Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania (May 15, 2020)
Location: Romania
Event: On May 15, the Government of Romania announced the end of the state of emergency and the beginning of a 30-day state of alert.
The state of alert represents a gradual lifting of some previously imposed restrictions, but it maintains many limitations on movement and public gatherings. Specifically, the state of alert permits the free movement of individuals within their respective localities of residency without a declaration form, but it discourages gatherings of three or more people. Individuals may only travel outside a locality of residency using a new declaration form and for certain purposes, such as professional reasons, farming, work on property, medical treatment, caregiving for family, assistance for elderly persons, or family death. Individuals are also obligated to wear masks, so that the nose and mouth are covered, in public closed spaces, stores, and public transportation.
The state of alert continues the suspension of flights to and from Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands, Spain, the U.S., Turkey, and Iran for 14 days, and continues the suspension of ground transportation to and from many of these same countries until June 1. It also requires at-home quarantine for all persons arriving in Romania irrespective of the originating country. Wizz Air is still providing service to Lisbon, Oslo, Stockholm, and Billund. Other flights may be available depending on demand, but they are often scheduled with little advanced notice. 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.
The state of alert further establishes the following:
- Maintained closure of restaurants, diners in hotels, and outdoor terraces, with the exception of room service, drive-in, takeout, and delivery;
- Resumption of routine health care by appointment and opening of dental offices;
- Opening of hotels, small commercial centers, groceries, cleaners, opticians, and stores with direct access to the outside;
- Opening of parks (but not playgrounds);
- Resumption of religious services conducted outside or for private rituals limited to 16 people.
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, including updated declaration forms, 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
