Romania: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international entry and domestic restrictions as of Dec. 2 /update 28

Romania maintains COVID-19-related international entry and domestic restrictions as of Dec. 2; travel and business disruptions likely.

Event

Romania is maintaining a number of domestic and international entry restrictions in ongoing efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 as of Dec. 2.

International Travel Restrictions
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.

Romania designates other countries as Green, Yellow, or Red depending on local infection rates and the presence of virus variants. Travelers from Green countries may enter Romania without restriction. Travelers from Yellow and Red countries must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival; however, travelers from Yellow countries are exempt from isolation if they can present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, or can end isolation early at any point following a negative PCR test. Travelers from Red countries can end self-isolation after 10 days following a negative PCR test taken on day eight of isolation. Arrivals from the UK must possess a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and self-isolate for 14 days.

Permitted travelers who have completed a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 at least 10 days before arrival in Romania, or who have recovered from COVID-19 14-180 days before arriving in the country are exempt from the quarantine requirement. Additional quarantine exemptions are in place for cross-border workers, transport workers, individuals in transit, and certain categories of essential work.

Domestic Restrictions
A nationwide State of Alert remains in effect as of Dec. 2. A curfew is in effect 22:00-05:00; persons who have been vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID, as well as those seeking medical help or performing essential work duties, are exempt. Other measures that remain in force include:

Mandatory use of facemasks in all public areas.
Health passes to access public areas and businesses except for pharmacies and grocery stores.
Nonessential stores, catering establishments, cultural venues, sports facilities, and entertainment venues must close by 21:00.
Private and work events, such as conferences, workshops, weddings, and baptisms, are suspended.

Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing and capacity restrictions. Authorities are urging employers to allow employees to work from home whenever possible.

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.