Romania

Discover Romania: A New Adventure in the Schengen Zone

Romania is a country of breathtaking beauty, where majestic mountains meet medieval towns and enchanting traditions. Its recent full integration into the Schengen Area, effective January 1, 2025, has made it a prime destination for travelers. Now, all land, sea, and air border controls with other Schengen member states have been completely removed, simplifying your journey immensely.

This means if you hold a valid visa for any other Schengen country, you can now enter Romania freely. Conversely, a Romanian Schengen visa gives you full access to all other 28 member countries of the Schengen Zone. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the information you need to confidently prepare your schengen visa application. We will walk you through every step, from gathering your tourist visa documents to understanding the official process.

1. Romania’s New Status in the Schengen Zone

This is the most crucial piece of information for anyone considering a trip to Romania. As of January 1, 2025, Romania has officially become a full member of the Schengen Area. All passport controls with other Schengen member states, including land, sea, and air travel, have been permanently eliminated.

What does this mean for you? It means a Schengen visa issued by a Romanian embassy is now a full Schengen Type C visa. It allows you to travel to any of the 28 other member countries in the Schengen Zone. This change makes cross-border travel significantly easier and more convenient for all travelers, as you can now move freely between Romania and other Schengen nations.

2. Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Romania?

Whether you need a visitor visa for Romania depends on your nationality. Generally, if you are a citizen of a non-EU country and your passport is not on the Schengen Area’s visa-free list, you must apply for a tourist visa.

For residents of the UAE with passports from countries like India, Pakistan, or the Philippines, a visa is mandatory. On the other hand, if you hold a passport from a country like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or any EU member state, you can enter Romania for short stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Furthermore, if you hold a valid visa or a residence permit from another Schengen country, you now have free access to Romania.

It is always wise to check the specific visa requirements for schengen visa based on your nationality. A successful visa application begins with confirming if you are required to apply in the first place. This simple check can save you from a lot of unnecessary work.

3. The Step-by-Step Romania Visa Application Process

The visa application for Romania from the UAE is a streamlined process managed by VFS Global, the official partner of the Embassy of Romania in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration ensures a smooth and standardized submission process for all applicants.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type. For tourism, the correct visa type is a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen area.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form. The official visa application for schengen visa form is accessible on the VFS Global website. Fill out every field completely and accurately. Any inconsistency between the information on your form and your supporting documents could lead to a rejection.

Step 3: Collect All Your Documents. Use our comprehensive checklist below to gather all your required tourist visa documents. Having all your papers in order before your appointment is absolutely critical. An incomplete file is a very common reason for refusal.

Step 4: Book Your Appointment. After filling out the form, you must arrange your visa scheduling through the VFS Global website. It is strongly recommended to book your slot well in advance, especially during the peak travel seasons. This helps you avoid any last-minute stress.

Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics and Submission Appointment. On your scheduled date, you will go to the designated visa office. There, you will submit your complete set of documents, provide your biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph), and pay the required visa fees for schengen visa.

Step 6: Track Your Application. Once you have submitted your documents, you will receive a tracking number. You can use this to monitor the status of your visa application online.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport. When your application is processed, you will be notified. You can then collect your passport. If your visa is approved, it will be a sticker inside your passport.

4. The Comprehensive List of Required Documents

Submitting a complete and accurate set of tourist visa documents is the most crucial part of your application. Here is a detailed checklist to ensure you have everything ready. All documents should be clear, easy to read, and in English.

Romania Visa Application Checklist and Requirements

Core Documents for Every Applicant

• Original Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned return from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have a minimum of two blank pages. It is good practice to provide copies of any previous Schengen or UK/US visas.
• Visa Application Form: This must be correctly filled out and signed in two places as instructed. Your signature must match the one in your passport. This form is the main part of your schengen visit visa requirements.
• Passport Photographs: You need two recent passport-sized photos. They must be in color, taken against a white background, and should not be more than six months old. The photos must be clear and show your full face.
• Valid UAE Residence Permit: A copy of your Emirates ID and your UAE residence visa must be provided. It must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. This document proves your legal residency in the UAE.
• Confirmed Flight Reservations: You must provide a round-trip flight reservation from the UAE to Romania. It is strongly advised not to purchase a non-refundable ticket until your visa has been approved.
• Proof of Accommodation: A confirmed hotel booking for the entire duration of your stay in Romania. If you are staying with a friend or family member, an official invitation letter from them is required. This letter must be notarized in Romania and submitted to the visa authorities there.
• Travel Medical Insurance: This is mandatory for all Schengen visas. Your insurance policy must cover the entire duration of your trip with a minimum coverage of €30,000. It must also cover any medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.
• Proof of Financial Means: You need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip. The official amount is at least €50 per day. You must submit your bank statements for the last three to six months. These statements must be officially stamped and signed by your bank.

Supporting Documents Based on Your Employment Status

These additional documents strengthen your application by proving that you have a reason to return to the UAE after your trip.

• For Employees: A no-objection certificate (NOC) from your employer is required. It should be on official company letterhead, stating your name, passport number, job title, salary, and the dates of your approved leave.
• For Self-Employed Persons: You must provide a copy of your valid trade license, a recent company bank statement, and a letter on your company’s letterhead.
• For Students: You will need an official letter from your educational institution confirming your enrollment. This letter should be a formal part of your application.
• For Minors: If a minor is traveling, you need an extra set of documents. A notarized letter of consent from both parents (or the non-accompanying parent) is essential. A copy of the minor’s birth certificate and the passports of both parents are also required.

5. Navigating the Schengen Visa Application Form

The visa application for schengen visa form is a crucial legal document. It is the core of your submission and must be completed with great care. It is a standard form for all Schengen countries, which simplifies the process.

Romania eVisa Online Application Form

• Personal Information: The first section of the form asks for your basic details. It is essential that you enter your name, date of birth, and place of birth exactly as they appear on your passport. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations.
• Passport Information: This part requires you to provide details about your passport, including its number, issue and expiry dates, and who issued it. Ensure you double-check these numbers to prevent any errors.
• Contact Information: You must provide a valid phone number and email address. The embassy may need to contact you for an interview or to request additional documents.
• Travel Details: This section is dedicated to your trip. You will state your purpose of travel (tourism), your intended dates of entry and exit, and the number of entries you are applying for (single or multiple). You will also specify Romania as your main destination and your first point of entry.
• Sponsorship and Accommodation: You must state how your trip will be funded. If you are sponsoring yourself, you will provide details of your financial means. If a friend or family member in Romania is sponsoring you, their details will be required.

6. Visa Costs, Processing Time, and Biometrics

Understanding the costs and timelines is a vital part of planning your trip. The official fee of schengen visa is standardized, but there may be other costs involved.

These fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the VFS Global center on the day of your appointment. The VFS Global service fee covers the administrative cost of handling your application.

Processing Time: The processing time for a Romania Schengen visa is typically around 15 calendar days. However, in some cases, it can take up to 45 days. It is therefore highly recommended to submit your application at least 4 to 6 weeks before your intended travel date. This gives you enough buffer time to receive your visa without stress.

Biometrics: On your appointment day, you will be required to provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph. This biometric data is collected once every five years for Schengen visas. If you have provided biometrics for a previous Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you may be exempt from providing them again. This streamlines the process significantly.

7. Tracking Your Visa Application Status

Once you have submitted your application and biometric data at the visa office, you will be given a receipt with a unique tracking number. You can use this number to monitor the status of your visa application online.

Romania Visa Application Status Tracking

VFS Global provides a dedicated online tracking service. You will typically see a few different statuses:

• “Application Submitted”: This means VFS Global has your application and has forwarded it to the Embassy of Romania.
• “In Process”: This indicates that the Embassy is reviewing your documents and making a decision.
• “Passport Ready for Collection”: This is the final status, informing you that your passport is ready to be picked up.

The online tracking system is a great way to stay informed about your application’s progress without having to call or visit the center.

8. How to Avoid Common Visa Application Mistakes

Many visa rejections are not due to an applicant’s eligibility but simply because of avoidable errors. Being aware of these common mistakes will greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome.

• Incomplete Documents: This is the most frequent mistake. Ensure you have every single document from the checklist. Even a single missing paper can lead to a rejection.
• Inadequate Financial Proof: Your bank statements must clearly show that you have enough funds to cover your trip. The amount should align with the official requirement of at least €50 per day.
• False or Vague Information: All the information on your form must be truthful and consistent with your supporting documents. Any inconsistencies can raise a red flag.
• Vague Itinerary: Your travel plan must be clear and detailed. A lack of a confirmed hotel booking or a planned return flight can lead to a rejection.
• Insufficient Proof of Ties to Home Country: The visa officer needs to be convinced that you have a reason to return to the UAE. Providing documents like an NOC from your employer, proof of property, or a family visa can help demonstrate this.
• Incorrect Application Form: Using an outdated form or not completing all the required fields can result in your application being rejected.

9. After Your Visa is Approved: What’s Next?

Receiving your valid visa is an exciting moment, but there are a few important steps you should take immediately.

• Check Your Visa: As soon as you get your passport back, check the visa sticker carefully. Ensure all the information is correct, including your name, passport number, and the validity dates.
• Carry Your Documents: When traveling, always carry copies of your key documents, such as your flight reservation, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Border control officers may ask to see these.
• Be Prepared for Questions: At the airport, border control officers may ask you questions about your trip. Be ready to answer honestly and with confidence, ensuring your answers match the details on your schengen visa application.

10. Important Rules: The Consequences of Overstaying

Overstaying a Schengen visa has very serious consequences. The 90/180-day rule is strictly enforced.

• Consequences: Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from the entire Schengen Zone for several years. Your overstay will be recorded in the Schengen Information System (SIS), making it very difficult to obtain a future visa for any Schengen country.
• Serious Implications: Your visa and travel history are now linked across all Schengen Visa Countries. One misstep can affect your ability to travel to any of them for a long time.

11. Get Professional Visa Assistance

The visa application process, despite being standardized, can be complex. If you require professional help, our team is available to assist you every step of the way. We provide comprehensive visa assistance to ensure your documents are in perfect order and your application has the highest chance of success.

Our services can help you with:

• Document review
• Form filling
• Visa scheduling
• Expert advice tailored to your specific situation

Contact us to simplify your Schengen visa journey and make your travel dreams a reality.

• Contact Number: +91563632360
• Email: info@esahulattourism.com
• Website: esahulattourism.com

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only. Schengen visa rules and visa requirements for schengen visa can change, and you should always verify the latest information with the official Embassy of Romania or VFS Global before you apply for a tourist visa. We are not liable for any visa rejections, delays, or travel issues that may arise from reliance on this information.