Last updated: 22 Oct 2025
Romania
About
| Romania is the largest of the Balkan states, situated at the crossroads of Europe, whose nationals are proud of being ‘an island of Latinos’ in a ‘sea of slavs'. The country has seen several empires come and go - Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian, all leaving their legacy. In picturesque valleys and on mountain slopes are many health and winter resorts. Romania's cultural heritage can be experienced in the Saxon towns of Transylvania. Enjoy water sports or relax at a resort on the white sandy beaches of the family-friendly Black Sea Coast. Hike or horse ride in the Carpathian Mountains, a densely forested mountainous area. In winter, resorts such as Poiana Brasov and Predeal offer some of the best skiing in Eastern Europe or go bob-sleighing at Semenic and Sinaia. Purchase regional crafts: woodcarving, pottery and ceramics, wooden architecture and glass paintings can be found throughout the country. |
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| Capital: | Bucharest (BUH) |
| Currency: | New Leu (RON) |
| Language: | Romanian. English and French are spoken in the tourist areas. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 40 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | June – September. For skiing, December – March |
| Best for: | Black Sea Resorts, Medieval Architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Cultural Exploration |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two-pin type |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Bottled water is available. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Dress tends to be conservative. Beachwear should be reserved for the beach/ poolside. Homosexuality is frowned upon and public displays of affection should be avoided. |
| Local Offences / Law: | Military installations and airports should not be photographed. Smoking is banned in public areas. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Some tourist attractions require a fee to be photographed. There have been reports of corruption, policemen will sometimes demand fines. Valuables should not be left in hotel rooms. |
| Duty Free: | Romania is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22% volume, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Romania by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Ammunition, explosives, narcotics, pornographic material, and meat and dairy products from outside the EU. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Articles of cultural, historical or artistic value. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Romania
877 Justice Mohammed Str, Brooklyn, 0181
Tel: 012 460 69 41
Consular Tel: 012 460 0060
E-mail: pretoria.cons@mae.ro
Web: http://pretoria.mae.ro/en
Mon - Fri: 09.00-14.00. Visa applications by prior appointment.
Consulate-General of Romania
Helderberg House, 24 Highwick Drive, Kenilworth, 7708
Tel: 021 761 1781
E-mail: capetown@mae.ro
Web: capetown.mae.ro/en
Mon- Fri: 9.00– 12.00
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-2, 6-7, 24; Apr 20-21; May 1; Jun 1, 8-9; Aug 15; Nov 30; Dec 1, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2, 6-7, 24; Apr 10, 12-13; May 1, 31; Jun 1; Aug 15; Nov 30; Dec 1, 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
Romania is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Romania, you must apply at the Embassy of Romania.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
REQUIREMENTS:
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
- Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa application process: www.mae.ro
- Initial visa applications are to be made online at http://evisa.mae.ro/.
- Once the online application is done, applicants must appear in person at the Embassy (by appointment).
- The visa application file that you personally submit must contain all the supporting documents in original and in copy.
Visa Processing Time
At least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa Validity
Up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
SA Representative
Political Representation accredited from Berlin, Germany.
Civic and Immigration Representation accredited from Budapest, Hungary.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Tetanus, Polio |
