Romania: Authorities ease COVID-19-related domestic restrictions June 1; international entry measures unchanged /update 20

Romania ease COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from June 1; international entry measures remain largely unchanged since mid-April.

Event

Authorities in Romania have eased several domestic COVID-19-related restrictions June 1 following a significant decrease in infection rates. Limitations on attendance at indoor gatherings including concerts, weddings and other cultural, leisure, or religious ativities, have been lifted provided all the attendees are vaccinated. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 1,000 persons. Among unvaccinated residents, groups of up to eight persons may gather outdoors. Gyms, fitness centers, museums, public swimming pools, and restaurants may operate at 70 percent capacity.

Facemasks remain mandatory in crowded areas such as fairs, markets, or public transport stations and all indoor public spaces. Furthermore, spectators are allowed to attend outdoor sporting events up to 25 percent of venue capacity; this may be exceed if all attendees have been vaccinated. Authorities have also indicated plans to further relax restrictions from July 1.

Authorities previously extended the state of alert and some other COVID-19 restrictions until at least June 11.

International Entry Restrictions
Under most circumstances, only travelers from European Economic Area (EEA) and EU countries 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. The list of high-risk countries includes Estonia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Cyprus, Sweden, France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Turkey, and the Netherlands, 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 must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours and self-isolate for 14 days on arrival; this can be reduced to 10 days by testing negative for COVID-19 on day eight of self-isolation. Cross-border workers, transport workers, and individuals in transit remaining in Romania for less than 24 hours are exempt from the quarantine requirements. Individuals who can present proof they have received a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 no less than 10 days ago or have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 and recovered in the previous 90 days are also 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.