Complete Guide to Romania: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Your ultimate 2025 Complete Guide to Romania – the mystical crossroads of East and West. Now a full Schengen member (since Jan 1, 2025), enjoy seamless 90-day visa-free entry, explore Dracula's Transylvania castles, Bucharest's vibrant nightlife, and the Black Sea coast. Discover the new €400K Golden Visa residency program, understand the economy under President Nicușor Dan, and get practical tips on sarmale feasts and Carpathian hikes. This detailed guide ensures your Romania travel is magical and informed.
Introduction to Romania
Romania, with 19 million passionate souls, is a land of ancient Dacians, medieval fortresses, and Black Sea beaches – home to Europe's largest building (Parliament Palace) and the world's heaviest building by volume. In 2025, as a full Schengen member, it attracts 12M tourists yearly with its mix of Ottoman, Habsburg, and communist legacies. This guide covers visa ease, the new Golden Visa, and must-sees for seamless Romania travel.
Romania Independence Date
May 9, 1877 – independence from the Ottoman Empire. Celebrated as Europe Day with events in Bucharest and Iași.
How to Apply for Romania Visa
Full Schengen since Jan 1, 2025 → 90 days visa-free in 180 for USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, etc. Schengen visa valid EU-wide. For longer: D-type national visa; e-visa trials for select nationalities.
Romania Golden Visa Residency 2025
Launched late 2025: €400K investment in bonds, real estate, shares, or funds → 5-year renewable residency (no min stay). Family included; path to permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after 8. SRI/SIE security checks required.
Top Places to Visit in Romania
- Bucharest – Parliament Palace, Old Town
- Brașov – Black Church, Poiana Brașov skiing
- Sighișoara – Dracula's birthplace (UNESCO)
- Sinaia – Peleș Castle
- Constanța – Black Sea beaches, Mamaia resort
- Cluj-Napoca – vibrant student city, Untold Festival
- Danube Delta – UNESCO biosphere, birdwatching
- Timișoara – "Little Vienna," 1989 Revolution site
Economic Activities & 2025 Outlook
Nominal GDP ≈ €300B, 0.7% growth amid fiscal consolidation. Sectors: IT outsourcing (10% GDP), automotive (Dacia), agriculture (wheat, sunflower), tourism (8% GDP). EU funds boost green energy.
How to Buy a SIM Card in Romania
Orange (top coverage), Vodafone, Telekom. €5–10 starter with 20–40GB data/30 days. Buy at airports/shops; passport for activation.
Who is the President of Romania?
Nicușor Dan – centrist, pro-EU Bucharest mayor, elected May 18, 2025; sworn in May 26.
Political Status
Semi-presidential republic, EU/NATO member. Post-2025 election stability focuses on anti-corruption, EU integration; tensions with Russia over Ukraine.
Aviation Services in Romania
Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) hub. Scenic flights over Transylvania/Carpathians; medevac via AirMed (24/7); helicopter tours in Danube Delta/Brașov.
Culture, Sarmale & Festivals
Sarmale cabbage rolls, țuică plum brandy, Hora dances. Festivals: Untold (Cluj EDM), George Enescu (Bucharest classical), Sibiu Theater.
Safety & Practical Tips
Low crime; safe for solo travel. English in cities; Leu currency; trains/buses affordable (Bucharest–Brașov 2h).
Plan Your Romania Journey
From vampire lore to Black Sea sun, Romania enchants. KiliFlying Air offers charters and scenic flights for your adventure.
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