Romania Country Report

Romania is a democratic country at the crossroads of central and southeastern Europe, bordering Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and the Black Sea. A former member of the Soviet-influenced Eastern Bloc, Romania has seen rapid economic growth since its incorporation into the European Union. It is often considered a developing country, with key industries like the energy sector and automobile manufacturing driving recent expansion. The country is politically stable, although mass demonstrations and a fractured political system occasionally undermine internal security.

Romania has faced increased tension along its border with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict in that country. High numbers of Ukrainian refugees entered Romania in early 2022, and Russian aerial attacks occasionally enter Romanian airspace or impact Romanian territory. Authorities have resultantly increased border security to manage increased refugee numbers and deployed air defense units to intercept errant Russian attacks.

Crime is the biggest threat to foreign travelers in Romania, with pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and mugging relatively common occurrences, especially in Bucharest and other urban centers. Demonstrations and strike actions can cause localized disruptions. Severe weather can pose hazards to life and property as well as halt travel and result in power cuts. Self-driving in Romania can be difficult due to dangerous driving by some local motorists and poor road conditions.

Romania does not face any significant conflict risk and terrorism is not a major concern; however, levels of petty and organized crime are significant, and foreign nationals have been targeted by criminals due to their perceived wealth. Although violent crime involving travelers is rare, racially motivated assaults remain a concern. Despite its prevalence, organized criminal activity generally does not have a significant impact on foreign travelers.

Romania is affected by elevated levels of cross-border smuggling, including human trafficking, given its location bordering countries outside of the Schengen area; these activities are often controlled by organized crime groups.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Romania has accepted a large number of refugees fleeing the combat zones; occasionally, military-aged men attempt to escape to Romania to avoid the compulsory military service in Ukraine currently enforced by martial law.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

Erratic driving by some local motorists and poor road conditions can make overland travel in Romania hazardous, although major roads and highways tend to be safer and better maintained.

The Port of Constanța is considered efficient.

7% of all households in Romania have no access to electricity and 80% of Romanians living in rural areas rely wholly on wood for heating.

Cyber attacks are increasing in Romania.

Romania experiences occasional flooding due to torrential rain, particularly during spring and summer seasons, while heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures can affect the country during winter months. Romania is located in a seismically active region and is susceptible to earthquakes, although most of these are of moderate intensity and do not cause significant damage or casualties.

Medical care in Romania is generally not up to international standards, and the availability of specialist medical supplies and pharmaceuticals may be limited outside of major cities; however, adequate private facilities are available in Bucharest. Serious injuries or complex medical cases may require evacuation to the traveler's home country or a third country with adequate medical facilities. Drinking water is generally safe unless stated otherwise.

Romania is a unitary multi-party semi-presidential republic. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and the President is the head of state. The President, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. Presidential elections take place once every five years. The Parliament consists of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate (upper house) and exercises legislative power. Parliamentary elections take place once every four years. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Government collapses occasionally occur. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across most of the country.