romania travel allowance

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Payroll and Benefits Guide Romania

Last updated: May 16, 2023

Table of contents

Contributions, minimum wage, authority payments, working hours, termination, common benefits, version history.

• Questions & Answers

Employer Payroll Contributions

Employee Payroll Contributions

Employee Income Tax

Employer taxes

Employee taxes.

The minimum statutory gross wage is 3,300 RON

MINIMUM WAGE (PER MONTH)

Payroll cycle.

In Romania, the payroll frequency is monthly. Work between the first and last day of the month is typically paid on the last working day of the month.

13th Salary

There is no statutory requirement for a 13th salary payment in Romania

According to Romania law, the work week is limited to no more than five eight-hour days and a maximum of 48 hours per week. Part-time workers must work a minimum of ten hours per week, two hours per day. For employees under 18, work is limited to six hours a day or 30 hours a week.

Employers must keep a record of the daily work hours performed by each employee, highlighting the start and end hours of the working program, and shall present such records to the labor inspection control when required.

Employees are allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours per week including overtime. After working a 12-hour day, employers must give a 24-hour rest period. Work performed outside the standard eight hours per day, 40 hours per week must be compensated with paid hours off during the 60 calendar days after the overtime has been performed.

If the compensation with paid time off is not possible, the overtime shall be paid to the employee by adding a benefit that must not be lower than 75% of the basic wage, pro-rated to the overtime performed.

Workers under 18 years of age, part-time employees, and pregnant employees who are unable to work normal working hours for health reasons are not permitted to work overtime.

Working Week

Monday–Friday

Paid Time Off

Employees are entitled to up to 20 days of paid annual leave by law per year pro-rated with the worked period. Employers are required to pay employees their allowance at least five working days before the leave starts.

If the employee cannot take all or part of the annual leave entitlement within the calendar year, the employer must carry over the outstanding annual leave to the first six months of the following calendar year, however, if the employee is still unable to take the leave entitled (e.g. due to long-term sickness), the employer must grant the unused leave with the employee’s consent within 18 months, starting with the year following the one when vacation has been accrued.

Public Holidays

Public holidays that fall on the weekend are usually lost.

Under the labor code, employees covered by the pension and social insurance system who have made required contributions are entitled to sick leave of up to 180 days within one year with a possible 90-day extension.

The first five calendar days are provided by the employer for working days only. From the 6th calendar day, the FUNASS (Unique National Fund of Health Insurances) fund supports the payment of sick leave.

Sick pay is equivalent to 75% to 100% of the average monthly income during the previous six months, depending on the category of illness. The employee is required to provide a medical certificate from the doctor.

Maternity Leave

A pregnant employee is entitled to 126 days of paid maternity leave.

Maternity leave consists of two periods, prenatal leave, which is the period where a woman must take a minimum of 63 days before the expected due date, and postnatal leave, where the employee must take the remaining 63 days after the birth of the child.

The actual days across the two periods are stipulated by the employee’s physician and reported in the official medical certificate of maternity. The maternity payment is paid by the FUNASS (Unique National Fund of Health Insurances) at a rate of 85% of the calculation based on the average of the employee’s monthly gross wages during the six months before the maternity leave started.

In addition, employees are entitled to take leave to protect their own and their child’s health and safety. The maternal risk-benefit is completely supported with funds from the Unique National Fund of Health Insurances. The amount of benefit is 75% of the average gross earnings over the last six months. Maternal risk leave is complementary to maternity leave.

In these cases, the employee is required to write a request to the employer and provide a medical certificate from the doctor for the child’s sickness.

PAID MATERNITY LEAVE (DAYS)

Paternity Leave

The father/partner, who effectively participates in a child’s care is entitled to 10 days of paid leave, irrespective if the child is born of marriage, out of wedlock, or adopted; this leave increases to 15 days if the employee participates in an infant care course. The possibility to benefit from paternity leave is during the first eight weeks after the birth of the child, based on the written request addressed to the employer.

The employee is legally required to provide the birth certificate of the child.

The paternity leave allowance is paid from the employer’s salary fund and is included in the taxable income of the employee.

In the case of the death of the child’s mother during childbirth or during maternity leave, the child’s father is entitled to the following benefits, as the case may be:

a) an allowance equal to the maternity allowance due to the deceased mother if the father does not complete the insurance period to benefit from the right to medical leave.

b) a maternity-related allowance granted in accordance with the father’s income, for the case when he fulfills the insurance period to benefit from the right to medical leave.

This allowance is borne from the salary fund of the employer where the father works.

Parental Leave

After maternity leave, one of the parents is eligible for childcare leave (parental leave) until the child reaches two years of age (three years of age in the case of disabled children), provided that the employee has contributed to tax during the past year of employment.

The employee is entitled to receive a monthly allowance from the appropriate Romanian authorities amounting to 85% of the average regular salary received in the last 12 months before childbirth. The employee is legally required to provide the written request from the employee, the birth certificate of the child, and a declaration that the other parent is not on maternity leave.

Other Leave

Depending on the collective agreement/employment contract terms, an employee may be allowed additional leave types, which must be approved between the employer and employee.

Employees are entitled to up to three days of paid bereavement leave in the case of the death of a direct family member. In these cases, the employee is required to provide the death certificate and a request from the employer.

Employees are entitled to five days of paid wedding leave and two days of paid leave in case of the wedding of an employee’s child. In this case, the employee is required to request the employer to go on leave and after the wedding, provide the wedding certificate.

Termination Process

The termination process varies according to how the employment agreement and collective agreement are in place and is based on the type of contract and reason for termination. Individual employment contracts can be terminated by means of

• By mutual consent of the parties
• By either party of the employment contract within the terms and conditions provided by the law

Employers may terminate employment contracts by dismissal for reasons related to the employee (e.g., professional inadequacy as a disciplinary sanction) or not associated with the employee (e.g., job cancellation).

Notice Period

Notice period in the case of an employee dismissal is a minimum of 20 working days for all jobs regardless of the employment contract. Employees may also terminate their employment agreement by resignation with prior notice of a maximum of 20 business days for non-management positions and 45 business days for management positions.

Severance Pay

There is no statutory severance pay in Romania unless conditions have been set in a collective agreement.

Probation Period

The probationary period in Romania is dependent on the type of role and is stipulated within the employment agreement. In general, probation periods are 90 calendar days increasing to 120 calendar days for an employee in a managerial/supervisory position.

• Meal vouchers
• Gifts, including gift vouchers and holiday gifts, cultural vouchers, and holiday vouchers
• Transportation allowance
• Private pension & private health
• Developmental courses and training gym subscription
• Life insurance

EU citizens wishing to work in Romania should apply for a registration certificate from the Romanian Office for Immigration for a stay of more than 90 days. Non-EU citizens need to obtain a residency permit if the stay is longer than 90 days

Foreign workers must obtain work authorization from the Romanian Office for Immigration via an application from the employer. Employers must prove that they are a legitimate business in Romania and that they have made every effort to recruit a Romanian national to fill the role. They must also ensure that the proposed employee is suitably qualified, having had suitable education and training, for the role.

There are several types of work permits that may be applied for and subsequently completed and submitted to the General Inspectorate of Immigration by the employer:

• Work permit for permanent workers: For foreign employees who have an indefinite or fixed-term employment contract.
• Cross-border worker: A foreign employee who is from a country that borders Romania and has an indefinite or fixed-term employment contract.
• Highly qualified worker: A foreign employee that has obtained a highly skilled job in Romania. The term of employment must be for at least one year.

Most work permits are valid for one year, however, permits for highly skilled workers are valid for two years.

VAT is 19% standard rate.

Stay up to date on payroll & employment law changes

Questions & answers .a{fill:#838383;}.b,.d{fill:none;}.b{stroke:#838383;}.c{stroke:none;}.

What happens if our employee works the standard 40 hours + 8 hours in overtime a week?

In Romania, a standard workweek is 40 hours, and an additional 8 can be worked in overtime. Above this, employers can be fined 3,000 RON when an employee works more than this. However, it is important to note that the employee is not entitled to overtime compensation when they chose to work overtime on their own, either the employer must request this or overtime must be carried out due to an emergency and work could not have been completed during normal working hours. In addition, the average work hours per week is taken over a period of 4 months, so this means that an employee could technically work more than 48 hours in one week.

Deduction of Social insurance contribution – 25% from the expact(non EU national) will that refund to employee when contact period over or what happen with it?

Hi, Anju. It depends on the country where the ex-pat is from. Usually, the contribution is recognized in the resident country where retirement/pension funds will come from and with which Romania has an agreement.

Hi David, thank you for your question. The purpose of this service is to provide answers to general questions in the world of employment. Specific questions about Papaya’s services should be addressed to this page https://papayaglobal.com/contact-us/

In what cases can an employer unilaterally change the terms of an employment agreement?

Hi Nicholai, thank you for your question. In general, any changes to the employment agreement must be agreed upon by the employer and employee through an addendum to the original contract. There are only 2 things that an employer can change without the employee’s consent, which are relocation and secondment.

Is there any special taxation policy for IT companies

Hi Tatevik, taxation on companies is not in the scope of what we offer, I suggest that you speak with someone who specializes in that.

How much is the travel allowance? The maximum non-taxable amount

Hi, in Romania, the minimum daily travel allowance is 20 RON, and the maximum non-taxable daily travel allowance is 50 RON.

what is the mileage reimbursement rate in Romania

The rate is determined by the number of kilometres travelled and the consumption of the vehicle type.

Is paid paternity leave paid by the employer or the state?

Paternity leave is paid for the first five days by the employer. From the 6th day on, the state will pay them.

hello there,just wanna ask if a worker can request a copy of his payslip during salary day so that he can compute how much wage they gained during their work plus overtime.thank u

Yes, they can.

Hello, What net expense allowances may I give an employee and how much are they?

There are different allowances or common benefits that employers may opt to provide. Usually, a taxable allowance is given.

How much would the transportation (commuting) allowance be?

what it the average budget for Developmental courses and training gym subscription

There is not specific budget on developmental training courses, it really depends on the type of training that is required. For Gym membership, a common allowance would be around 45/50 Euros per month.

Download this guide to read later

Payroll and benefits guide in romania.

See how Papaya can help you automate your global payroll or EoR whilst staying 100% compliant with local labor laws

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What’s covered in this guide:

• Employer/employee contributions
• Minimum wage
• Working hours
• Visa requirements

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Romania — 12 min

Employee benefits in Romania: All you need to know

If you’re looking to expand your team globally, you’ll soon discover that hiring employees in other countries can get complicated. Employers need to understand the statutory benefits required in a foreign country like Romania (as well as the in-market expectations for compensation) before developing a compliant employment contract.

Remote has been built for this exact purpose. Our team of global HR experts makes it easy to understand your obligations as an employer of Romanians or any other workers from around the world.

As an experienced employer of record with entities all over the world, Remote’s team can take the risk and the hassle out of managing a competitive and compliant benefits package across multiple countries (including Romania).

Which workers are entitled to benefits in Romania

Statutory employee benefits, supplemental benefits to consider for romanian employees, how to set up and manage benefits for international employees, when should you use an employer of record.

In this guide to benefits for Romanian employees, we’ll explain the mandatory benefits you must provide as well as additional perks you can offer to give your business an edge in attracting top talent. We’ll walk you through the following key elements of hiring in Romania:

Which workers are entitled to benefits in Romania?

What are the statutory benefits you must provide by law

Additional benefits to attract quality Romanian talent

(All ready to start hiring in Romania? Visit Remote’s Guide to hiring employees and contractors in Romania for more detailed information that will help you get started right away.)

Statutory benefits, also known as mandatory benefits, are entitlements that employers are obligated by law to provide to their employees. Common examples include benefits like paid annual leave, parental leave, worker's compensation insurance, and paid sick leave.

The Romanian government, like many others, requires employers to provide their workers with a minimum amount of employee benefits. Employees in Romania are entitled to standard employee benefits as required by the Romanian government. Employees are any people who work for an employer and get paid a wage.

You must minimize misclassification risk

Independent contractors in Romania are not entitled to any specific statutory benefits. Any benefits or remuneration are determined by the specific contractual agreement between your business and the contractor.

Employers need to understand the nuances involved in this determination, and when you’re attempting to classify employment relationships – your global hiring can start to get more complicated.

Regardless of whether you consider a worker to be an employee or a contractor, legislators will make the only determination that matters. If you’re found to have an employment relationship and you haven’t provided the required entitlements, your company will face the risks of misclassification and any subsequent fines or penalties.

For more detailed information about understanding this concept, be sure to read our dedicated guide to employee misclassification .

Download your Global Benefits Guide and attract top global talent

Remote's global HR experts share practical advice for building a locally relevant and globally compliant benefits program to help you attract and keep the world's best talent.

The government of Romania sets the standards for statutory employee benefits. These benefits are generally required for all employees, with a few exceptions. The most common benefits include maternity leave, sick leave, vacation, and social security.

There are several standard employee benefits mandated by the Romanian government, which employers are obligated to provide by law.

Annual leave in Romania

Employees are entitled to 20 days of paid annual leave per year, prorated according to the period worked. Employers are required to pay staff their salary at least five working days before the leave begins.

If an employee is unable to take all or part of their annual leave allowance in a year, the employer must carry it over to the first six months of the next year.

Employees who are covered by the pension and social insurance system and have made required payments are entitled to up to 180 days of sick leave within one year, with a potential 90-day extension, under the Labor Code.

The employer pays the employee a daily rate during the first five calendar days; from then on, the FUNASS (Unique National Fund of Health Insurances) covers the payment of sick leave.

Sick pay is 75% to 100% of an employee's average monthly earnings during the previous six months of work, depending on the type of illness.

Maternity and parental leave

Romanian legislation allows a standard of 126 days of maternity leave, with 63 days allowed before the expected date and 63 days after the expected date. The employee can get more than 63 days for each of the phases, but he or she must be able to take at least 42 days' worth of benefits after the due date.

Maternity leave is regarded as medical leave, with the employee's physician determining how many days are assigned to each part of the period. This benefit amounts to 85.00% of the average salary paid for the previous 12 months before childbirth.

In addition to maternity leave, parents may take advantage of a separate paid leave provision to raise a young child, up to age two, or if the child has a disability. During this time off, the parent is compensated at a rate proportionate to the income they had before taking leave. If a parent returns to work before the two-year period ends, he or she is eligible for incentives. The employer does not pay the indemnity.

Parents also have the legal right to paid leave if their children are under the age of 12 and are attending schools where classes were canceled owing to exceptional circumstances such as extreme weather or a medical emergency. However, this type of leave is only available to one parent and can only be utilized if both parents do not work from home.

Pension plans and retirement contributions

The retirement age for men is 65 and for women 63. To be insured, both employees and employers in Romania are required to pay into the social and health insurance system. Old-age pensions are given to Romanian individuals who have completed the required length of contribution in the public pension system and have reached the stipulated retirement age.

Individuals who have worked for at least 15 years and made a minimum number of contributions are eligible for pension benefits. For both genders, the period is calculated as 35 years.

If non-Romanian citizens have a residence permit, they are entitled to all benefits provided by Romanian law in the field of social security. The share of the employee's gross salary that is paid is set yearly, differentiated between employee and employer, and calculated on total salary.

For employees, the general amounts contributed are as follows:

social insurance is 25%

health insurance contribution is 10%

Employers must also make contributions of 2.25% for labor insurance for all workers and pension contributions of 4% or 8% for each employee depending on the circumstances. There are a small collection of other mandatory contributions:

Medical Leave Indemnity contribution is 0.47%

Work Accident or Professional Disease Indemnities contribution is 0.05%

Residual collection - work insurance contribution is 1.1%

There is no additional social insurance contribution paid by the employer for employees in ordinary working conditions. However, some exceptions apply in particular circumstances.

Along with this, employers are obligated to pay a labor insurance contribution of 2.25%. The law does contain certain exceptions in the case of the construction industry.

Overtime and minimum wage

From January 1, 2022, the Romanian minimum wage in the country is now RON 2,300 to RON 2,550 per month. Individuals with at least one year of seniority in higher education are eligible to receive RON 2,350.00 a month or RON 13.88 an hour.

Romania's labor law sets a maximum of five eight-hour days per week and no more than 48 hours weekly (including overtime). A part-time employee must work at least ten hours each week, two hours every day. Employees under the age of 18 are not permitted to work more than six hours a day or thirty hours per week.

Employers must keep track of each employee's daily work hours and submit records to the labor inspection control as needed.

Employers must provide a 24-hour rest period after completing a 12-hour day. Paid time off is required for work completed outside of the normal 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. This paid time off must be given within 60 days of overtime work being performed.

If compensatory time off is not feasible, the employee must be compensated by adding a benefit that shall not be less than 75% of his or her base wage, prorated for any overtime worked.

Workers under the age of 18, part-time employees, and pregnant workers who are unable to work normal working hours for health reasons are not authorized to work overtime.

Health insurance

There are no mandated insurance provisions for employees under Romanian law. This means employers don’t need to provide health insurance.

However, Remote strongly advises all companies hiring Romanian employees to offer private health insurance as part of an equitable benefits plan. This communicates your genuine care and helps build a stronger connection with your globally distributed team.

Some global companies may opt out of offering private health insurance in this instance, but it is still relatively common for progressive local employers to offer health insurance to their employees.

Indeed, offering a health insurance benefit, or other additional insurance benefits (like dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance), can be such an effective way to build trust with new hires and separate your offer from that of a competitor.

Beyond what is government-mandated, we strongly encourage employers to offer extra incentives and provisions to all of their employees regardless of minimum statutory requirements.

Remote cares passionately about providing perks and benefits to enable your global team to enjoy security, stability, and work-life balance. Our team of internal HR specialists and global benefits experts are constantly working with our customers to create customized and competitive benefits packages to attract top talent .

Romania is one of Europe’s more competitive emerging labor markets, especially in the field of software engineering. Offering the bare minimum will reduce your chances of hiring the best local talent. Workers are starting to seek out certain perks now that remote work is readily available with businesses across the world (we explain in more detail in our values-based benefits guide ).

Additional perks can act as powerful motivators for star candidates to join and stay with a given company and we’ve gathered a short list below for you to consider:

personal learning and development budget

therapy or coaching allowances

mentorship programs

volunteering days

birthday leave

meal and travel expenses

gym or health club membership

The size of your business shouldn’t prevent you from sourcing international talent either. If you’re a smaller business looking to employ a Romanian (or any other international worker), your benefits plan can still be both attractive and affordable. This small business guide to affordable global benefits will help you find inexpensive perks that international employees will love.

Whether you’re hiring a software engineer from Romania , a CFO from India , or an SEO manager from Singapore , you need to understand how benefits work in each nation to maintain compliance and (and keep your offer competitive in the local market).

But how can you manage to stay compliant with all of the ever-changing local labor laws in each country you are hiring across the globe?

Instead of building a fully-owned local legal entity with a specialist HR function in each new market, an employer of record provides a cost-effective, fast, and secure alternative to help you grow your team across borders.

If you don’t have an established process to manage the complicated parts of scaling global hiring (in Romania or further afield), an employer of record like Remote will give you immediate relief.

Remote’s EOR service gives you the advantage of dedicated local employment experts that can offer the insight you need to create a strong benefits package, a compliant employment contract, and a competitive offer to your candidate.

We’ve previously dedicated an entire guide to when should you use an employer of record , but there are a few critical trigger areas where an EOR can dramatically minimize your risk:

Creating a competitive and compliant global benefits package

Managing the delivery of benefits in the safest, simplest, most efficient way

Setting up payroll for employees in multiple countries

Terminating an employee in compliance with local regulations, and

Protecting any IP & patents produced by your remote employees

An employer of record like Remote can manage the complicated parts of international employment so you don’t have to worry.

The combination of Remote’s simple software hub and our team of global HR experts combine to organize all the tiny details of managing a distributed team.

Learn how Remote simplifies international hiring so you can scale your distributed team faster.

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[Updated 3/27/23] Mandatory employee benefits in Romania include a three-pillar pension system, paid time off, disability (sick leave), maternity, paternity, and parental leaves. Supplementary employee benefits in Romania include retirement, medical insurance, life, and disability insurance, and business travel insurance. Common employee perks range from meal vouchers to company cars, mobile phones, and increased vacation days.

Asinta Partner Natalia Zaborovska

Greco group, country insight.

Market and Benchmark Insight Report for Romania – 2023

Romanians care about healthcare benefits the most because they are more comprehensive than what the state offers, and private clinics are preferred.

Mandatory Employee Benefits in Romania

For the time being, there are three pension schemes in place in Romania:

• Pillar 1 = mandatory contributions to the Public Pensions System (21,25% for employees, as of 1/1/18). For normal working conditions, the employer contribution is 0%. The employer would be required to contribute 4% or 8% for difficult working conditions, depending on the conditions.
• Pillar 2 = mandatory contribution to Private Pension Funds (3,75% for Employees, as of Jan 1st,2018)
• Pillar 3 = concerns the contribution to Voluntary Private Pension Funds. Contribution is optional (more details under supplementary employee benefits below).

Pillar 1 and 2 pension contributions are paid by employers to the state and are not something Romanian citizens usually contribute directly. Instead, employers deduct these contributions from salary and pay them monthly. Income tax is calculated after deducting social contributions from gross salary.

Pension income can start as early as age 60. Individuals who have completed a minimum contribution period of at least 15 years are eligible for pension benefits. The complete period is 35 years for men and women.

The normal retirement age is 65 for men and 62 for women.

For Pillar 1 pensions, the current pension point value is 1.785 RON. The benefit results from multiplying the average lifetime-accumulated number of pension points (average rating) by the pension point value.

The Pillar 2 private fund option belongs to the employee, and the employer still makes the payment. Participation in the Pillar 2 pension is compulsory for all employees below age 35 who are insured for the first time or are contributing to the public fund. It is optional for employees up to age 45 to contribute to the public retirement fund.

Death and long-term disability benefits apply as part of social security for all contributing employees. In the case of death, the benefit is payable to the surviving spouse, tutor, or child. The contribution is in the retirement contribution.

Public System Healthcare

According to Law 95/2006, all citizens with residence in Romania, and all foreign citizens and stateless persons with residence in Romania, must participate in, and contribute to, the public health system.  Exceptions apply for the following:

• Children under age 18 and persons under age 26 attending school and do not have income from work
• Disabled people without employment income
• People persecuted by the former communist regime, deported persons, war veterans, and also those who have special rights established by law
• Retired insured persons who have revenues under the income tax limit
• Pregnant women and women after childbirth who do not have income from work or have an income lower than the minimum gross national salary
• Members of a family entitled to social help
• Individuals receiving unemployment indemnity
• Individuals on medical leave for temporary disability due to a work accident or a professional disease
• Parents on leave, raising a child to age 2 or age 3 for children with a handicap

All insured individuals have rights to ambulatory medical services, hospital care, intensive care, dental services, urgent medical services, prescription drugs, preventative, rehabilitation, prenatal and postnatal assistance, treatment in balneary resorts, plastic and reparatory surgery, and physiotherapy services.

Husbands, wives, and parents without their income and in the care of the insured person are eligible to be added as dependents.

The contribution is 10% of the gross salary for employees.

Paid Time Off

• Annual Leave – 20 days is the minimum holiday guaranteed by law per year, pro-rated with the worked period.
• Public Holidays – there are 15 public holidays .

Sick Days/ Short-Term Disability Benefit

Sick leave is only paid if the employee has a minimum contributory period to the Health House for the prior six months, based on a medical certificate issued by a physician.

The employer pays the first 5 calendar days. From the 6th day, the National Health Fund supports the medical allowance. In practice, the employer is also paying the amount supported by the National Health Fund and then requests reimbursement from the Health House.

The payment percentage in case of the sick leave allowance ranges between 75% and 100% of the calculation base (average of the employee’s monthly gross wages during the last 6 months before the month the medical leave is granted).

The benefit is payable up to 180 days; if the disability is prolonged, a long-term disability pension is proposed.

The contribution to social security is 2.25% of gross salary, with no ceiling.

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is 126 calendar days (usually 63 days before + 63 days after the child’s birth). It represents 85% of the calculation base (the average of the employee’s monthly gross wages during her last 6 months before the month the maternity leave started). The maternity leave is granted based on the medical certificate issued by the physician.

Insured individuals can also take medical leave days each year as follows:

• 45 days to care for their sick children up to age 7 or disabled children up to age 18.
• Up to 90 days to care for children with contagious diseases or paralysis.

The National Health Fund grants the maternity allowance (in practice, the employer pays the maternity leave, and afterward, he requests reimbursement from the Health House).

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to 10 days of paid paternity leave which can be used until the child reaches the age of 8 weeks. If the father chooses to participate in childcare courses, leave can be extended for 5 days for each child.

Parental Leave

Parental leave entitlement last until the child is 2 years old. In the case of a disabled child, leave is until the child is 3 years of age. The state institution makes the payment directly and represents 85% of the employee’s average revenues during his last 12 months of activity. During this period, the employment contract is suspended.

During this period, the company can hire another employee for the same position, but only on a temporary contract, and cannot terminate the parent employee.

Other Leaves

• Bereavement Leave­ – 2 days of unpaid leave are granted to an employee who has had a death within their immediate family.
• Marriage leaves – 5 days for an employee’s marriage and 2 days for the marriage of a child.
• Blood donation leave — 1 day of paid leave is granted.
• Caregiver’s leave – 5 working days within a calendar year to provide personal care or support to a relative or a person living in the same household as the employee who needs significant care or support due to a serious medical condition. This leave is granted in addition to the classic care leave (sick childcare and adult cancer care leave – the latter being recently introduced).
• The right to be absent from work in case of family emergencies for a maximum of 10 working days/year, subject to prior notification to the employer and with the recovery of the period of absence. The employer and the employee establish by mutual agreement how to recover the absence period.

Workers’ Compensation/Work Accidents/Professional Diseases

In Romania, the state still handles the whole system through funds collected monthly from employers and employees. According to Law 346 / 2002, the Public System grants the following compensations in case of work accidents and/or professional diseases:

• Indemnity for temporary or permanent disability
• Death following a work accident
• Indemnity for loss of body integrity
• Indemnity for a temporary change of the current job due to work accidents/ professional disease

For personal accidents and professional diseases, facultative insurance products are available in addition to the benefits offered by the state system.

No workmen’s compensation facultative insurance product is in place due to the lack of legislation in this field.

Premium related to Personal Accidents Insurance is not tax-free from a fiscal point of view. Still, the indemnities received following Personal Accidents claims are tax-free and independent from any other compensation given by the state.

Child Allowance

Parents have a right to a child allowance, payable until age 18. If a child is disabled or continues to attend school in a state-recognized education program, benefits can be payable to age 26. The state child allowance is not taxable. Its monthly value as of Feb 1 st , 2022, is:

• RON 277 for children ages 2 to 18
• RON 683 for each child up to age 2 (or up to age 18, if disabled).

State budget allocations fund these child allowances.

Supplementary Employee Benefits in Romania

Pillar 3 concerns the contribution to Voluntary Private Pension Funds. Contribution is optional (minimum €10/person/month, maximum 15% of gross). The plan is defined contribution (DC).

Once the contribution plan is set up with the pension fund, with the employer, the pension fund opens a personal account for every employee so that the individual can have full access to their net asset balance and the evolution of its funds over the years. As soon as the enrollment is done, the financial flow runs automatically, and the monthly contributions are accumulated into the employee’s personal account.

For private pension plans, which are still not widely implemented, the contributions are split between the employee and the company, with the company usually paying 50% to 100% of the contribution.

The right to voluntary pension opens at the request of the participant, subject to the following cumulative conditions:

• The participant has reached the age of 60.
• At least 90 monthly contributions have been paid.
• The personal asset is at least equal to the amount required to obtain the minimum voluntary pension provided by the rules adopted by the commission.

As of 2020, there are 10 pension funds available on the local market applicable for Pillar 3 pensions. The plan structure is strictly regulated by law.

For Pillar 3 Pensions, the contribution is considered tax-free for the employer up to the limit of €400 per year/ per person and for the employee up to the limit of €400 per year/per person.

Private Medical Insurance

This is highly recommended and is one of the most popular benefits for employees, mainly due to the inadequacy of the public system. Employers usually cover all employees and have the option to extend to family members (spouse/children; for larger groups, they can also be extended for partners or parents/siblings). The employee usually funds family extensions, with exceptions in highly competitive industries such as IT.

This coverage can include outpatient coverage (consults with GP or specialists, lab tests or investigations, high tech imaging), inpatient coverage (room & board, medication/treatment during stay in hospital, surgery + consumables and accessories used in the surgery room), road ambulance/emergency room, medical recovery, maternity (pregnancy monitoring, birth), dental, vision, cancer, and critical illness extensions.

Direct subscription to clinics is also a popular complementary or even alternate option to a medical insurance plan, with more focus on prevention services, but usually without access to hospitalization or surgical interventions. By comparison, medical insurance usually offers more comprehensive coverage, such as complex investigations, hospitalization, and birth. Additionally, medical insurance offers access to any private medical facility in Romania with direct settlement or reimbursement for out-of-network services.

The contribution for medical insurance is considered tax-free for the employer up to the limit of €400 per year per person and the employee up to the limit of €400 per year per person.

Business Travel Insurance

The employer usually funds this insurance only for employee business travel. Coverage usually includes medical expenses incurred during trips abroad following accidents, sudden illness and emergencies, and dental care subject to certain sub-limits (emergency). Coverage also extends to additional costs with relatives who assist the victim, repatriation, luggage insurance, and personal liability.

Group Life and Disability Insurance

This is usually fully funded by the employer for all employees. The primary coverage available is death by any cause (illness, accidents), and it is customary to cover 1-2x annual salary or a lump sum insured for the entire group.

Customary riders:

• Permanent total or partial disability (illness, accidents) – customary to cover % of the same sum insured as death coverage.

Other available riders:

• Indemnity for critical illness
• Daily cash benefit for temporary disability (days of hospitalization and/or ambulatory plus days of
• convalescence)
• Daily cash benefits for medical expenses up to different sub-limits
• Indemnity for surgical intervention expenses up to different sub-limits
• Indemnity for broken bones (following accidents)
• Indemnity for burns (following accidents)

The insurance premium bears the tax on income and social contribution as on any other type of employee benefit. Insurance indemnities are tax-free.

Employee Perks in Romania

Other benefits available for employees can include the following:

• Meal vouchers
• Gift vouchers (for Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Children’s Day)
• Performance bonus, holiday bonus
• Gym membership
• Work-from-home or Flexible hours programs
• Transportation benefits – company bus, public transport allowances, bike allowances, fuel allowance, parking space, etc.
• Workplace canteens
• Professional training and certification programs, participation in conferences and seminars
• Company car – typically for sales positions, management positions, executives
• Mobile phones and calls are covered fully by the employer
• Company laptop
• Increased annual leave days
• Discounts on company products, if applicable

Less common perks include:

• Flex benefits
• Relocation allowances, rent – usually top management only
• Savings plan or financial wellness
• Employee loans
• On-site daycare
• On-site wellness programs
• Health coaching
• Personal development training and coaching
• On-site or online books and libraries
• On-site relaxation or game areas

This information about mandatory and supplemental employee benefits in Romania comes from Asinta’s Central and Eastern European Partner, the GrECo Group .

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Compensation & Benefits in Romania .

Country capital, romanian leu (ron).

Two critical aspects of any employment contract are compensation and benefits. When you expand operations to a new country, it can be challenging to identify what guaranteed benefits you need to give employees and what supplemental benefits they expect from their employer.

G-P can help you through the confusion. We are experts in Romanian compensation laws with an established PEO in the country. We will hire employees on your behalf, add them to our compliant payroll, and put them on our benefits plan to make sure you stay covered every step of the way.

Romania Compensation Laws

Romania’s minimum wage rose to 3,000 RON per month in January 2023. Romania’s labor code stipulates that an employee can only be paid the minimum wage for a two-year period, after which they must receive a raise.

Employees who work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week are also subject to overtime compensation. Employers can either pay employees overtime at 75% above the employee’s base salary or provide additional time off within 30 days of when the overtime work occurred.

Since some industries have collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), the Romania compensation laws you’ll need to follow could change. Make sure you check any applicable CBAs since you will need to adhere to those requirements as a minimum.

Guaranteed Benefits in Romania

Romania celebrates 11 public holidays during which employees get the day off. As part of your Romania benefit management plan, you’ll need to give employees at least 20 days off per year. They are also entitled to additional days off for personal reasons, including five days for marriage and two days for the marriage of an employee’s child.

Another guaranteed benefit is the country’s universal free health care system. However, some services must be paid for up front and then reimbursed. Many employees may try to purchase private health insurance since public care is not often up to the standards of other countries.

Romania Benefits Management

A strong Romania benefit management plan also includes additional benefits that may not be required by law but can attract candidates to your open positions. In Romania, employers do not typically provide private health insurance, although employees may look for a plan themselves. However, employers commonly offer meal vouchers to employees, which are a tax-free benefit.

Putting together the perfect benefit management solution on your own takes time and money. Alternatively, G-P can simplify the process. Our Employer of Record platform enables us to hire employees who work on your behalf. We also take on matters of compliance, so you only have to worry about running your company instead of paying employees.

Restrictions for Benefits and Compensation

Any benefits and compensation restrictions typically come from a CBA. Employers should look over any applicable CBAs before drafting an employment contract. Otherwise, you risk outlining the wrong minimum requirements in your contract.

Romania Competitive Benefits Planning

Growing your enterprise in a new country comes with several tasks, including benefits planning. You’ll need to learn about a new labor market and how you can make your benefits packages appealing to nationals. With a strategic approach to planning, you can support your success abroad with employee benefits in Romania.

Romania Employee Benefits Plans

Creating a competitive benefits plan can make your business stand out from other companies in the labor market. Applicants tend to show more interest in jobs with developed benefits plans. The benefits you offer your employees can also help you improve retention.

Potential perks can include:

• Supplemental insurance or pensions
• Holiday bonuses
• Meal allowances
• Housing stipends
• Travel allowances
• Professional training
• Telecommuting opportunities

Legal Obligations for Benefits

While your supplemental provisions and perks will make your company competitive, you need to consider your legal obligations first. As an employer, you must provide:

• Social security contributions
• Paid public holidays
• Paid annual leave
• Maternity leave

Designing Romania Employee Benefit Plans

As you design your benefits plan, you’ll want to balance your company’s available resources with your employees’ needs. While every country has different laws and expectations, you can follow a few basic steps to create a competitive plan anywhere.

1. Understand Your Company’s Revenue and Goals

Benefit costs can add up, so it’s essential to understand your revenue and how much you’re willing to spend. Consider your other expenses and create a budget. Keep in mind that you can adjust your budget later as your business grows and you have more resources available.

You should also assess your goals in this stage. You may be able to use your benefits plan as a way to achieve them. For example, if you want to build a large team, you can opt for smaller benefits packages and hire more employees. If you want to improve retention, you might scale back on hiring and recruiting and offer more supplemental benefits.

2. Learn About the Market and Employee Expectations

To make your company competitive in the labor market, you need to learn about other companies’ benefits. Research businesses in the area with similar size and industry to yours. When you know what other companies provide for their employees, you’ll have an idea of what workers expect.

You can also learn about employee needs and expectations by talking to workers directly. Distribute surveys or conduct interviews to hear from employees and learn which benefits they’re most interested in.

3. Use the Information You’ve Gathered to Create a Plan

After you’ve conducted some research, you can create a plan that balances your resources with employees’ needs. Start by allocating funds to the required benefits. Once you’ve met the threshold for compliance, you can choose supplemental provisions.

Average Cost of Benefits

Every company offers different benefits at various scales, so an average cost wouldn’t be a fair reflection of what you can expect to spend. Creating a budget for your benefits can help you set spending expectations and prevent you from going over your allotted funds.

How to Calculate Benefits

Calculations will vary based on the benefits you offer. In Romania’s labor laws, you can find guidance for calculating required provisions like maternity leave and social insurance contributions. For example, employers must contribute 35 percent of employee paychecks for social and health insurance. Employees must contribute 6.25 to 10.25 percent depending on their sectors.

How Are Employee Benefits Taxed in Romania?

Benefits in cash and in-kind are generally taxable income in the country. However, there are some exceptions. Nontaxable benefits include:

• Expenses paid for business-related travel
• Reimbursable loans provided without interest or at a low rate
• Contributions to a voluntary pension fund up to 400 Euros a year
• Private health insurance paid by employers up to 400 Euros a year

Company vehicles are also partially tax-exempt. Vehicle-related expenses are 50 percent deductible according to corporate tax legislation.

Employee Health Benefits

The country has a public healthcare system paid for by a portion of social insurance contributions. Employers are not required to provide private health insurance schemes for this reason. However, supplemental insurance is available, and some companies offer it as a fringe benefit.

Benefits in cash and in kind are generally taxable income in the country. However, there are some exceptions. Nontaxable benefits include:

Trust G-P for Employee Benefits Planning in Romania

Our team can help you extend your company’s reach globally.  Contact us to learn more.

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). G-P does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect G-P’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. G-P makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

Expand in Romania .

Romania Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Romania

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Entry details & exceptions

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Can I travel to Romania from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Romania.

Can I travel to Romania if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Romania without restrictions.

Can I travel to Romania without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Romania without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Romania?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Romania.

Can I travel to Romania without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Romania?

Mask usage in Romania is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Romania?

Restaurants in Romania are open. Bars in Romania are .

U.S. Embassy in Romania

Social / search, health alert: covid-19 restrictions.

Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania

Location:   Romania

Due to the large number of COVID-19 cases, the National Committee for Emergency Situations introduced COVID-19 restrictions on October 22, 2021.  These restrictions will remain in place for 30 days. Learn more about the COVID situation in Romania on the U.S. embassy’s webpage  here .

New COVID-19 Restrictions as of October 22, 2021:

• People who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days and may present proof of vaccination or recovery
• Medical assistance that cannot postponed
• Scheduled travel by train or plane
• Providing care to children or elderly
• People who leave their home during curfew hours must carry proof of movement purpose (work ID, a certificate from the employer, valid train or plane ticket or a movement declaration).
• All venues, commercial or cultural, will be closed between 21:00- 5:00.
• Restaurants will be open at 50 percent capacity between 5:00 – 21:00.
• Pharmacies, gas stations and delivery services may keep their regular schedule.
• Discos, clubs, and casinos are closed.
• Private events (e.g., weddings, baptisms, or parties) are prohibited.
• Churches will be open, but must observe COVID-19 safety rules.
• Masks covering the nose and mouth are mandatory in public places both indoors and outdoor

The full text of Decision 91 in Romanian can be found  here .

Effective October 22, 2021, a European Union Digital COVID Certificate or Romanian-issued “Digital Green Certificate/Green Pass” is necessary to access many public locations and to participate in certain activities such as: indoor or outdoor seated dining at restaurants, access to shopping malls, museums, exhibitions, cultural sites, non-essential stores, swimming pools, gyms and other venues. The Green Pass is not required for locations that provide essential services, such as food stores, pharmacies with direct access, or religious services.

The Digital Green Certificate/Green Pass may be obtained by individuals who were vaccinated in Romania, and by Romanian citizens and their foreign spouses who were vaccinated abroad or in Romania. U.S. citizen visitors cannot obtain a Green Pass in Romania. Additional information is available  here .

Please note that while Romanian authorities will accept a CDC vaccination card as proof of vaccination upon entry into Romania to avoid quarantine, it may not be accepted by all the venues within the country. The Government of Romania has not issued an explicit policy for acceptance of vaccine documentation issued outside of the European Union, so the decision has been left to individual venues to verify the vaccination status to avoid a fine. If you are told that you cannot enter the venue, consider asking if there is another staff member who might recognize and accept your vaccination card.

The U.S. Embassy cannot help you obtain a Green Pass.

Alerts and Advisories 

The Department of State has issued a  Level 4 Travel Advisory  recommending that U.S. citizens  do not travel to Romania  due to a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a  Level 4 Travel Health Notice  due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an  FDA authorized vaccine . Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for  fully vaccinated  and  unvaccinated travelers .

Please continue to monitor all security alerts from the U.S. Embassy and obey all ordinances imposed by the Government of Romania.  The latest updates and further details on the state of alert are available on the Romanian Ministry of Interior’s website  here .

Health Information

Romania has reported record numbers of daily coronavirus deaths and infections this month and the hospital system is overwhelmed. Due to the high number of cases that require intensive care throughout the country, patients who arrive at the hospital and need an Intensive Care Bed are put on a waiting list.

Only legal residents of Romania may obtain COVID-19 vaccines from state vaccination facilities.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania B-dul Dr. Liviu Librescu, nr 4-6 Sector 1, 014118, Bucuresti +40-21-270-6000 Email:  [email protected] Embassy website:  ro.usembassy.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 Romania Country Information 

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security updates

Follow us on  Facebook  and  Twitter

By U.S. Mission Romania | 29 October, 2021 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages | Tags: COVID-19 , Health Alert

Security Alert – Worldwide Caution, October 20, 2023

Demonstration alert – u.s. embassy bucharest, romania.

Footer Disclaimer This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Romania. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Romania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Romania’s Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Romania.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Romania your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest guidance on passport validity.

Contact the Romanian embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Passport stamping

At the Romanian border your passport may be stamped when you enter and exit Romania. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in Romania.

You can show tickets or boarding passes as evidence of when and where you entered or exited Romania. Ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport.

If you have a Withdrawal Agreement residency document for another country, your passport might still be stamped if you are a visitor to Romania.

You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

Read about passport stamping if you live in Romania .

Visa requirements

You can visit Romania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit for family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons) you will need to meet the Romanian government’s entry requirements. Check with the Romanian Embassy in the UK what type of visa and/or work permit you may need.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the visa.

If you stay in Romania with a Romanian residence permit or long-stay visa, this time does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for Romania.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Romania guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Romania (in Romanian). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Leaving Romania with children aged 17 and under

If you’re travelling with a child who holds Romanian citizenship, and you are not the child’s parent, or you are a parent but the other parent is not travelling with you, you may need to show notarised parental consent.

A list of the public notaries can be found on the website of the National Union of Public Notaries of Romania.

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Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update november 20, 2023, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Romania Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, romania - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed .

Exercise normal precautions in Romania.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Romania.  

If you decide to travel to Romania:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Romania.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, romania map, search for travel advisories, external link.

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• Latest News

Latest News:

International Restrictions:

Romania adopts its own national classification of risk areas , hence travel restrictions for Romania are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.

• "Green" areas: countries where the cumulative incidence rate of new COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days is less than or equal to 1,5 per 1000 inhabitants;
• "Yellow" areas: countries where the cumulative incidence rate of new COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days is between 1,5 and 3 per 1000 inhabitants;
• "Red" areas: countries where the cumulative incidence rate of new COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days is greater than or equal to 3 per 1000 inhabitants.

Travel from countries classified as "green"

Travellers arriving from countries classified as "green" can enter Romania without being subject to any isolation or test requirement.

Travel from countries classified as "yellow"

Travellers arriving from countries classified as "yellow", who do not provide a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival , are subject to a 14-day quarantine .

Children aged 3 and under are exempted from the PCR test requirement.

The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a PCR test no less than 8 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end on day 10.

Travel from countries classified as "red"

Travellers arriving from countries classified as "red" are subject to a 14-day quarantine .

The quarantine must take place at the person's home, at a declared location or, as the case may be, at a dedicated location designated by the authorities.

Mandatory Travel Documentation

No additional documentation required.

Find out more: General information National health institute

Persons in transit are not subject to quarantine requirements if they leave Romania within 24 hours from the time they entered the territory of the country.

Travellers who remain in Romania for less than 3 days (72 hours) and present a negative test for SARS-CoV-2, performed no more than 48 hours before entering the national territory, are exempted from the obligation to quarantine.

*Travel in Romania: Travel to/from airport or other port of arrival.Due to movement restrictions in place, when travelling to the airport make sure you carry:

• your passport

• your flight ticket

Road transit across or through Romania is possible. Carry your passport at all times.

Requirements when travelling e.g. public transport, taxis: You are required to carry a face mask in all indoor spaces, including public transport and taxis. Drivers are also required to comply with this requirement.

*Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, camping units have been allowed to open, but only when observing a specific set health-safety of rules. Indoor playgrounds and indoor fitness, sauna and pool facilities in hotels remain closed. Food is served through room service regime.

*Public spaces and services: The following measures are in force in Romania until further notice:

The following are considered permitted for essential reasons:

• medical assistance or buying medicine;

• caring responsibilities; or

• due to the schedule of plane/train/coach transport.

If you need to move around during these hours, you will need to provide proof justifying your movement, through a work badge, affidavit, travel itinerary, boarding pass or similar proof of payment, if requested by authorities.

• wearing a face mask is mandatory in all public spaces both indoors and outdoors

• cinemas, theatres, other event venues and gambling venues are closed

• restaurants and cafes cannot operate an indoor service in counties with a high infection rate (over 3 cases/1,000 inhabitants/ 14 days). The only exception is hotels, who are able to serve customers with accommodation booked

• all schools will move to online teaching only

• organising reunions or parties, to celebrate holidays or anniversaries, is prohibited in all public and private spaces both indoor and outdoor

• the number of non-related people allowed to form a group in public is six • gyms and fitness centres are permitted to function in areas with infection rates less than 3.5/1000

• pharmacies and gas stations are open and beyond the usual hours of business are permitted to operate between 9pm to 5am

• delivery services are permitted to continue operating, with no restrictions on times.

Persons found in breach of regulations are subject to fines ranging from RON500 – RON15,000, as per Law no. 55/2020 on measures for the prevention and control of COVID-19 effects. Due to the current Coronavirus situation in Romania, we advise people to observe social distancing measures.

Other: open/confirmed

Religious and cultural sport events are suspended . Measures valid for the next 30 days. Professional sport activities to start only the physical preparation period.. Update 15th of May: allowed activities with conditions - outdoor religious activities and private religious activities (max. 16people if indoor), free time activities (in group if max 3 people not living together),physical preparation period of professional sport activities to start . Updates 1st of June: profesional sport events allowed without spectators.

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Introducing Romania

• About Romania
• Images of Romania
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Romania
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

• Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport
• Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport
• Sibiu International Airport
• Timisoara Traian Vuia International Airport

Money and duty free for Romania

Currency and money, currency information.

New Leu (RON; symbol (plural) Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Bani50, 10, 5 and 1. (Old notes were in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000, 50,000 and 10,000 and coins in denominations of Lei5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100.)

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large hotels, car hire firms and some restaurants and shops.

ATMs ( bancomat ) accepting MasterCard and Visa can be found in main banks, airports and shopping centres but should not be relied upon as a sole source of cash.

Travellers cheques

Like credit and debit cards, these are usually only useful in hotels and for obtaining cash at the bank or selected exchange offices. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1300.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is limited to €10,000.

Currency exchange

It is recommended that visitors bring Euros, as these can be easily exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels. Pounds Sterling can be easily exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, larger hotels and airports and at authorised exchange offices ( Birou de Schimb Valutar ). Rates can vary from one place to another, so visitors are advised to shop around for the best rate of exchange. Exchanges on the black market are made frequently, but visitors are advised to exchange money through proper exchange channels and to receive a currency exchange receipt, as certain services require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction.

Romania duty free

Romania is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU , you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Romania’s duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 90L of wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine. • 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Romania’s duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Romania by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco. You may combine any of these tobacco products provided you do not exceed the total limit. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products provided the total limit is not exceeded. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

Banned Imports

Ammunition, weapons, explosives, narcotics and counterfeit goods.

There are restrictions on the import of meat, fish and dairy products from outside the EU.

You must obtain a permit to import protected species. 

Banned Exports

Articles of cultural, historical or artistic value.

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Romania Entry Requirements

Trip planner.

• Entry Requirements

• Travel Documents / Entry Visa Documents for admission into Romania Romanian Entry Visa Schengen Visas
• Travel with Pets Pet Entry Requirements Pet transportation / Travel with pets in Romania trains, bus, subway.

Driving in Romania

Travel documents.

A valid passport is required for all overseas/ non-EU visitors. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your visit (it will not expire sooner than your intended date of departure). However, please check the expiration date on your passport carefully before traveling to Europe. Although Romania is not part of the Schengen agreement, some airlines (i.e. Lufthansa) may refuse boarding at your point of origin or while transferring planes if your passport is not valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure; or your entry into the Schengen Area could be denied. For this reason, the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that your passport has at least six months' validity remaining whenever you travel abroad.

For stays longer than 90 days visitors need to need to apply for a temporary residence permit (either before arriving into Romania or at least 30 days before the 90-day "no visa" stay expires). To apply for an extended stay visa please visit eVisa.MAE.ro Additional information are available from any Romanian Immigration Office

Citizens of the European Union countries can enter Romania with a valid passport or with their National Identity Card.

Depending on your citizenship, you may be required to show different documents at the port-of-entry.

American and Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand and most European countries do not need an entry visa to visit Romania, providing duration of stay is not more than 90 (ninety) days, accumulated during a single visit - or multiple visits - within a six-month period.

Citizens of certain countries and territories need a visa to visit Romania. To quickly check if you need a visa please visit www.E-Visa.MAE.ro (select the "Get Informed" tab (up left) and enter the following information: passport issuing country, type of passport, purpose of your visit to Romania). Entry requirements and visa information are also available at www.mae.ro .

Please send all inquiries regarding visa and entry requirements to the nearest Consulate of Romania . RomaniaTourism has no authority or expertise to answer questions regarding travel documents or visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, bearer of a regular passport, are exempt from the requirement of a Romanian visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, bearer of diplomatic, service, official passport and seamen's books, are exempt from the requirement of a Romanian visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, holders of regular passport, need a visa to enter Romania.

Schengen Visas validity in Romania

Romania is not yet part of the Schengen visa agreement but Schengen Visa holders do not need to get a (special) Romanian visa to visit Romania as long as their Schengen visa allows at least two entries in Schengen space and the number of entries and/ or length of stay has not been not exhausted. More info concerning Schengen Visa Validity in Romania Please double-check all (Schengen) visa requirements with the nearest Consulate of Romania

No immunizations or unusual health precautions are necessary or required. Romania has no infectious risks and there are no poisonous insects. There is no malaria in Romania. During the summer months mosquitoes are present in the Danube Delta and some low-lying regions. For your comfort take some mosquito repellent with you, if visiting Romania during the warm season.

Tap water is safe to drink; if you prefer, bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. Romania is home to more that 1/3 of the natural mineral springs in Europe. Some Romanian bottled waters are rated the best in the world for purity and taste and are exported to many foreign countries.

Naturally, we hope that you will never need to use any medical facilities. However, Romanian doctors are known for their high standard of medical education. The embassy of your country, to Romania, can probably provide a list of preferred physicians or medical facilities.

Travel with Pets in Romania

Leisure travelers or soon-to-be expatriates (departing from non-EU countries) generally fall within the EU regulations for non-commercial pet travel to Europe. The following EU regulations apply only to dogs, cats or ferrets. Please contact your Embassy/ Consulate (or the embassy of destination country) to determine what (if any) protocol to follow for other types of pets.

Documents needed to take your pet into Romania include:

1. Proof of rabies vaccinations - Rabbies Certificate (Your veterinarian issued documentation that proves rabies vaccination and disproves the existence of rabies in your pet, specifying that this documentation is certified for your travel to the EU). Your pet may not travel to Europe until at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccine.

2. Pet's Health Certificate The health certificate must prove that your pet has had all its shots and is healthy enough to travel. Although this certificate is technically valid for 4 months, it is recommended to be completed and endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of travel to avoid any customs issues upon arrival. The results of a serological test and the pet's vaccination details must be attached to the health certificate. Obtain this documentation within 10 days of travel. For travel to Europe, an additional single-sheet EU Vet Health Certificate form must be filled out and certified by your vet.

3. Microchip Implantation Record Microchips provide electronic identification on your pet. If your pet doesn't already have a microchip you can easily get one. All original documentation must travel with your pet. Translation of documents is not needed if they are in English, French or German.

More info concerning pet movement from non-EU countries Romania Pet Travel check list

Dogs: must be kept in leash and wear a muzzle. Small pets and birds: must be kept in a cage at all times. Some municipalities might have additional regulations regarding travel with pets in city buses or trams. A small number of cities in Romania do not allow pets on board of their public transportation fleet.

Dogs: must be kept in leash and wear a muzzle at all times. Small pets and birds: must be kept in a cage at all times.

Dogs are allowed in second-class cars only; they must stay on the floor, in leash, and wear a muzzle at all times. If a passenger is allergic to pet-hair or is not comfortable in the presence of a dog, the owner of the dog must find a seat / place in another car. Dog's health certificate must be available for inspection by the train conductor.

A ticket is required for all (larger) dogs that do not travel in a pet-cage hold in the lap of the owner. The cost of a train ticket for a dog is 50% of the price of a ticket for an adult traveler.

Dog breeds with aggressive tendencies/ history (Pittbull, Boerboer, Bandogge) are not allowed on trains.

Each bus company has its own rules regarding pet travel / transportation.

Each airline has its own rules regarding pet travel / transportation. An international pet passport is required for pets traveling to EU / Schengen countries. Although there are uniform regulation within the EU, some European countries have additional/ own regulations regarding pets.

Romanians love pets; please don't be surprised or offended if someone you don't know tries to pet your dog or cat without asking permission.

Each hotel or restaurant has its own pet policy.

In general pets are allowed in hotels and restaurants. Hotels might charge extra the guests bringing their pets.

Romania Customs Regulations

Romanian Customs regulations are in line with those of most European countries. A traveler can enter and leave Romania with up to 10,000 Euros (or equivalent) in cash or traveler's checks. Amounts over 10,000 Euros have to be declared when entering the country.

Items that must be declared at customs also include: art objects, historic artifacts, weapons, ammunition, explosive materials, toxic and hazadous substances.

- Tobacco: 40 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g (100 oz) tobacco. - Liquor: 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer or 2 litres of alcoholic drinks less than 45 proof or one litre of liquor stonger than 45 proof. (one litre = 33.8 fl. oz). - A reasonable quantity of gifts with a total value of up to $450. - Goods and medical products/ medicines for personal use. Customs officers do not usually check the luggage of individual travelers or tour groups. However, you must know that, as in any other country, custom officers have the authority to check passports and to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination to a personal search. More information on European customs regulations

U.S. / Canadian / Australian / New Zealand / European drivers' licenses are valid and can be used for driving in Romania, by visitors who are in the country temporarily (less than 90 days).

Driving is on the right side of the road.

Independent travelers entering Romania by car (own or rental) need to obtain a road toll sticker, called "RoVinieta". RoVigneta is available on-line at Roviniete , and E_Rovinieta , as well as at border-crossing points, postal offices and most gas stations. Cost of RoVinieta for passenger cars is the Romanian currency equivalent of $3.50 (7 days) or $8.00 (30 days).

Romania Rules of the Road are available at RomaniaTourism Practical Information section

General emergency phone # : 112

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Last updated: 11.04.2022

Romania covid-19 travel restrictions & entry rules.

If you’re looking for up to date info on Romania's Covid-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements due to the pandemic - this article is for you. Find out about entry rules for tourists, vaccination, quarantine and test requirements, public safety measures and all things Covid-related to help you plan your visit in 2022.

Also - should you visit Romania during Covid-19? YES! What's are the best things to do or visit in these conditions? Read on! Important: in 2021 we had a VERY busy season during June - Sept when everyone decided to travel and infection numbers were low. Since all our tours are private and we received a lot of requests many short-notice bookings got declined due to guides and their colleagues being unavailable.

• we know travel during Covid-19 can be unpredictable but if you're planning to visit Romania in 2022 please consider booking your tours at least 7-10 days in advance or more to secure our guides' availability and give them time to prepare. If you need to cancel for 90% of our tours we only need 1-3 days advance notice to get a full refund

After the huge wave of Covid infections with the Omicron variant in Jan-Feb all over Europe, it seems the Coronavirus has become endemic and no longer as serious since everyone is either vaccinated or has developed immunity. Many countries all over Europe have lifted restrictions and no longer have travel requirements or checks in place.

The same is true for Romania: since 8.03 the state of alert has been lifted which means there are NO RESTRICTIONS that apply to foreign travellers wanting to visit Romania no matter where they come from. In fact, since 21.01 the colour-coded list of countries and travel restrictions that apply have been discontinued.

So travel and tourism in Romania is once again normal - hurray! Nevertheless, all our tours run with safety measures in place (cars are disinfected, guides weak masks in the car, etc.) as we want to protect everyone's health and continue welcoming tourists the safest conditions for everyone.

The pandemic hasn’t changed the beauty of our country. On the contrary, spending time outdoors going hiking, seeing the beautiful countryside of Transylvania and generally having an active holiday is the best – and safest – thing to do for our body and mind after so much time spent indoors!

Since 2017 when Romanian Friend was created our intention has always been to support small businesses and communities through responsible tourism. The past 2 years have been very challenging for everyone in the industry, with lots of people going out of business. So please consider booking tours with locals if you want to give back to the local economy, people and places you'll visit in Romania. We make sure all our tours use local products and services!

• Last update: 11.04.2022 - we’re going to keep this article updated so please check it regularly. And if you have any questions contact us – we’re happy to help!

Table of contents

1. Entry rules for foreign citizens into Romania

2. covid-19 public safety measures, 4. what to visit in romania during covid-19.

As of 8 March 2022 ALL foreign citizens are allowed to enter Romania for tourism and general purposes as the state of alert was lifted. No restrictions or checks apply.

Providing proof of vaccination, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 or negative test results is no longer necessary, and travellers are not subject to quarantine anymore. No need to fill in a passenger locator form.

Put simply - Romania is open for tourism - so come visit!

Most restrictions have been lifted and all safety measures have now a "recommended" status

• wearing a mask is NOT mandatory anymore (indoors or outdoors) but is recommended, especially indoors
• all businesses and public institutions can set their own rules regarding wearing masks - so check for those
• pubs, cafes and restaurants can work normally at maximum capacity
• Covid checks are NOT required to access public facilities
• tourist attractions such as castles and museums are open normally

Getting tested for Covid-19 in Romania is easy and simple. In every city there are private laboratories who do PCR tests (throat and/or nose swabs) and quick antigen tests (and issue a document for travel purposes). In most cases no appointment is required to get tested, you can just walk in. You can get the results over email or in a SMS in Romanian and/or English.

To find a Covid-19 test center use Google when in Romania (search for 'test Covid [city name]') or ask someone who speaks Romanian for help with finding the nearest testing centre. Call in advance to make sure they can take you and give you results within the time limit you need. You'll get results within as little as 12h and costs range from 20 - 50 Euro depending on how fast you need them.

Outdoor tours and trips are the best choices for tours and trips in Romania during Covid-19 since it's easier to maintain social distancing and there's a low risk of getting the virus. After spending a few months in lockdown, nothing feels more liberating than reconnecting with nature and exploring the great outdoors once again. Thankfully, Romania has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in all of Europe, so there are lots of options to choose from.

You can go on nature and wildlife tours (Romania has the highest biodiversity in Europe), go hiking, or explore the Romanian countryside, with its peaceful traditional villages, most of which have had no confirmed Coronavirus cases. Check our Romania hiking guide for more info.

• Romanian Adventures & Wildlife Tours

Since the Carpathian Mountains cover one-third of the country, tours and trip in nature are the easiest to go for. No matter if you start your adventure from the capital Bucharest or other major cities, you'll find lots of natural attractions around them, and dreamy landscapes are never more than a short drive away.

Ready to get started? Depending on where you land, here are our top picks:

• from Bucharest

The capital is always nice to visit and there are plenty of indoor (Palace of Parliament, Ceausescu’s Home, etc.) and outdoor (Village Museum, Cismigiu Garden, etc.) tourist attractions to choose from. Check our Bucharest city guide for more info.

From Bucharest, you can take head East to visit the Black Sea and the famous Danube Delta - the second-largest river delta in Europe and a UNESCO-protected biosphere . This natural gem is a birdwatcher's paradise (it's home to more than 300 species) and we recommend you spend at least 2-3 days in the area so you can go on special tours. Apart from the lakes, swamps, canals, and backwaters, you can also see sand dunes and forests with ancient oak trees.

2-Day Danube Delta & Birdwatching Tour from Bucharest

Start from: Bucharest

4-Day Danube Delta Group Tour: Birds, Letea Forest & Villages

Start from: Tulcea

If you're looking for more other tours and day trips from Bucharest we recommend hiking to the Bucegi Mountains, Cozia National Park, or the Iezer-Papusa Mountains. Visiting the famous Bran and Peles Castles is also possible.

• from Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is Romania's largest city after Bucharest and one of the most important cultural centers. Once you've explored its medieval landmarks and architectural points of interest, you can enjoy the nearby natural attractions. Cluj is conveniently located to two of the best:

Apuseni Natural Park is just 100 km West from Cluj, and you can get there in about 2 ½ hours by car. Some of the unmissable attractions in Apuseni Natural Park include Bride Veil's Waterfall, Scarita Belioara natural reserve, and Cetățile Ponorului. There are more than 1800 caves here (Bear's Cave and Scarisoara Ice Cave are the two most popular ones) and if you're an adventurous soul, you can also try extreme activities like water rafting on Crisul Pietros or hiking in Poiana Ponor.

Tours & Day Trips in Cluj-Napoca

From Cluj, you can also head North to *Maramures*, whom many consider the most culturally representative Romanian region. Apart from having breathtaking natural landscapes (70% of Maramures is made of forests), this region also has unique traditional churches, 8 of which have been acknowledged by UNESCO. Maramures is one of Romania's more traditional regions, and once you come here, you'll be charmed by the simple way of life and the hospitality of the locals. True to its name, Coronavirus hasn't affected Maramures at all!

In June, the European Best Destinations Organization (EBD) included Sibiu on the list of safest places in Europe to visit after COVID-19. Founded in the 12th century, Sibiu has been under German influence for much of the medieval period, and you can see this in the architecture. Some of the most important attractions in Sibiu include Big Square (Piata Mare), the Brukenthal National Museum, the Bridge of Lies, and the ASTRA National Museum Complex.

After exploring Sibiu, you can go on a day trip to discover the traditional Transylvanian villages scattered around it. You'll see small wooden houses built on stone bases, hand-painted ceramics and icons painted on glass, and sample homemade culinary specialties. Or go visit the superb Corvin Castle!

Tours & Day Trips in Sibiu

From Sibiu, you can also get to the Transfagarasan Highway , a spectacular road that connects the South of Romanian with Transylvania, spans for 90km, and reaches an altitude of over 2,000 meters. The views are fantastic up here, and along it you can see other famous attractions such as Vidraru Lake and Balea Lake.

• from Brasov

The medieval town of Brasov is a gateway to Transylvania and one of the best starting points for day trips and wildlife tours. There are lots of options for outdoor activities available.

Tours & Day Trips in Brasov

You can go on hiking tours in Piatra Craiului or Bucegi Mountains, visit Râşnov Fortress or Bran Castle or go on wildlife watching tours to look for bears and other animals.

All our tour guides in strict compliance with the latest Covid-19 safety regulations. The cars they use are disinfected regularly and wearing a mask in the car is mandatory. Not mandatory when out in the mountains :)

If you're interested in organising a private trip or want more information please contact us -- we're happy to help!

Check our tours

• Top attractions in Romania Tours
• Romanian Local Life: Food, People & Cultural Tours
• Major Romanian cities: All Tours & Day Trips

Local insights from Romania

4 times a year we prepare a newsletter with local stories, places and our special insights about Romanian culture and local life that will inspire you to visit our country and have an authentic local experience. Would you like to get it?

#romanianfriend

• Travel Planning Guide

Romania Travel Budget - Visit Romania on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Romania Costs

• Timisoara / Temesvar
• Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar
• Romania Hotel Prices
• Romania Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Romania
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Romania
• Best Hotels for One Night in Romania
• Best Hotels for Skiing in Romania
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Romania
• Best Hotels for One Week in Romania
• Best Cheap Hotels in Romania
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Romania
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Romania
• Best Party Hotels in Romania
• Best Luxury Hotels in Romania
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Romania
• Best Business Hotels in Romania
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Romania Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania
• The Best Wildlife Tours to Romania
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Romania
• The Best Historical Tours in Romania
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Romania
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Romania
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Romania
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Romania
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Romania
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Romania
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Romania
• The Best Adventure Tours to Romania
• The Best Eco Tours in Romania
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Romania
• The Best Cultural Tours in Romania
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Romania
• The Best Health & Fitness Tours in Romania
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Romania
• The Best Luxury Tours to Romania
• The Best Budget Tours to Romania
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Romania
• How much does it cost to travel to Romania? (Average Daily Cost)
• Romania trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Romania?

Is romania expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Romania?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Romania?

You should plan to spend around $84 (lei383) per day on your vacation in Romania. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $28 (lei130) on meals
• $22 (lei99) on local transportation
• $62 (lei284) on hotels

A one week trip to Romania for two people costs, on average, $1,176 (lei5,360) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 84 lei 383
• One Week Per person $ 129 lei 2,680
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,176 lei 5,360
• One Month Per person $ 2,519 lei 11,486
• One Week For a couple $ 1,176 lei 5,360
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,351 lei 10,721
• One Month For a couple $ 5,038 lei 22,973

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Romania cost?

A one week trip to Romania usually costs around $588 (lei2,680) for one person and $1,176 (lei5,360) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Romania on average costs around $1,176 (lei5,360) for one person and $2,351 (lei10,721) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Romania will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Romania on average costs around $2,519 (lei11,486) for one person and $5,038 (lei22,973) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Romania is $306 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Discover Medieval and Wild Transylvania, Meet the Brown Bears, and Count Dracula 3 Days - 5 Destinations $ 600
• Amazing Romania - Seven day private tour from Bucharest 7 Days - 7 Destinations $ 2,511

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Romania is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Romania is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Europe for its affordability . You can find more affordable countries such as Ukraine, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Switzerland.

For more details, see Is Romania Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Romania?

The average Romania trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Romania travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Romania

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Romania is $31 (lei142). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Romania is $62 (lei284). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 31 lei 142
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 62 lei 284

Hotel Prices in Romania

Looking for a hotel in Romania? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Romania based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $50. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Grand Pier Boutique Hotel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 104
• Hotel Tresor Le Palais Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 119

Local Transportation Budget in Romania

The cost of a taxi ride in Romania is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $22 (lei99) per person, per day, on local transportation in Romania.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 22 lei 99

Recommended Services

• Airport Transfer Service Viator $ 12
• Airport Transfer - Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport Viator $ 18
• Tirgu Mures Airport Private Transfer Viator $ 31
• Bucharest Luxury Airport Transfer with Minivan and Business Cars Viator $ 33

Food Budget in Romania

While meal prices in Romania can vary, the average cost of food in Romania is $28 (lei130) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Romania should cost around $11 (lei52) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Romania is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 28 lei 130

Recommended

• Cooking traditional dishes with locals Viator $ 105
• Taste Romania - Timisoara's Food Tour Viator $ 122
• Mystical beliefs, traditions & history - Walking Food Tour Viator $ 83
• Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours Viator $ 88

Entertainment Budget in Romania

Entertainment and activities in Romania typically cost an average of $9.38 (lei43) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 9.38 lei 43

Recommended Activities

• Tuk Tuk Bucharest Private Tour - Best Experience in Bucharest! Viator $ 89
• Timisoara All in One - Walking and Tram Tour Viator $ 144
• Private Walking Tour: Essential Bucharest + Hidden Gems Viator $ 58
• Bran Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov City - Private Tour from Bucharest Viator $ 253

Alcohol Budget in Romania

The average person spends about $8.58 (lei39) on alcoholic beverages in Romania per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 8.58 lei 39
• Bran (Dracula) Castle, Bear Sanctuary, Rasnov Fortress & Palinca Distillery Viator $ 110
• Bike & Wine tour in Dealu Mare wineland Viator $ 100
• Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version Viator $ 67
• Bar Crawling Viator $ 44

Related Articles

Romania on a budget.

At A Glance

• Romania's large size and somewhat difficult infrastructure make it inefficient and difficult for travelers to get around. Although the transportation system continues to improve, roads are still inefficient. Train travel has improved dramatically due to some recent upgrades to the system, but ongoing projects on certain tracks continue to slow trains down. It is best to research the current situation before you begin planning your trip.
• The Orthodox Church plays a significant role in Romania's culture. It is one of the most religious countries in Europe, and your visit will likely include some churchs and monasteries. Another unique experience is to visit an Orthodox Mass. It is not uncommon to show up for only a portion of the service. Make sure you are dressed appropriately and show respect to the worshippers. Do note that you can not participate in communion unless you are baptized Orthodox. By attending mass you can truly experience a part of the Romanian culture and have a unique experience away from the tourist attractions.
• If you're interested in doing some local shopping a great way to do this is to visit a weekly fair (referred to as a targ, balci or obor). They are usually held on a Sunday and are a great way to see an authentic part of Romania. Almost anything is available for sale including live animals, clothes, vegetables, and perhaps even farm equipment such as tractors. There is often music, dancing and food stalls as well.
• Wine making in Romania dates back more than 2000 years. The best wineries in the country are Murfatlar, Cotnari, Dragasani, Bohotin and Bucium among others. The quality is generally high but the prices are low so it's a great place to sample a few wines or purchase some to bring home.
• Brewing beer is also popular in Romania. It remains cheap compared to the rest of Europe but the best options are those in the glass bottles or cans. Imported beers are much more expensive than Romanian beers and many international brands are brewed in Romania under a license so they taste very different than elsewhere in Western Europe.

Top Tourist Attractions

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Winter fuel payment: Who is eligible, how much is it and when is it paid?

Millions of pensioners will receive a winter fuel payment to help towards higher heating bills - here's what you need to know about how and when it will be paid, who is eligible and what to do if you don't get paid.

Monday 27 November 2023 10:18, UK

The winter fuel payment is aimed at helping pensioners pay for higher fuel bills during the colder months. 

About 11.5 million pensioners will receive up to £600 - this amount includes a £300 per household pensioner cost of living payment.

Here is everything you need to know about when and how the payment will be made, who is eligible, and what to do if you don't receive your payment.

Who is eligible for the winter fuel payment?

You can get a winter fuel payment if you were born before 25 September 1957.

You usually need to live in the UK to qualify for the payment.

But if you moved to an eligible country before 1 January 2021, and have a "genuine and sufficient link to the UK" - such as living and working here previously - you will qualify.

The eligible countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

There are some cases where you will not be eligible, including if you have been in hospital for all of the last year, if you were in prison for the whole of the week of 18 to 24 September 2023, and if you lived in a care home for the whole time from 26 June to 24 September 2023.

How much is the winter fuel payment?

The winter fuel payment is between £250 and £600.

If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the winter fuel payment, you will get either:

• £500 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 • £600 if you were born before 25 September 1943

If you live with someone else who is eligible for the winter fuel payment, the payment may be split between the two of you.

Exactly how that is done depends on when you were born and what benefits you receive.

Your payment may be different if you receive one of these benefits: pension credit, income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA), income-related employment and support allowance (ESA), and income support.

If you and your partner jointly claim any of these benefits, one of you will get a payment of £500 if both of you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957, or £600 if one or both of you were born before 25 September 1943.

If you do not claim the benefits jointly, you will get an individual payment: again, £500 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 or £600 if you were born before 25 September 1943.

If you do not get any of the benefits, you will get a payment of either:

• £250 if you and the person you live with were both born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 • £250 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 but the person you live with was born before 25 September 1943 • £350 if you were born before 25 September 1943 but the person you live with was born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 • £300 if you and the person you live with were both born before 25 September 1943.

Care home residents can still get the payment, but it is less.

Eligible care home residents will get £250 if they were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 and £300 if they were born before 25 September 1943.

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How do you get the winter fuel payment?

Most people get the winter fuel payment automatically.

If you're eligible, you should have received a letter in October or November saying how much you'll get.

You will get the payment automatically if you receive the state pension or another benefit, including pension credit, attendance allowance, personal independence payment (PIP), carers allowance, disability living allowance (DLA), income support, income-related employment and support allowance (ESA), income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA), awards from the war pensions scheme, industrial injuries disablement benefit, incapacity benefit, and industrial death benefit.

If you do not get any of these, you will need to claim - but only if you've not got the payment before.

You'll also need to make a claim if you have deferred your state pension since your last winter fuel payment. Details on how to claim by post or phone are on the government website .

When is the winter fuel payment paid?

The winter fuel payment will be paid directly into your bank account in November or December.

It will appear in bank statements with the payment reference starting with the customer's National Insurance number followed by 'DWP WFP' for people in Great Britain, or 'DFC WFP' for people in Northern Ireland.

What should you do if the payment doesn't come through?

If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 26 January 2024, contact the winter fuel payment centre .

Related Topics

• Cost of living