Published: March 4, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Romania Travel Advisory and Romania Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Bucharest
Bulevardul Dr. Liviu Librescu 4-6, Bucharest 015118
Tel: +40 021 200 3300; After-hours emergencies: +40 021 200 3433
Hours: 0800 – 1700, Monday – Friday.
OSAC Country Chapter
The OSAC Country Chapters in Bucharest is active.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Romania Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Romania.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bucharest as being a LOW-threat environment for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a crime “C” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania.
Most crimes against visitors are limited to crimes of opportunity or scams. Robbery, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit card fraud are the most reported crimes. Violent crime is rare. Travelers should be aware of scams involving individuals posing as plainclothes police officers, approaches of quick friendship at train/subway stations, and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Organized groups of criminals, sometimes including very young children and well-dressed young adults, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and buses.
Take care when patronizing nightclubs, which can charge exorbitant prices and be persistent in pursuing payment. Simple assaults outside of clubs are possible, especially late at night after consumption of alcohol.
Money exchange schemes are less common now but still exist. Some of these scams involve individuals posing as plainclothes police officers who approach the potential victim, flash a badge or other official-looking document, and accuse the victim of changing money illegally. After the initial approach, the scammer normally asks the victim to prove that they did not change money illegally and demands to see their money or wallet. The thieves often succeed in obtaining money, passports, and cell phones. If someone offers to change money on the street or accuses you of changing money illegally, continue walking. There are other variations to this scam. Sometimes, individuals pose as border officials and request passports for an immigration inspection. Legitimate plainclothes police officers do not conduct random checks asking travelers for identification. If you encounter a situation like this, insist on the presence of a uniformed police officer and request that any issues be resolved at the police station.
Travelers should use ATMs located inside reputable banks, hotels, and shopping malls and centers. Check ATM machines for any evidence of tampering before use.
Internet romance and financial scams are also present in Romania. Scams are initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn for help. Common scams include romance/online dating, money transfers, grandparent/relative targeting, lotteries, medical emergencies, police actions, and bank overpayments.
Romania is a country of origin and destination for human trafficking. People who become involved in human trafficking rings are usually exploited in the sex industry, agriculture, construction, domestic service, hotels, or for forced begging and theft, in Romania as well as other European countries. Extortion in the form of blackmail targeting institutions and companies has also been reported.
There are no specific areas of concern in Romania. As in most parts of the world, crime occurs more frequently in populated metropolitan areas. However, these threats are not specific to any one geographical area.
If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available. Do not leave personal belongings unattended and stow them securely out of sight. Be cautious of your surroundings if using an internet café.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a kidnapping “K” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania.
Kidnappings are uncommon, though there continue to be parental child abduction cases reported to the U.S. Embassy Bucharest.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bucharest as being a LOW-threat environment for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a terrorism “T” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania.
While there have not been recent terrorist attacks in Romania, it is not immune from the general, European terrorism risks. Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations remain intent on attacking U.S. citizens and interests abroad. Events occurring elsewhere in the world have been used by extremists to try to galvanize individuals across Europe to carry out attacks. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack—including knives, firearms, and vehicles—to more effectively target crowds. Terrorists target unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as high-profile public events, like sporting events, political rallies, holiday events; hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; shopping malls and market; or public transportation systems.
Romania has robust, professional, and effective security services.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bucharest as being a LOW-threat environment for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a civil unrest “U” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Romania is a constitutional republic with a democratic, multiparty parliamentary system. The bicameral parliament consists of the Romanian Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, both elected by popular vote. Elections are generally secure and peaceful, but protests are very common.
Romania’s constitutional court annulled the results of the first round of presidential elections in December 2024. The country will re-run presidential elections on May 4th and May 18th, 2025.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests occur in Bucharest and across Romania regularly and are generally peaceful in nature. Following Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, there have been protests over the issue of the importation of Ukrainian grain into Romanian domestic markets. Romanian truck drivers and farmers have blocked streets and hindered border crossings on the northeastern border with Ukraine. Other protests have involved agricultural issues and teacher’s salaries. Recent protests have focused on the annulment of presidential elections in December 2024.
The Government of Romania grants permission to groups who wish to assemble for demonstration purposes. Romanian law requires a demonstration permit, but this is not always strictly enforced. Romanian police and Gendarmes respond to scheduled protests effectively for public order and safety. Expect a large law enforcement presence around significant protests.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
In general, Romanians have a high opinion of the United States. Anti-U.S. sentiment is low in Romania and significant anti-U.S. or anti-Western protests are rare.
Law Enforcement
The two primary internal law enforcement agencies in Romania are the National Police and the Gendarmes. The National Police are responsible for deterring crime, responding to emergency calls, enforcing traffic and other laws, and other general police functions. They are easily identified by their distinct light-blue uniform. The Gendarmes are responsible for public order, tactical response to violent and dangerous incidents, and the protection of diplomatic facilities.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for the Romanian Police, Gendarmerie, Border Police, and Department for Emergency situations.
The Romanian Internal Intelligence Service, a domestic security agency, investigates terrorism and national security threats. The service is under Romanian parliamentary control.
Civilian authorities maintain control over Romania’s law enforcement and intelligence services.
Police Response
Romanian police are generally well-trained and responsive. Response to emergency calls can be too slow to disrupt incidents in progress. Romanian police have the capability to conduct complex criminal investigations but continue to spend significant resources on petty crimes. If a victim desires a significant response by local authorities, they must be prepared to devote time to work through the Romanian law enforcement processes. If a visitor is on a schedule that precludes this, legal or law enforcement resolution is hampered.
It is rare that police ask tourists and general visitors for bribes. As when traveling anywhere, under no circumstances should you offer a bribe or agree to pay one.
The European emergency number 112 is the only emergency number in Romania.
English speakers are available to answer 112 calls.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Romania, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
For American nationals, there have been no reported incidents of arbitrary detention or official harassment. Romania continues to contend with long standing problems regarding corruption and rule of law that extend from national government down to municipalities. Bribery in the public sector remains a challenge, especially in healthcare and education. Laws are not always implemented effectively, and officials sometimes engage in corrupt practices with impunity.
The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) 2023 report acknowledged some progress and assessed Romania’s compliance with its recommendations for fighting corruption as “still on-going.” The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 2024 economic survey warned that corrupt practices in certain sectors remain widespread and that progress in developing mechanisms that dissuade corruption is slow. U.S. investors have complained of both government and business corruption in Romania, most frequently naming the customs service, municipal officials, and local financial authorities.
Cybersecurity
According to the Global Organized Crime Index, cyber-dependent crime in Romania has been on the rise in recent years. The latest cyber threats faced by the country are malware distribution and ransomware attacks. Ransom-type attacks tend to target a certain profile of victim in order to maximize profit. For instance, government and private-sector organizations, including critical infrastructure as well as hospital services, are increasingly being targeted. Cybercrime is relatively low profile for perpetrators and results in huge gains, making it especially appealing for organized crime groups. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Romania experienced a spike in the number of cyberattacks on infrastructure.
Romania has a comprehensive cybersecurity regulatory environment that aligns with EU directives and addresses national security concerns. The country focuses on protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring compliance with international standards, and fostering public-private collaboration, putting it in a strong position to tackle cybersecurity challenges. However, businesses operating in Romania still face ongoing challenges due to the evolving threat landscape and the associated costs of compliance.
Romania’s National Cyber Security Strategy outlines the country’s approach to cybersecurity, focusing on protecting critical information infrastructures and enhancing national cyber defense capabilities. The National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC) oversees cybersecurity, ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations. Romania complies with the EU’s NIS Directive and Cybersecurity Act. The country requires critical infrastructure operators to implement stringent cybersecurity measures and align its regulations with the GDPR. Public institutions must adopt specific cybersecurity measures and collaboration between public and private sectors in cybersecurity is encouraged.
Import/Export Restrictions
Romania has strict regulations on importing/exporting firearms, other weapons, drugs, antiquities, local currency and gold or gold jewelry. Contact the Romanian Customs Office for specific information regarding customs requirements.
If traveling with prescription medication, check to ensure the medication is legal and available if you may require a refill. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Romania.
There are no restrictions on satellite phones in Romania.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
