Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Romania.
Romania Status
WATCH
Travel to Romania is operating normally overall, including international flights, airports and land transport. However, recent drone incidents near the Ukrainian border represent a current security development that travellers in eastern border areas should be aware of.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Romania is in the Schengen Area
Romania is fully part of the Schengen Area. Travellers moving between Romania and other Schengen countries generally do not face routine immigration checks at internal borders.
Ukraine border
Romania shares a long border with Ukraine. Official travel guidance has recently been updated following incidents involving Russian drones entering Romanian airspace near the border.
Drone alerts
Security alerts may be issued in areas close to Ukraine when drone activity is detected. Travellers in affected areas should follow instructions from Romanian authorities.
Flights
Romania’s commercial aviation system is operating normally overall. The recent drone incidents have not resulted in a nationwide closure of Romanian airspace or airports.
Bucharest Airport
Henri Coandă International Airport remains Romania’s main international gateway and continues to handle domestic and international flights.
Schengen borders
Routine internal border checks with Hungary and Bulgaria have been removed. Romania’s borders with Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia remain external Schengen borders where immigration checks apply.
Entry/Exit System
The European Entry/Exit System is fully operational. Most non-EU short-stay travellers entering or leaving the Schengen Area through Romania’s external borders have their passport information and biometric data recorded electronically.
ETIAS
ETIAS is not yet operational as of September 2026. The European Union currently plans to introduce it during the final quarter of 2026.
Visa requirements
Romania follows Schengen visa rules. Travellers who require a Schengen visa should obtain the appropriate visa before travelling.
Moldova border
The Moldova-Romania border is an external Schengen border. Normal immigration and customs checks apply when crossing.
Earthquakes
Romania has moderate seismic activity. Bucharest has historically been particularly exposed to strong earthquakes, although there is no current earthquake-related travel disruption.
Latest Travel Changes
Drone incidents near Ukraine
Current UK travel guidance was updated on 18 September with new information concerning Russian drones crossing into Romanian airspace near the Ukrainian border.
Ordinary travel continues
The drone incidents have not resulted in a nationwide travel shutdown. Flights, airports, tourism and most transport continue to operate normally.
Entry/Exit System fully operational
The EU Entry/Exit System became fully operational across Schengen external borders on 10 April 2026. This affects eligible non-EU short-stay travellers entering or leaving through Romania’s external borders.
ETIAS has not started
ETIAS is currently scheduled to begin in the final quarter of 2026. Travellers should not confuse ETIAS with the Entry/Exit System already operating at external Schengen borders.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, passport and Schengen visa requirements before departure.
If travelling close to Romania’s border with Ukraine, monitor local security alerts and follow instructions issued by Romanian authorities.
Non-EU short-stay travellers entering through an external Schengen border should be prepared for Entry/Exit System biometric procedures.
Do not purchase or apply for ETIAS yet. It is not operational as of 25 September 2026.
If entering Romania from Moldova, Ukraine or Serbia, allow sufficient time for immigration and customs procedures because these are external Schengen borders.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.