Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania (June 5, 2020)
Location: Romania
Event: Romania remains in a 30-day state of alert, which began May 15. The state of alert represents a gradual lifting of some previously imposed restrictions, but it maintains a number of limitations. It discourages gatherings of three or more people, except for certain private events limited to eight, and it mandates the wearing of protective masks in closed public spaces, stores, public transportation, and the workplace.
On June 1, the Government of Romania implemented a series of relaxation measures. In coordination with ongoing social distancing and public health requirements, these relaxation measures implemented 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. It is believed the Government of Romania is planning for an additional series of relaxation measures on June 15.
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 irrespective of the originating country, again with some limited exceptions. 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.
Many air carriers have extended the suspension of scheduled flights to European countries under the flight ban through June 16 (the end of the state of alert). However, 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 16. Travelers should continue to be prepared for last minute cancellations. Please visit the Otopeni “Henri Coanda” International Airport website or 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
