Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania (July 30, 2020)
Location: Romania
Event:
On July 29, the Government of Romania approved new restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures require the mandatory use of face coverings in public outdoor spaces such as bus stops, open air markets, outdoor events, crowded urban and tourist areas, and religious sites where people cannot practice social distancing. This is in addition to the wearing of protective masks in closed public spaces and excludes people who are physically active and children under five years old. County-level authorities will determine which areas will be subject to the requirement.
Romania remains in a nationwide state of alert and has continued to register new daily-high case numbers. Please see below for additional information communicated in previous messages.
Entry into and exit from Romania
U.S. citizens are not permitted to enter Romania unless they meet one of the specified exceptions. U.S. citizens wishing to know if they meet an exception for entry may consult the Ministry of Interior’s website here (.PDF file, unknown size) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website here. They are also advised to contact the Romanian Embassy in their country of origin or the Romanian Border Police prior to departure. The Government of Romania also implemented non-European Economic Area (EEA) travel requirements reflecting the Council of the European Union’s (EU’s) June 30th recommendations, which prohibit non-essential EU travel for U.S. residents. Travelers may consult the European Commission’s webpage called “Re-open EU” for more information regarding travel restrictions throughout Europe.
Isolation and quarantine requirements
On July 18, the Government of Romania passed a law authorizing the government to direct individuals into quarantine or home isolation. Quarantine applies to individuals who are returning travelers from areas with a high epidemiological risk or suspected contacts of confirmed cases. Isolation applies to confirmed cases, including for asymptomatic individuals and patients exhibiting symptoms. Travelers arriving from EEA or other countries with per capita case growth equal to or less than Romania’s will be exempt from 14 days of isolation. Travelers may consult the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) for a list of these countries.
Visa and resident guidance
The Government of Romania released guidance with regard to visa and resident permit validity, available here. Documents of any visitor or resident of Romania that expired during the initial state of emergency will maintain validity for an additional 90 days from the end of the state of emergency (until August 12). Documents of any visitor or resident that expired during the state of alert will maintain validity for an additional 90 days from the end of the current state of alert (until October 14). However, the Romanian Government has clarified that travelers who obtained a Romanian visa, which has expired due to their inability to travel, must apply for a new visa before attempting to enter into Romania. Visitors are encouraged to depart Romania as soon as it is safe to do so. Visitors are also encouraged to contact the Romanian authorities for any questions regarding their specific circumstances and interpretation of this guidance, the application of which rests solely under the purview of local authorities.
Flights
The government has eased commercial flight and travel restrictions to countries with documented COVID-19 case reductions. Air carriers TAROM and Wizz Air have resumed operations to regional destinations with daily flights to regional destinations. European national carriers have resumed flights to airport hubs with connections to the United States, but an increasing number of countries have started to limit travel from Romania or require a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter due to an increase in case numbers. For additional information on travel restrictions when departing from Romania, travelers may consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here. Travelers should continue to be prepared for last minute cancellations and may also consult the European Commission’s webpage called “Re-open EU” for more information regarding travel restrictions throughout Europe. Travelers should also visit the Otopeni “Henri Coanda” International Airport website for a schedule of departing flights, and check with airlines for updated information about travel plans.
Alerts and advisories
Please continue to monitor all security alerts from the U.S. Embassy and obey all ordinances imposed by the Government of Romania. The latest updates and further details on the state of alert are available on the Romanian Ministry of Interior’s website here.
The U.S. Department of State maintains a Global Level 4 Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Notice for Romania as well as a Global Level 3 Travel Notice.
Actions to Take:
- U.S. citizens who live abroad should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.
- Visit the Otopeni “Henri Coanda” International Airport website for a schedule of departing flights and check with airlines for updated information about your travel plans.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information and the CDC’s latest recommendations on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 Information on conditions in Romania.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania
B-dul Dr. Liviu Librescu, nr 4-6
Section 1, 014118, Bucuresti
+40-21-270-6000
Email: AcsBucharest@state.gov
Embassy website: ro.usembassy.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Romania Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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