Due to its geographical location, Romania remains one of the key destinations for Ukrainians seeking temporary protection or transit in 2024. Find out about the rules of crossing the border with Romania, peculiarities of customs control, conditions of stay and legalization in this European country

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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When planning a trip to Romania in 2024, it is important to consider the key aspects that will make your trip comfortable and safe. Customs control rules, car entry requirements, convenient border crossing routes, and up-to-date information on finding housing and work all matter. Let's get acquainted with what is allowed to be imported, what are the requirements for drivers, how to organize your trip and where to find the best deals for work and housing.

Rules for crossing the border with Romania

In 2024, the rules for entering Romania for Ukrainian citizens remain simplified, but there are several important nuances to consider depending on the category of travelers.

The main documents

✔️ Foreign passport (biometric or regular). In case of its absence, it is possible to enter with an internal passport, but the decision is made personally by the border guards.

✔️ Medical insurance. We recommend taking out insurance before your trip to ensure access to medical services.

For men

Men of military age are allowed to travel outside Ukraine in accordance with the rules of martial law in 2024. To do so, you need a valid military ID with confirmation of a deferment from mobilization. For example, in connection with accompanying persons with disabilities, or a deferral for parents with many children, or documents for a temporary business trip under the “Shlyakh” system.

For traveling with children

- The child's birth certificate.

- The child's international passport (for children over 12 years old).

How to get from Ukraine to Romania

Traveling to Romania from Ukraine offers several convenient and popular ways to get to your destination. Trains and buses provide a comfortable and affordable option for travelers, and border crossings are relatively quick and organized.

By train or bus (popular routes):

- Train Kyiv-Bucharest: departs daily, the journey takes about 18 hours.

- Bus Lviv-Bucharest: daily, travel time is about 12 hours.

- Bus Chernivtsi-Sucava: ideal for a quick border crossing.

Rules for entering Romania by car

Entering Romania by car is a popular choice among Ukrainian travelers, as it allows you to plan your route flexibly and enjoy the scenery. For a smooth border crossing and a safe trip, it is important to consider a few key points and rules.

Documents required for entry by car

✔️ Passport or ID card (depending on the type of document).

✔️ Green Card (international car insurance) is a mandatory document for entering by car.

✔️ International driver's license.

✔️ Vehicle registration certificate.

✔️ Declaration of importation of a car if you plan to stay in Romania for more than 90 days.

✔️ Mandatory technical inspection of the car (read how to pass it at the link).

Apply for a Green Card online and avoid troubles at the border.

Please note! To drive on Romanian roads, you need to purchase an electronic vignette (Rovinieta). It is sold at gas stations, near checkpoints or online.

The main checkpoints are:

-Porubne-Siret - the most popular.

-Reni Giurgiulesti - convenient for those traveling through the south of Ukraine.

You can readmore about the rules of entry to Romania on our website

Customs control at the entrance to Romania

The2024 Romanian customs regulations apply to the importation of personal belongings, food, medicines, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and currency. Compliance with these rules is mandatory to avoid fines or confiscation of goods.

What can be imported to Romania in 2024

✔️ Personal items used for personal or family needs while traveling are allowed to be imported within reasonable limits. This may include clothing, electronics, accessories, and other daily necessities.

✔️ Medicines for personal use are allowed to be imported, provided that their quantity corresponds to the duration of the stay. A prescription or medical confirmation may be required to import potent or prescription drugs.

✔️ Alcohol and tobacco:

   ● Up to 1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol).

   ● Up to 2 liters of wine or 16 liters of beer.

   ● Up to 50 cigarettes (2 packs), or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

Important! If you import a car for permanent use, additional registration fees may be charged.

Prohibitions and restrictions on entry to Romania

✔️ Food. It is forbidden to import meat, dairy products, honey, canned food and any products that can be a source of animal diseases. This rule is aimed at preventing the spread of animal diseases.

✔️ Weapons and dangerous items. It is strictly forbidden to import firearms, explosives, ammunition and any kind of edged weapons without the appropriate permits.

✔️ Other prohibited goods, such as narcotic substances, prohibited chemical compounds, pirated goods and counterfeit goods.

Currency control when entering Romania

✔️ It is allowed to bring into Romania without declaring the amount of up to EUR 10,000 or the equivalent in another currency.

✔️ Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared at the border and proof of the source of funds must be provided (e.g., a bank statement or documents proving their origin).

Compliance with customs rules will ensure a comfortable and smooth passage of customs control when entering Romania.

Rules of stay in Romania

✔️ Visa-free regime: Ukrainians can stay in Romania for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa.

✔️ Temporary protection: Romania provides temporary protection until March 2025. It is issued at migration centers, the necessary documents are a passport, a certificate of temporary protection.

✔️ Car use: A Ukrainian car can be used for up to 6 months without registration, provided you have a Green Card.

We wrote about thecost of living in Romania in our previous article

Legalization of a long-term stay in Romania

For those who plan to stay in Romania for a long time, in addition to temporary protection, it is possible to obtain a residence permit in Romania . Documents are submitted through the migration service. Documents required: a rental agreement, proof of income, and health insurance.

Contact Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers for professional assistance.

Useful information

Traveling to Romania or staying in this country for a long time requires taking into account important nuances. Below are tips on finding housing, work, and other aspects that will help you settle comfortably in the country.

✔️ Housing. You can look for accommodation on Booking, Airbnb, or in Ukrainian Facebook groups. Housing prices in Romania range from 300 to 800 euros per month, depending on the city and conditions.

✔️ Jobs. You can search for vacancies on eJobs.ro and LinkedIn. Employers often provide a social package.

Interesting! Ukrainian groups on Facebook are a good option to find inexpensive housing from Ukrainian immigrants or locals who are willing to help.

Education for children in Romania

Enrollment in schools and kindergartens in Romania is carried out through local education authorities.

Other nuances of living in Romania

✔️ Medical care: basic medical care is available under temporary protection.

✔️ Mobile communication: buy a local SIM card for cheaper calls.

Useful tips for your stay in Romania

✔️ Check the utility bills, which may be separate from the rent (heating prices can be high in winter).

✔️ Sign a rental agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

✔️ Ask about the proximity to transportation, supermarkets, and other important facilities.

Romania in 2024 remains an important destination for Ukrainians, providing comfortable conditions for stay and support for refugees. Plan your trip in advance and use proven tips!

Just a reminder! Certain rules apply to traveling abroad with pets