Cluj Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Cluj-Napoca, located in northwestern Romania, is accessible to international travelers through Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) and by land from neighboring countries. As Romania is a member of the European Union (though not yet part of the Schengen Area as of early 2024), entry requirements follow EU standards with some specific Romanian regulations. Most visitors from Western countries can enter visa-free for short stays, while the immigration process is generally straightforward and efficient. Travelers should be prepared to present valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. The immigration process at Cluj-Napoca International Airport typically involves document checks and brief questioning about the purpose and duration of your visit. It's important to note that while Romania has been approved for Schengen Area membership, travelers should verify the current status as implementation may affect entry procedures. Before traveling to Cluj, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Romania. Familiarize yourself with customs regulations, particularly regarding currency declaration and prohibited items. While health requirements have evolved, it's essential to check current regulations regarding vaccinations and health insurance, as these can change based on global health situations.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Romania's visa policy allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries for short-term stays. Requirements vary based on nationality and purpose of visit.

Visa-Free Entry

EU/EEA citizens: unlimited stay with valid ID; other visa-exempt countries: up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, as well as many other nations, can enter Romania without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

All EU/EEA member states (including UK passport holders for up to 90 days) United States Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico Switzerland Norway

EU/EEA citizens can enter with a valid national ID card or passport. Non-EU visa-exempt travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. The 90-day limit applies to total days spent in Romania, not per visit.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eVisa)

Typically up to 90 days for tourism/business

Romania offers an electronic visa system for certain nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry

Includes

India China Russia Turkey (for stays beyond visa-free allowance) Thailand Indonesia

How to Apply: Apply through the Romanian e-Visa portal (evisa.mae.ro) at least 10 working days before travel. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Required documents include passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means.
Cost: Approximately €60-80 depending on visa type and processing speed

e-Visa must be printed and presented at border control along with supporting documents. Some nationalities may still require traditional visa application at embassy.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type; typically 30-90 days for tourist visas

Citizens of countries not covered by visa-free or e-Visa arrangements must apply for a traditional visa at a Romanian embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Schedule an appointment, submit required documents (application form, passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, invitation letter if applicable), and attend an interview. Processing takes 10-30 days.

Requirements vary by nationality. Some countries may require additional documentation such as employment letters or bank statements. Transit visas may be required for certain nationalities even if not leaving the airport.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Cluj-Napoca International Airport or land borders, travelers will go through immigration and customs control. The process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary during peak travel periods.

Document Check

Present your passport and any required visa or entry documents to the border control officer. They will verify the validity of your documents and check them against immigration databases.

Immigration Interview

Answer brief questions about your visit, including purpose of travel, duration of stay, accommodation details, and intended activities. Be prepared to show supporting documents if requested.

Passport Stamping

Your passport will be stamped with entry date. EU/EEA citizens with national ID cards typically don't receive stamps. Keep this stamp as you'll need to show it upon departure.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Check that all bags have arrived and report any missing items immediately to the airline desk.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs. Use the green channel (nothing to declare) if you have no restricted items or amounts exceeding duty-free allowances. Use the red channel if you need to declare items or currency.

Exit to Arrivals

After clearing customs, exit to the arrivals hall where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and other services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport or National ID

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay (3 months for EU citizens). EU/EEA citizens can use national ID cards.

Visa or Entry Authorization

If required for your nationality, printed e-Visa or visa sticker in passport. Keep approval emails accessible.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or invitation letter from host. Should cover entire duration of stay.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Romania within allowed stay period. Flight, bus, or train booking confirmation.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during stay (approximately €50 per day recommended).

Travel Insurance

Recommended for all travelers; required for some visa categories. Should cover medical expenses and repatriation (minimum €30,000 coverage recommended).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration. Use a travel document holder to keep everything together.

Answer questions confidently and honestly. Keep responses brief and relevant. Avoid volunteering unnecessary information.

Dress presentably and be polite to immigration officers. First impressions matter and can expedite the process.

Have accommodation addresses written down or saved on your phone. Don't rely solely on internet access at the airport.

Keep some Romanian Lei (RON) or Euros in cash for immediate expenses, though ATMs and currency exchange are available at the airport.

Take a photo or keep a copy of your passport and entry stamp. This can be helpful if documents are lost during your stay.

If arriving by land border, allow extra time as these crossings can be slower than airports, especially during peak hours.

Download offline maps and important contact information before arrival in case of limited internet connectivity.

Customs & Duty-Free

Romania follows EU customs regulations with specific allowances for duty-free goods. Travelers must declare items exceeding these limits and any restricted goods. Customs officers may conduct random checks or request baggage inspection.

Alcohol

From non-EU countries: 1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine, plus 4 liters of still wine. From EU countries: higher limits apply (10 liters spirits, 90 liters wine for personal use).

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol must be for personal consumption, not for resale. Exceeding limits requires duty payment.

Tobacco

From non-EU countries: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. From EU countries: 800 cigarettes OR 400 cigarillos OR 200 cigars OR 1kg tobacco for personal use.

Must be 18 years or older. Products must be for personal use. Counterfeit tobacco products are strictly prohibited.

Currency

No limit on currency brought into Romania, but amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared in writing.

Declaration applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and certain negotiable instruments. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines. Keep declaration form for departure.

Gifts/Goods

From non-EU countries: goods up to €430 value (€300 if arriving by land). From EU countries: no specific limit if for personal use and duty already paid in EU.

Value limits apply per person, not per item. Commercial quantities will be questioned. Receipts may be requested to verify values.

Perfume

50g/60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette from non-EU countries

Larger quantities may be subject to duty. Must be for personal use.

Medicines

Reasonable quantity for personal use during stay

Carry prescription or doctor's letter for controlled substances. Some medications legal elsewhere may be restricted in Romania.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - illegal under Romanian law with severe penalties
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES regulations)
Pornographic materials - particularly those involving minors
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions due to disease control
Plants and plant products - from non-EU countries without phytosanitary certificates
Explosives and fireworks - without special authorization
Cultural artifacts - items of historical or archaeological significance without proper documentation
Hazardous materials - certain chemicals, radioactive materials without permits

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - require valid prescription and should be in original packaging; controlled substances need special documentation
Firearms for sporting purposes - require import permits obtained in advance from Romanian authorities
Live animals and pets - require health certificates, vaccination records (rabies), and microchipping (see pet travel section)
Large amounts of cash - over €10,000 must be declared; suspicious amounts may be investigated
Professional equipment - cameras, drones, or other professional gear may require temporary import documentation
Alcohol and tobacco exceeding duty-free limits - subject to customs duty and VAT
Certain food products - honey, eggs, and some other items from non-EU countries require health certificates
Radio transmitters and drones - may require registration or permits for use in Romania

Health Requirements

Romania does not currently require specific vaccinations for most travelers, though health precautions are recommended. Health requirements can change based on global health situations and your country of origin.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), and polio
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers due to potential food/water exposure
Hepatitis B - for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Rabies - for travelers planning outdoor activities or working with animals
Tick-borne Encephalitis - particularly for those visiting rural or forested areas during warmer months

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for all travelers, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended and required for visa applicants. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state healthcare. Non-EU travelers should have insurance covering medical treatment and emergency repatriation with minimum coverage of €30,000. Private medical facilities in Cluj may require proof of insurance or upfront payment.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 related restrictions have largely been lifted, but verify current requirements before travel as these can change. Check the Romanian Ministry of Health website and your home country's travel advisory for updates on health screenings, testing, or quarantine requirements. Some countries may have specific bilateral health agreements affecting entry requirements.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Cluj Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Bucharest for assistance with lost passports, legal issues, or emergencies

Find contact details on your government's foreign affairs website before traveling. Save these numbers in your phone. Major embassies: US Embassy +40 21 200 3300, UK Embassy +40 20 7008 6152, Canadian Embassy +40 21 307 5000

Romanian Immigration Authority

General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) - www.igi.mai.gov.ro for official visa and stay information

For visa extensions, residence permits, or immigration questions. Cluj Immigration Office: Calea Dorobanților 96-98, Cluj-Napoca. Phone: +40 264 401 701

Emergency Services

112 - Universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services in Romania

Available 24/7, operators speak English. For non-emergencies: Police 955, Medical Info 0800 800 358

Cluj Airport Information

Cluj-Napoca International Airport: +40 264 416 702, www.airportcluj.ro

For flight information, lost baggage, and airport services. Airport is located 9km east of Cluj city center.

Tourist Information

Cluj-Napoca Tourist Information Center: Piața Unirii 6/1, +40 264 452 244

Open daily, multilingual staff can assist with accommodation, attractions, and local guidance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Romanian MFA Consular Department: +40 21 431 0707, www.mae.ro

For official visa information and travel advisories

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized parental consent letter signed by absent parent(s), including contact information and trip details. The letter should be in English and Romanian if possible. Single parents should carry the child's birth certificate. Divorced or separated parents may need custody documentation. For unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific requirements and the child may need to be met by a designated adult with proper identification. EU citizens can use national ID cards for children where applicable.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Romania from EU countries need: microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and EU Pet Passport. From non-EU countries: microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and rabies antibody test for some countries (performed at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel). Dogs must be treated for tapeworm 1-5 days before entry. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain breeds may have restrictions. Check with your airline for cabin/cargo policies. Commercial imports require additional permits from Romanian veterinary authorities.

Extended Stays

Tourist stays beyond 90 days require a long-stay visa (Type D) obtained before arrival at a Romanian embassy/consulate. EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely but should register with local authorities if staying over 90 days. For work, study, or family reunification, apply for appropriate long-stay visa showing purpose (employment contract, university acceptance, marriage certificate). After arrival on long-stay visa, apply for residence permit at local Immigration Office within 30 days. Requirements include proof of accommodation, health insurance, financial means, and clean criminal record. Student visas require enrollment confirmation and proof of financial support. Digital nomad and freelancer visas may be available - check current regulations. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors on visa-free entry can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot receive payment from Romanian sources or engage in direct employment. Stays limited to 90 days in 180-day period. Carry invitation letter from Romanian company, business registration documents, and proof of employer relationship. For longer business stays or paid work, obtain work permit and long-stay visa before arrival. Self-employed individuals may need to register business activities. Keep all business documentation accessible during entry.

Students

Students from visa-required countries must obtain long-stay student visa (Type D) before arrival. Required documents: university acceptance letter, proof of tuition payment or scholarship, proof of accommodation, health insurance, financial means (approximately €250/month), and clean criminal record. Register with Immigration Office within 30 days of arrival for residence permit. Student permits typically valid for one academic year, renewable. Part-time work may be permitted with restrictions. EU/EEA students can enter freely but should register for stays exceeding 90 days.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Romania without leaving the international area of the airport generally don't need a visa if continuing within 24 hours. However, some nationalities require airport transit visas even without entering Romania. If leaving the airport or overnight transit, normal entry requirements apply. Keep boarding passes and onward tickets accessible. Transit by land requires normal entry authorization. Check if your nationality requires transit visa at Romanian embassy before travel.

Dual Citizens

Travelers with dual citizenship including Romanian citizenship must enter and exit Romania using their Romanian passport or ID card. Using a foreign passport may cause complications. If Romanian passport is expired, renew before travel or contact embassy for emergency travel document. Other dual citizens should use the passport that provides best entry conditions (e.g., EU passport for EU citizens). Always declare both citizenships if asked by immigration officials.