Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania (May 29, 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 many limitations on movement and public gatherings. It discourages gatherings of three or more people, except for certain private events limited to eight. It also permits the opening of stores with direct access to the outside, routine health care services, and parks. Further, the state of alert mandates the wearing of protective masks in closed public spaces, stores, public transportation, and the workplace.
On May 28, the Romanian Cabinet adopted Resolution 26 from the National Committee for Emergencies to formalize new relaxation measures that will take effect on June 1. The resolution includes the following:
- Outdoor sports competitions without spectators will be allowed. Professional athletes may resume indoor sports activities in compliance with health and distancing measures.
- Outdoor performances, concerts, cultural events, and festivals will be allowed. These events can have no more than 500 spectators in attendance. Attendees must be seated on chairs placed two meters apart, wearing masks, and in compliance with additional public health guidance.
- Restrictions for out-of-town travel between counties will be lifted.
- International rail transportation will resume.
- International road transportation by commercial services to and from Romania will resume.
- Outdoor dining will resume with requirements for distancing, capacity, and compliance with public health measures.
- Beaches will reopen with requirements for seating to maintain distancing.
- Drive-in shows will be allowed while theaters remain closed.
The state of alert continues to prohibit the entry of non-Romanian citizens — with some exceptions for family members and professional reasons — and requires at-home quarantine for all persons arriving in Romania irrespective of the originating country. The Government of Romania also released new 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.
Air carriers have extended the suspension of many scheduled flights to most European countries under the flight ban through June 16 (the end of the state of alert). The Government of Romania has not yet publicly announced an extension of the ban, but airport authorities have received an aeronautical notification of the extension. Limited flights remain available through Wizz Air and TAROM, but travelers should 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, 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
