Romanian Visa Application in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

U.S. citizens travel to Romania without a visa for short stays. Since Romania completed its accession to the Schengen area, the 90-day allowance is counted across the whole zone rather than for Romania alone, which changes the arithmetic for anyone touring Europe.

Quick facts

Long-stay visas for work, study or family reunification are the consular work that remains, and they are followed by a residence permit obtained in Romania.

Fees breakdown

Documents supporting a long-stay application need an apostille and a translation into Romanian, and the authority in Romania usually wants the translation made by a translator authorised there.

How to apply

1. Check whether your nationality needs a visa for the Schengen area.
2. Identify the long-stay category and its requirements.
3. Obtain the criminal background check and any professional documents, apostilled.
4. Open the file on the consular portal and book the appointment.
5. Attend with originals and copies and give biometrics.
6. Apply for the residence permit in Romania within the visa’s validity.

Required documents

• Passport valid beyond the intended stay.
• Completed application and photographs.
• Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
• Travel medical insurance for short stays.
• Evidence of accommodation and means.
• Employer, university or family documents by category.

Where to apply

At the embassy or a career consulate, through the national portal.

Additional notes

Romanians need no visa

Anyone with a claim to Romanian citizenship should look at that route instead. It carries free movement across the European Union.

The Schengen change

Guidance written before accession describes a separate Romanian allowance. That is no longer how it is counted.

Moldovan applicants

Romania has long-standing citizenship arrangements for people with Romanian ancestry in the region, which are a different route from any visa.

Translations

Ask whether the translation must be made by an authorised translator in Romania before commissioning one here.