Romania: Authorities extend coronavirus-related state of alert and restrictive measures until at least March 13 /update 14

Romania extends COVID-19-related state of alert until at least March 13. Significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Romania have extended the nation's COVID-19-related state of alert until at least March 13. Domestic restrictions that remain in place include:

A 2300-0500 curfew is in force; during curfew hours individuals may only leave their residences to perform essential tasks.
Public gatherings of more than six people are prohibited.
In areas where the COVID-19 incidence rate is below 3 per 1,000 inhabitants, catering establishments are permitted to operate between 0600-2300 provided they comply with strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Nonessential business and services must close nightly at 2100.
Cultural and entertainment venues are permitted to operate provided they comply with strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Facemasks are mandatory in all public spaces.

Under most circumstances, only travelers from European Economic Area (EEA) and EU countries, in addition to Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand are permitted to enter Romania. Exceptions are in place for family members of EEA citizens and residents, individuals traveling for essential work or study, individuals in transit, and individuals traveling for urgent reasons. Authorities keep and regularly update a list of "high-risk" countries. As of Feb. 12, the list of high-risk countries includes Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, among others.

Permitted individuals arriving from countries not included on the list of high-risk areas can enter without restriction. Individuals arriving from high-risk countries who have a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the previous 72 hours must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; those without a negative PCR test must self-isolate for 14 days, though this can be reduced to 10 days by taking a COVID-19 test on day eight of self-isolation. Travelers arriving from the UK must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test and self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Cross border workers, transport workers, and individuals in transit remaining in Romania for less than 24 hours are exempt from the quarantine requirements.

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.