23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to the hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
Do not travel to Romania due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching happen, usually:
Organised groups of thieves target travellers. These groups may include children.
Thefts from hotel rooms are common.
Thefts and assaults take place on intercity trains.
Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Centrul Vechi (the old town in Bucharest).
To protect yourself from crime:
More information:
Sometimes thieves pretend to be police officers and ask for ID and wallets.
Romanian police won't stop you at random to ask for your ID or wallet. However, they may conduct checks if you don't comply with local laws.
If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer:
Financial scams, including credit card and ATM fraud, are common.
Internet fraud, including dating and marriage scams, also occur in Romania.
To reduce your risk of card theft and scams:
More information:
Protests occur in Bucharest and other major cities.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
They may also disrupt services, traffic and public transport.
To stay safe:
More information:
While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Romania, they can still happen.
In recent years, terrorists have attacked several European cities.
European security services have also disrupted several planned attacks.
To protect yourself:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes operators of adventure activities.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Serious earthquakes are rare, but earth tremors are common.
Flooding is common in the autumn and winter months from September to March.
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Romania. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Romania. The public health system is already under significant strain. Monitor the media for latest information and follow the advice of local authorities.
For information on Romania's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health website. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information
Rabies is widespread. Feral dogs roam city streets, often in packs. Dog attacks are common.
Ask your travel doctor about getting the rabies vaccine before you travel.
If a dog or other animal scratches or bites you, get medical treatment immediately.
More information:
Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk, especially if you travel through forests and rural areas.
Ticks are active in spring from March to June and autumn from September to December.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease spread by mosquitoes. There's no vaccine to prevent it.
Romanian Health Ministry has confirmed cases of West Nile virus in:
To protect yourself from disease:
An outbreak of measles has spread across Romania in recent years.
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To reduce your risk of illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhea.
More information:
Medical facilities in Romania are below Australian standards.
Some medical supplies are limited, particularly outside major cities.
Treatment can be expensive, and doctors often require payment up-front.
Romania has 3 decompression chambers. All are in the port city of Constanta on the Black Sea coast.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include prison sentences of up to 20 years.
More information:
Always carry photo ID.
Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy.
In Romania, it's illegal to:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are legal. However, they're not widely accepted in Romanian society.
Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
You don't need a visa if you're a tourist staying for less than 90 days.
For other kinds of travel, you need a visa.
Romania isn't part of the Schengen area, but it's working towards becoming a member.
Entry and exit conditions may change if Romania becomes part of the Schengen area. Contact an Embassy or Consulate of Romania for details about visas, customs and quarantine rules.
Romanian authorities have declared a State of Alert due to COVID−19. If you're in Romania and wish to return to Australia, we continue to encourage you to make plans to return. But be prepared for delays and disruptions.
International railway, road transport and some international flights have resumed. Citizens of non-EU countries can now enter Romania.
If you travel to Romania, depending on your country of departure, you may be subject to quarantine for up to 14 days at home unless you present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken up to 72 hours before travelling, a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery from COVID-19. The EU Digital COVID-19 Health Certificate can be used as proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Check the status of your departure country on the Romanian National Institute of Public Health website (Romanian only). Contact the nearest Romanian Embassy for advice. Children under three years of age, people with at least 10 days from the second dose of the vaccine, diplomats and people in transit are exempt.
Non-compliance with quarantine procedures may result in prosecution and heavy fines. Infringements are being pursued with fines up to €1000 and possible criminal charges. Check with the nearest Romanian Embassy for information on arrival requirements relating to your country of departure.
Australian citizens permanently residing in Romania who have already been vaccinated locally will be able to obtain an EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health through Certificat COVID (gov.ro).
You can complete the form in English with the details you provided to the authorities upon registration for the COVID-19 vaccine. The authenticity of the certificate will be guaranteed by a QR code. This QR code can be scanned at the customs crossing point, and the certificate can be presented digitally on your phone or in hard copy.
Local authorities have eased the COVID-19 restriction measures, however these can be changed at short notice.
If you're staying in Romania:
Special entry rules apply to children aged under 18 years, including Australian-Romanian dual nationals.
The child must be accompanied by an adult and will need their own passport.
If you're a parent or guardian travelling alone with a child, you must carry a legal permission document signed by the non-travelling parent.
If this isn't possible, you'll need:
The documents must be translated into Romanian.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON).
Romania is a member of the European Union (EU).
Declare cash over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Romania and any non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
If you don't declare, or you give incorrect information, you'll need to pay a fine.
You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.
Romania is largely a cash economy. However, credit card and debit card use is increasing.
It's illegal to change money on the streets. Exchange money at banks, large hotels or exchange bureaus.
If you have a disability, you may encounter limited accessibility in some parts of Romania.
Public transport and building accessibility is better:
To drive in Romania, you'll need both:
Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.
If you stay longer than 185 days, you can apply for a Romanian driver’s licence. Do this through the General Directorate for Driving Licences and Car Registration.
More information:
Major city streets and inter-city highways are generally in good condition.
Most other roads are poorly maintained, badly lit and narrow.
Additional driving hazards include:
If you need emergency roadside help, call 9271.
More information:
Learn Romanian traffic laws before you drive. Be aware that:
If you drink and drive, you may:
If you're involved in an accident, you must take a breathalyser test. Refusing to take this test is a crime.
Police strictly enforce traffic laws. They conduct frequent checks, including radar speed checks. If you're caught, you may lose your licence and have to pay a fine.
You need a road toll sticker (Rovinieta) to use national roads. Buy one online or from petrol stations and border points. Driving without a sticker may lead to a fine.
Road travel can be dangerous when roads are wet or covered with ice and snow.
Winter tyres are mandatory on snow-covered roads. Roads become snow-covered most often from November to March.
In extreme weather conditions:
Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you if you plan to hire a car or other vehicle.
Also ask if any restrictions apply. Your cover may only be valid if you're licensed for that vehicle type in Australia.
More information:
Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Authorised taxis are generally safe and reliable.
At airports, you can find them in ranks outside the arrivals terminal.
These vehicles:
To avoid overcharging and other problems:
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Romania's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to the hospital.
For non-urgent enquiries about COVID-19, call 0800 800 358.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
English-speaking operators are available.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has a consulate in Bucharest, headed by an Honorary Consul.
The consulate provides limited consular services and doesn't issue passports.
Honorary Consul
The Group
3 Praga St, District 1
Bucharest 011801
Romania
Phone: (+4 037) 406 0845 or (+4 021) 206 2200
Fax: (+4 031) 107 1378
Email: office@australianconsulate.ro
You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Athens.
5 Hatziyianni Mexi Street, Level 2
Athens 115 28, Greece
Phone: +30 210 870 4000
Fax: +30 210 870 4111
Website: greece.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Greece
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.