Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania (June 26, 2020)
Location: Romania
Event: On June 16, the Government of Romania announced the extension of the nationwide COVID-19 state of alert for another 30 days, starting June 17. As communicated in previous messages, a number of relaxation measures entered into force on June 15, which permitted the reopening of shopping malls, fitness clubs, outdoor pools, private indoor events of no more than 20 people, and outdoor events of no more than 50 people. Effective June 17, the Government of Romania announced additional relaxation measures, including the reopening of public and private kindergartens, after school programs, and indoor religious services, in compliance with social distancing health guidelines. Restrictions continue to mandate the wearing of protective masks in closed public spaces, stores, public transportation, and the workplace. After a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the Government of Romania warned that further relaxation measures (tentatively planned for July 1) would only be implemented if epidemiological assessments supported it, noting that a total relaxation of restrictions would not take place until community transmission is reduced.
The state of alert continues to prohibit the entry of non-Romanian citizens, with some exceptions for legal residents, family members, and professional reasons. It also requires at-home quarantine for all persons arriving in Romania except for certain professional categories and people entering after spending at least 14 days in certain countries with low COVID-19 case growth, as determined by the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) on a weekly basis. U.S. citizens wishing to know if they meet an exception for entry are advised to contact the Romanian Embassy in their country of origin or the Romanian Border Police prior to departure. The Government of Romania has 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). 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.
The government has eased commercial flight and travel restrictions to 22 countries with documented COVID-19 case reductions as of June 22 as determined by the NIPH on a weekly basis: Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Croatia, Switzerland, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary. Air carriers TAROM and Wizz Air have resumed operations to regional destinations with daily flights to most destinations. European national carriers have resumed flights to airport hubs with connections to the United States as of June 16. Travelers should continue to be prepared for last minute cancellations and are advised to consult the European Commission’s recently launched webpage called “Re-open EU” for more information regarding travel restrictions throughout Europe. Please also 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
