Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania (June 12, 2020)
Location: Romania
Event: Romania remains in a 30-day state of alert, which began May 15. On June 9, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his intent to extend the state of alert beyond June 15, while relaxing more restrictions. The Romanian Cabinet has approved some of these relaxation measures effective June 15, which include the reopening of outdoor pools, spas, some childcare services, and malls (except for cinemas, restaurants, food courts, and playgrounds inside malls). The Cabinet also relaxed mandatory self-isolation requirements for people entering Romania after spending at least 14 days in certain countries with low COVID-19 case growth, as determined by emergency health institutions. The Government of Romania is expected to make a final decision on extending the state of alert and implementing related measures next week. U.S. Embassy Bucharest will send an additional message to American citizens in Romania when more information is available.
Current restrictions still discourage gatherings of three or more people, except for certain private events of eight and certain outdoor events. Restrictions also mandate the wearing of protective masks in closed public spaces, stores, public transportation, and the workplace. In coordination with ongoing social distancing and public health requirements, current measures have permitted the following: reopened outdoor restaurants and beaches, eliminated restrictions for intra-country travel, permitted outdoor sports competitions without spectators, resumed international road and rail transport, and permitted outdoor cultural events with fewer than 500 people if they are seated, wearing face coverings, and distanced.
The state of alert continues to prohibit the entry of non-Romanian citizens, with some exceptions for family members and professional reasons. It also requires at-home quarantine for all persons arriving in Romania except when arriving from specified countries with low COVID-19 case growth. The Government of Romania also released guidance with regard to visa and resident permit validity, available here (.PDF file, unkown size). Any visitor or resident of Romania who entered the country with the appropriate documentation will be deemed “legally present” for an additional 90 days starting on May 14. This is a grace period granted by the Government of Romania, and visitors are still highly encouraged to depart Romania as soon as it is safe to do so.
Some commercial flights are slowly being reestablished to several European hubs through TAROM and Wizz Air. Additional flights on European national carriers are expected to resume by June 17, pending the final state of alert measures. Travelers should continue to be prepared for last minute cancellations. Please 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.
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: https://ro.usembassy.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
