Romania: Authorities ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions Dec. 9; international entry restrictions amended effective Dec. 10 /update 29

Romania eases domestic COVID-19 restrictions Dec. 9; international entry restrictions amended effective Dec. 10.

Event

Authorities have eased domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 Dec. 9. The nightly curfew is lifted and facemasks are no longer mandatory in all outdoor spaces; additionally, shops and restaurants may remain open until 22:00. Additionally, entry restrictions will be amended effective Dec. 10 requiring all travelers from non-EEA countries to possess a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to entry.

Domestic Measures
A nationwide state of alert remains in effect until at least Jan. 9. Most businesses and services are operating subject to social distancing and capacity limits. Health passes confirming the holder is vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 or a recent negative COVID-19 test are required for access to many facilities. Masks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.

International Travel Restrictions
Romania designates countries as Green, Yellow, or Red depending on local infection rates and the presence of virus variants. From Dec. 10, all travelers from Green and Yellow EEA countries must present a certificate of vaccination or recovery or a PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to travel; travelers unable to meet this requirement must self-isolate for 14 days. Travelers from Red EEA countries must present a certificate of vaccination or recovery in order to have no isolation period. Such travelers with a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to travel must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Such travelers without any of these requirements must self-isolate for 14 days.

Also from Dec. 10, all travelers from non-EEA countries must possess a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to entry. Travelers with a certificate of vaccination or recovery do not have to self-isolate on entry. Travelers with only the testing requirement must self-isolate for 10 days on entry, permitted travelers without any of these requirements must self-isolate for 14 days.

Nonresident foreign nationals from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are prohibited from entering the country. Permitted travelers from these countries, including Romanian, Swiss, and EU/EEA residents and citizens, will be tested on arrival and required to self-isolate for up to 14 days. A second test must be taken on the eighth day after arrival; individuals can leave self-isolation after 10 days if this second test is negative.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.