Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Romania is generally a safe EU country to visit. Watch for pickpockets and overcharging taxis in Bucharest and busy tourist areas.
- Overall risk
- Low; a generally safe destination for tourists
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing and taxi overcharging in cities
- Emergency number
- 112 (all services)
- Romania is an EU member with a stable tourism sector, including Bucharest and Transylvania (Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Bran Castle). Exercise normal precautions and stay alert around stations and crowded sites.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are few no-go areas for tourists. Use normal caution around stations at night, and be aware of brown bears in the Carpathian Mountains.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- At night
- Some station areas warrant extra care
- Mountains
- Brown bears may appear in the Carpathians
- Petty crime can occur near stations and in poorly lit areas after dark. In the Carpathians, do not feed or approach bears; store food securely and keep your distance if one appears.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The main hazard is earthquakes from the Vrancea seismic zone, which can affect Bucharest. Heavy winter snow and occasional flooding also occur.
- Earthquakes
- Vrancea zone; Bucharest carries some seismic risk
- Winter
- Heavy snow can disrupt transport
- Flooding
- Occasional river flooding in spring
- Romania sits in a seismically active region. Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety, especially in Bucharest. In winter, prepare for snow and ice; monitor local warnings during heavy rain.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare is good in cities but limited in rural areas. Tap water is generally safe in cities; consider tick-borne encephalitis in forests and mountains.
- Healthcare
- Good in cities, limited in the countryside
- Tap water
- Generally safe in cities; bottled water if unsure
- EU cover
- EHIC/GHIC may help EU/UK visitors
- Carry a valid EHIC/GHIC where applicable and travel insurance. Tick-borne encephalitis and rabies (stray dogs, wildlife) can be a concern in rural and forested areas; take standard precautions.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Watch for unlicensed airport/station taxis, ATM skimming, currency exchange tricks and fake police. Use licensed metered taxis or ride apps like Bolt.
- Taxis
- Use metered licensed taxis or Bolt; avoid touts
- ATMs
- Use bank ATMs; watch for skimming
- Scams
- Fake police and currency exchange tricks
- Unofficial taxis at airports and stations often overcharge. Real officers do not demand cash on the street; ask for ID. Change money only at reputable exchanges or banks.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Romania is a stable EU democracy. There is no specific travel warning; demonstrations are generally peaceful. Check your foreign ministry for the latest advice.
- Status
- Stable EU democracy
- Demonstrations
- Generally peaceful; avoid large gatherings
- Advice
- Check your foreign ministry for updates
- Occasional protests occur in Bucharest and can affect traffic. They are usually peaceful, but avoid crowds where possible and follow local guidance and official travel advisories.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Drink-driving limits are strict, drugs are illegal, and public transport is ticket-checked. Avoid photographing military or restricted sites.
- Drink-driving
- Very low legal limit, strictly enforced
- Drugs
- Illegal; penalties are severe
- Transport
- Validate tickets; fines for fare evasion
- Carry ID and validate public transport tickets to avoid fines. Do not photograph military installations or restricted areas. Drug offences carry serious penalties.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. Romania's country code is +40.
- All emergencies
- 112
- Country code
- +40
- Services
- Police, ambulance, fire via 112
- 112 covers police, ambulance and fire nationwide, with operators generally able to assist in English. Save your embassy contact details before travelling.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Cover medical care, cancellation and belongings; EU/UK visitors may also use EHIC/GHIC.
- Recommended
- Medical, cancellation and baggage cover
- EU cover
- EHIC/GHIC supplements care for EU/UK visitors
- Schengen visa
- Insurance may be required when applying
- Insurance is commonly advised for medical costs and trip disruption. For those needing a Schengen visa, travel insurance is often a requirement; check current rules with official sources.