Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania (May 18, 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 Government of Romania also released new guidance with regard to visa and resident permit validity, available here. Under the new state of alert, there will be an additional extension of 90 days of validity beginning on May 14. 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 Romanian Government, and visitors are still highly encouraged to depart Romania as soon as it is safe to do so.
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.
- Large private events in closed spaces are prohibited; only events with a maximum of eight attendees are allowed.
- Mandatory wearing of “protection masks” in closed public spaces, stores, public transportation, and at the workplace.
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
