full land‑border controls with Hungary and Bulgaria remain during a transition period
This means that visits to Romania count towards your 90-day Schengen limit. If you’ve recently been in other Schengen countries, those days count against your allowance

New EU Rules: ETIAS & Entry/Exit System (EES)

ETIAS

From mid‑2025 onward, UK citizens will likely need a €7 online pre‑travel authorisation via ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for short stays in Romania and other Schengen countries
The fee applies to travellers aged 18‑70 and the authorisation is typically valid for 3 years or until passport expiry
Note: Some sources project ETIAS won’t be mandatory until late 2026 .

Entry/Exit System (EES)

Starting from October 2025 (with phased rollout potentially into 2026), the EES system will begin collecting biometric data (fingerprints, face) on non-EU entrants, including UK citizens
After EES is implemented, UK nationals may be able to use e‑gates at some EU airports, but manual passport stamping may still be required until national policies adapt

Summary Table

Purpose of Visit	Short stay (≤90 days / 180 days)	Long stay (>90 days / 180 days)
Tourism, visiting, short business trips	No visa required (under ETIAS once active)	Requires D‑type long-stay visa + residence permit
Passport validity	Issued ≤ 10 years ago, valid ≥ 3 months after departure	Same
Documentation at entry	Passport stamps, onward ticket, funds, accommodation proof	As above + visa/residence documents
ETIAS required? (dependent on launch)	Yes, from mid‑2025 (possibly delayed to 2026)	Only if applying within first 90 days via visa waiver
EES biometric enrolment	Yes, from October 2025 onward	Applies upon entry

Additional Notes

If you’re arriving via land or river borders (e.g. with Hungary or Bulgaria), passport checks still apply even after Schengen membership, and stamping may continue during transitional arrangements
British nationals covered by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (i.e. UK citizens residing in Romania before 31 December 2020) may have special rights and exemptions from some rules

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Romania?

No, British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Romania for short stays

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Romania Visa?

As a British citizen holding a British passport, here’s what you need to know about whether you’ll need a visa to enter Romania and, if so, how long it takes to get one

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Romania

Moving to Romania as a British citizen offers a unique opportunity to experience life in one of Eastern Europe’s most culturally rich and naturally beautiful countries. From the medieval castles of Transylvania to the buzzing energy of Bucharest, Romania blends old-world charm with a rapidly developing modern infrastructure.

Romania boasts a distinct blend of Eastern European traditions and Latin influences. The pace of life varies greatly depending on where you settle. In cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, life is fast-paced and full of innovation. These urban centers host a wide range of tech companies, art scenes, and international cuisine. In contrast, rural Romania offers a slower, more traditional lifestyle, with farming, folklore, and community values deeply ingrained in daily life.

Romanians are known for their hospitality and warmth. It’s common to be invited to a neighbor’s home for a meal or a drink, and family ties are strong. English is widely spoken among younger generations and in urban areas, which makes settling in much easier for British expats.

One of the major draws for expats moving to Romania is the relatively low cost of living compared to the UK. Rent, groceries, transportation, and entertainment are all generally more affordable. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Bucharest is considerably cheaper than a similar space in London or Manchester. Dining out is also inexpensive, and a night out can cost a fraction of what you might pay in the UK.

Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are reasonably priced and widely accessible. Mobile phone services are cheap and high quality, with Romania often ranking among the top countries in the EU for internet speed and coverage.

The Romanian property market is varied and offers plenty of options for both renting and buying. In the cities, you’ll find everything from sleek modern apartments to historic buildings with intricate architecture. Outside the urban areas, houses with gardens or even farmland are commonly available, often at surprisingly low prices.

It’s relatively easy to find accommodation through local real estate websites or agencies. Many British expats opt to rent first while getting a feel for the area before considering buying property. If you’re into restoration projects or country living, Romania’s countryside is full of charming older homes waiting to be refurbished.

Romania offers a public healthcare system as well as a growing private healthcare sector. While public healthcare can sometimes suffer from underfunding and long wait times, the private system is expanding and provides excellent care at affordable prices. Many expats choose to use private clinics and hospitals for routine check-ups and more complex treatments.

Medical professionals in Romania are well-trained, and many speak English, especially in private facilities. Pharmacies are widespread and typically well-stocked with both local and international medications.

For families moving with children, Romania has a number of international schools, particularly in Bucharest and other major cities. These institutions offer British or international curricula and are popular among expat families. Local public schools are free but taught in Romanian, so they may not be the first choice for English-speaking children unless they’re committed to long-term integration.

Higher education in Romania is also an option. Universities in cities like Cluj-Napoca and Iași have begun attracting international students, offering programs in English in fields such as medicine, engineering, and computer science.

Employment and Business Opportunities

Romania’s economy has been growing steadily over the past decade, and there’s a burgeoning tech and start-up scene. For British citizens with skills in IT, engineering, education, or business development, Romania can be an appealing destination. English teachers are in high demand, especially in private schools or language centers.

Entrepreneurial opportunities also abound, especially in industries like tourism, agriculture, and hospitality. Starting a small business in Romania can be quite feasible thanks to lower operating costs and an expanding consumer market.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Romania’s public transportation system is comprehensive and affordable. In major cities, metro, tram, and bus systems are well-established. Intercity travel is also straightforward, with reliable train and coach services connecting most parts of the country.

Driving in Romania is relatively easy for British citizens, though road conditions can vary—motorways are improving, but rural roads may still be bumpy or narrow. Cars are affordable, and fuel prices are lower than in the UK.

Climate and Environment

Romania enjoys four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the mountainous regions, while summers are warm and sunny. The country’s diverse geography—from the Carpathian Mountains to the Danube Delta—makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Air quality in cities can vary, but overall, Romania offers plenty of green spaces and protected natural areas. National parks and hiking trails are easily accessible, offering excellent opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Social Life and Community

British expats living in Romania often form tight-knit communities, particularly in cities. There are English-speaking social groups, clubs, and meetups, making it easier to build a new social circle. Romanians generally appreciate foreigners who make an effort to learn the language and customs, which can help foster deeper friendships.

The local food scene is another cultural highlight—Romanian cuisine includes a mix of hearty stews, grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious pastries. British expats often find the culinary experience both familiar and refreshingly different.

Conclusion

Romania is an underrated gem for British citizens seeking a new place to call home. It offers a balanced lifestyle, low costs, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re looking for career advancement, peaceful retirement, or an adventure abroad, Romania provides a welcoming and enriching environment to build a new chapter of life