Romania Visa for Filipino Tourists: Complete Application Guide

Romania—Carpathian mountains, medieval castles, vibrant Bucharest—is an emerging European gem. For Filipino travelers, here's your complete visa roadmap.

Do You Need a Visa?

• Schengen visa holders: Valid double/multiple-entry Schengen visa = enter Romania ≤90 days (within Schengen 90/180)
• EU/UK/US/Canada residents: Valid residence permit = visa-free ≤90 days
• Otherwise: Romanian national visa required

Note: Romania is Schengen candidate (air/sea borders open March 2024; land borders TBD). Rules evolving — verify via Romanian MFA.

Visa Types for Tourists

• Short-stay (C): Tourism, family visit, business ≤90 days/180
• Long-stay (D): >90 days (work, study, family reunification)

Step-by-Step Application

1. Determine Where to Apply

• In Philippines: Romanian Embassy in Manila (only location)
• VFS Global: Not used for Romania in PH — apply directly at embassy

2. Gather Documents (Originals + Copies)

Core:

• Application form: Completed, signed (download from embassy site)
• Passport: Valid 6+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages, issued <10 yrs
• Photos: 2 recent, 35×45mm, white background
• Travel insurance: €30,000 minimum, Schengen/Romania coverage
• Flight itinerary: Round-trip
• Accommodation: Hotel bookings OR notarized invitation from Romanian host

Financial Proof:

• Bank statements (3-6 months), min €50/day
• ITR (BIR 2316) + Certificate of Employment (COE)
• Business owners: DTI/SEC, Mayor's Permit, financial statements

Purpose-Specific:

• Family visit: Invitation letter + host's ID/residence proof + relationship proof
• Business: Invitation from Romanian company + employer letter

3. Submit Application

• Book appointment via embassy website or email
• Submit in person at Romanian Embassy, Manila
• Pay fee: €60 (short-stay), €120 (long-stay) — cash or card

4. Processing & Decision

• Standard: 15 calendar days
• Complex: Up to 30-45 days
• Apply ≥15 days before travel (embassy recommends 4-6 weeks)

5. Collect Visa

• Pick up at embassy or authorize representative
• Verify: validity dates, entries (single/double/multiple), "Romania" or "Schengen" notation

Philippines-Specific Tips

• Strong ties evidence: Land titles, business docs, family photos, employment tenure
• Bank statements: Consistent salary credits; explain large deposits
• Travel history: Include copies of used visas (Japan, Korea, Schengen, US, UK, Australia)
• Cover letter: Detailed itinerary + "I will return because..." statement
• Insurance: Must explicitly cover Romania (some Schengen policies exclude non-Schengen)

Common Refusal Reasons

1. Insufficient financial means / unexplained funds
2. Weak Philippine ties (no job, property, family)
3. Inconsistent documents (dates, names, purposes)
4. Suspected immigration intent
5. Incomplete application

After Approval: Entering Romania

• Carry: passport with visa, insurance, accommodation proof, return ticket, funds proof
• Border police may ask questions — answer consistently with application
• Register with local police if staying >90 days (long-stay visa)

Romania rewards prepared applicants. Its non-VFS process means direct embassy interaction — be organized, honest, and document-rich. Soon you'll be exploring Bran Castle and the Transfăgărășan.