Is Romania in the EU and Schengen?

If you are planning your first visit to Romania, you are probably wondering whether the country is in the European Union and in Schengen. The short answer is yes to both. Here is what that actually means for your route, your money and the documents you pack.

Is Romania in the European Union?

Yes. Romania has been a member state of the European Union since 1 January 2007. It is a full member, on equal footing with the rest of the bloc.

What that means in practice:

• EU and EEA citizens can enter Romania with a valid national ID card or passport, without a visa, and stay with no short-stay restrictions.
• European rules on passenger rights, roaming and consumer protection apply.
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted for essential medical care, on the same terms as for locals.

Is Romania in the Schengen Area?

Yes. Romania joined the Schengen Area, and the process was completed in two steps:

• Controls at air and sea borders were lifted in March 2024.
• Land-border controls were lifted on 1 January 2025.

That means Romania is now fully in Schengen. If you arrive from another Schengen country — by plane, car or train — you no longer pass through routine border checks. You fly out of Vienna, Paris or Rome and land in Bucharest much like a domestic flight.

Important: even though routine checks are gone, border police can still carry out spot checks. Always keep a valid ID document on you.

Does Romania use the euro?

No. Although it is in the EU, Romania is not part of the Eurozone. The official currency is still the Romanian leu (RON).

What you need to know:

• Euros are not accepted for everyday payments — in shops, restaurants, taxis or on public transport you pay in lei.
• Change money at a licensed exchange office, or withdraw lei from an ATM.
• Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, so you often need little cash at all. Still, keep a few lei for markets, villages and small venues.

What it means for you

How you prepare depends on your citizenship:

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: enter with your ID card or passport. No visa, no short-stay limit.
• Visa-exempt travellers from outside the EU (for example the US, UK, Canada, Australia): you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Because Romania is now in Schengen, days spent here count toward the rest of your Schengen stay — keep that in mind if you are hopping between countries.
• Travellers who need a visa: you need a valid Schengen visa. See our visa guide for the practical steps.

Whatever your category, keep your passport or ID card handy throughout your trip — for hotel check-in, car rentals and any spot checks.

What this means in practice

• Romania is in the EU since 2007 and fully in Schengen since 2025.
• Arriving from another Schengen country? No routine border checks.
• You pay in lei (RON), not euros — change money or use a card.
• Non-EU and visa-exempt? Remember the 90/180-day rule.
• Carry your documents at all times.

Border and visa rules can change, and every traveller's situation is different. For your specific case, check official sources — the Romanian border authorities and your country's embassy or consulate — before you travel. For the rest of your planning, see our traveller essentials page and our guide on getting around Romania.