Traveler Toolkit
Romania Country Security Report
Romania Country Security Report
Published: June 29, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Romania Travel Advisory and Romania Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Bucharest
Bulevardul Dr. Liviu Librescu 4-6, Bucharest 015118
Tel: +40 021 200 3300; After-hours emergencies: +40 021 200 3433
Hours: 0800 – 1700, Monday – Friday.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The OSAC Country Chapters in Bucharest is active.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Romania Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Romania.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bucharest as being a LOW-threat environment for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a crime “C” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania.
The crime emergency line in Romania is 112. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Romania records an average of 540,000 to 580,000 total reported crimes annually, maintaining its standing as one of the statistically safest countries in the European Union. The majority of crime in Romania is property or petty theft, making up roughly 70% of the nation’s crime. In 2025, the Romanian Police recorded 213 total murders across the country, making the homicide rate 1.26 murders per 100,000 people.
Most crimes against visitors are limited to crimes of opportunity or scams. Robbery, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit card fraud are the most reported crimes. Violent crime is rare. Travelers should be aware of scams involving individuals posing as plainclothes police officers, approaches of quick friendship at train/subway stations, and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Organized groups of criminals, sometimes including very young children and well-dressed young adults, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and buses.
Money exchange schemes are less common now but still exist. Some of these scams involve individuals posing as plainclothes police officers who approach the potential victim, flash a badge or other official-looking document, and accuse the victim of changing money illegally. After the initial approach, the scammer normally asks the victim to prove that they did not change money illegally and demands to see their money or wallet. The thieves often succeed in obtaining money, passports, and cell phones. If someone offers to change money on the street or accuses you of changing money illegally, continue walking. There are other variations to this scam.
Travelers should use ATMs located inside reputable banks, hotels, and shopping malls and centers. Check ATM machines for any evidence of tampering before use. Sometimes, individuals pose as border officials and request passports for an immigration inspection. Legitimate plainclothes police officers do not conduct random checks asking travelers for identification. If you encounter a situation like this, insist on the presence of a uniformed police officer and request that any issues be resolved at the police station.
Internet romance and financial scams are also present in Romania. Scams are initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn for help. Common scams include romance/online dating, money transfers, grandparent/relative targeting, lotteries, medical emergencies, police actions, and bank overpayments.
Romania is a country of origin and destination for human trafficking. People who become involved in human trafficking rings are usually exploited in the sex industry, agriculture, construction, domestic service, hotels, or for forced begging and theft, in Romania as well as other European countries. Extortion in the form of blackmail targeting institutions and companies has also been reported.
Crime: Areas of Concern
There are no specific areas of concern in Romania. As in most parts of the world, crime occurs more frequently in populated metropolitan areas. However, these threats are not specific to any one geographical area.
If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available. Do not leave personal belongings unattended and stow them securely out of sight. Be cautious of your surroundings if using an internet café.
Take care when patronizing nightclubs, which can charge exorbitant prices and be persistent in pursuing payment. Simple assaults outside of clubs are possible, especially late at night after consumption of alcohol.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a kidnapping “K” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania.
Kidnappings are uncommon, though there continue to be parental child abduction cases reported to the U.S. Embassy Bucharest.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bucharest as being a LOW-threat environment for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a terrorism “T” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania.
While there have not been recent terrorist attacks in Romania, it is not immune from the general, European terrorism risks. Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations remain intent on attacking U.S. citizens and interests abroad. Events occurring elsewhere in the world have been used by extremists to try to galvanize individuals across Europe to carry out attacks. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack—including knives, firearms, and vehicles—to more effectively target crowds. Terrorists target unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as high-profile public events, like sporting events, political rallies, holiday events; hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; shopping malls and market; or public transportation systems.
Romania has robust, professional, and effective security services.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bucharest as being a LOW-threat environment for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a civil unrest “U” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Romania is a constitutional republic with a democratic, multiparty parliamentary system. The bicameral parliament consists of the Romanian Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, both elected by popular vote. Elections are generally secure and peaceful, but protests are very common.
Romania’s constitutional court annulled the results of the first round of presidential elections in December 2024, and a runoff election was held in May of 2025. Pro-EU and centrist candidate Nicusor Dan beat a hard-right opponent with record voter turnout; EU observers identified the election as free and fair.
While the May 2025 election of independent President Nicusor Dan brought executive stability legislative politics remain highly volatile. In May 2026, a motion of no confidence collapsed the governing coalition. As of mid-2026, political maneuvers to form a new pro-Western majority are ongoing, keeping domestic political polarization elevated.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests occur in Bucharest and across Romania regularly and are generally peaceful in nature. The Government of Romania grants permission to groups who wish to assemble for demonstration purposes. Romanian law requires a demonstration permit, but this is not always strictly enforced. Romanian police and Gendarmes respond to scheduled protests effectively for public order and safety. Expect a large law enforcement presence around significant protests.
Following Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, there have been protests over the issue of the importation of Ukrainian grain into Romanian domestic markets. Romanian truck drivers and farmers have blocked streets and hindered border crossings on the northeastern border with Ukraine. Other protests have involved agricultural issues and teacher’s salaries.
Before the May 2025 elections, Bucharest saw significant political demonstrations. In January, March, and April, left and right-wing protestors often marched through Victory and University Squares; these protests did clash occasionally, resulting in localized violence. Following the election, protest activity lulled, but in December 2025, independent journalists released an investigative piece on corruption in Romania’s Federal Judicial Branch; spontaneous street protests erupted immediately and spread to cities nationwide, including Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța, and Sibiu.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
In general, Romanians have a high opinion of the United States. Anti-U.S. sentiment is low in Romania and significant anti-U.S. or anti-Western protests are rare.
Law Enforcement
The two primary internal law enforcement agencies in Romania are the National Police and the Gendarmes. The National Police are responsible for deterring crime, responding to emergency calls, enforcing traffic and other laws, and other general police functions. They are easily identified by their distinct light-blue uniform. The Gendarmes are responsible for public order, tactical response to violent and dangerous incidents, and the protection of diplomatic facilities.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for the Romanian Police, Gendarmerie, Border Police, and Department for Emergency situations.
The Romanian Internal Intelligence Service, a domestic security agency, investigates terrorism and national security threats. The service is under Romanian parliamentary control.
Civilian authorities maintain control over Romania’s law enforcement and intelligence services.
Police Response
Romanian police are generally well-trained and responsive. Response to emergency calls can be too slow to disrupt incidents in progress. Romanian police have the capability to conduct complex criminal investigations but continue to spend significant resources on petty crimes. If a victim desires a significant response by local authorities, they must be prepared to devote time to work through the Romanian law enforcement processes. If a visitor is on a schedule that precludes this, legal or law enforcement resolution is hampered.
It is rare that police ask tourists and general visitors for bribes. As when traveling anywhere, under no circumstances should you offer a bribe or agree to pay one.
The European emergency number 112 is the only emergency number in Romania.
English speakers are available to answer 112 calls.
Armed Conflict
The war in Ukraine has had direct and indirect impacts on Romania. As a neighboring country, Romania has managed the transit of over five million Ukrainian refugees, while directly integrating tens of thousands into its local communities and labor market. Economically, the conflict forced Romania to drastically modernize its infrastructure to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports via the Danube River and the Black Sea port of Constanța. Russian aerial attacks targeting Ukrainian ports along the Danube River have occasionally resulted in stray drones entering Romanian airspace or debris falling on Romanian territory. In response the country has aggressively increased its defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. On May 29, 2026, a Russian military drone went astray during an overnight attack on Ukrainian infrastructure and crashed into a residential apartment building in the eastern Romanian city of Galați. This incident marks the first time a drone struck a populated area and caused civilian injuries within the country. The drone caused approximately 70 residents to evacuate from the building and two people sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized.
Travelers near the border regions (especially around the Danube delta and Constanța) are advised to remain highly vigilant and strictly follow any instructions or alerts issued by local Romanian authorities
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Driving is hazardous in Romania and remains a safety concern for visitors. While major streets in larger cities and major intercity roads are generally in fair to good condition, many secondary roads are in need of repair, unpaved, poorly illuminated, narrow, and/or lacking marked lanes. Expect other drivers to disregard commonly accepted rules of the road, speed limits, and/or consideration for other drivers and pedestrians. If you choose to self-drive, practice defensive driving techniques. Enforcement of traffic violations is inconsistent.
Following Government Decision no. 795, U.S. citizens holding a valid U.S. state driver's license can now legally drive in Romania for up to six months (180 days) without an International Driving Permit (IDP). Note that some local car rental companies may still optionally request an IDP under their private corporate policies. Visitors who plan to self-drive must familiarize themselves with traffic laws and should be aware that there is a zero-tolerance policy with regards the consumption of alcohol and driving. In Romania it is illegal to have any level of alcohol in your system when operating a motor vehicle. Authorities routinely conduct breathalyzer tests on all parties after an accident and during random inspections. Refusal to take a breathalyzer test may result in criminal penalties regardless of whether alcohol was involved. Police often use checkpoints for traffic violations or DUI checks, particularly in areas where speed limits change abruptly due to entry into municipal zones. Police can now issue fines and sanctions retroactively based on video footage captured by dashcams or public road monitoring systems, even if an officer was not present at the time of the infraction
In instances where a driver is exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km per hour or is determined to be under the influence of alcohol or unsafe to drive, police may confiscate the driver’s license and provide further directions as to the next steps. Exceeding the limit by more than 70 km/h results in a mandatory 120-day license suspension.
Wearing a seat belt is mandatory. The use of mobile phones while driving is not allowed, with exception of hands-free systems. Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat and infant/child car seats are required in accordance with EU regulations.
Parked vehicles often block sidewalks, and sidewalks are limited in some areas, forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. Maintain vigilance when driving to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pedestrian right of way in crosswalks is strictly observed and enforced, so use caution when approaching crosswalks and stop until pedestrians are clear of the crosswalk.
When traveling at night between major cities, expect little lighting on roads outside in rural areas. Drivers should also be aware of pedestrians, farm animals, horse-drawn carts, wild animals and stray dogs, and a lack of shoulders when driving in the countryside. If an accident takes place in a rural location, emergency medical response may not meet U.S. standards in terms of capabilities or timeliness.
Various parts of Romania can experience severe winters, and road maintenance falls below general U.S. standards. Travelers must prepare for these conditions and expect delays if traveling by vehicle, train, or air during inclement winter weather. Drivers are legally required to have winter-approved tires when driving a vehicle on roads covered in snow, ice, black ice, or slush. Drivers are required at all times to carry in the vehicle a working fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, a high-visibility vest, and two ECE-approved warning triangles.
In the event of a two-car accident with no injuries where both parties agree to the circumstances of the accident, they may complete a Romanian Mutual Agreement form (Constatare Amiabila de Accident). The at-fault party must provide a copy of the completed form and a copy of their insurance to the other party involved. If a mutual agreement is unreachable, both parties must drive to the nearest police station to report the accident. If unable to do so immediately, both parties must report the accident to the police within 24 hours. In the event of an accident under any other circumstances, the drivers should contact police at the emergency number (112) and await response.
Comply with all police orders and remain respectful. If you receive a ticket, you must pay the fine via the local office of the National Fiscal Administration (ANAF), CEC Bank, public administration authorities (online at www.ghiseul.ro), and send the receipt and a copy of the ticket to the police. Payment of fines directly to a police officer is not possible. If paid within 15 calendar days, only 50% of the select stipulated traffic fine is required.
If entering Romania by vehicle you must purchase a road tax badge (“rovinieta”) at the border crossing point. Proof of insurance and car registration documents are required. Drivers of vehicles registered abroad who are not in possession of a valid international insurance document must buy short-term insurance at the border.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation in Romania is inexpensive and reliable. Inter-city travel options include a variety of buses, trams, trolleybuses, metro, and taxis (private, Uber, Bolt, etc.). Purchase bus or tram tickets at newsstands or street kiosks before boarding, and validate the ticket once aboard. Bucharest is the only Romanian city with an underground metro - it is also inexpensive and reliable, although station locations are not always convenient.
Train travel is inexpensive. Petty crimes against train passengers occur, particularly in rural areas and on overnight trains. Some thefts and few assaults have occurred on trains, including reported thefts from closed compartments. Do not leave personal property unattended. Laptops, cell phones, iPads, wallets, and purses, etc. are usually the preferred theft items.
Hotels and dining establishments can assist with calling and reserving taxis. Using a street taxi increases your chances of being involved in a potential scam. Always check to ensure that the taxi has a functioning meter and that the side of the taxi clearly lists the metered rate. Companies such as Uber, Bolt, and Black Cab are reputable and reliable options.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Romania’s’ Civil Aviation Authority complies with safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
There are no specific aviation concerns in Romania. Airports are generally well managed, and there have been no reported incidents of concern within the last several years. Romanian security services are proficient, and airport security is excellent.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Mariners planning travel to Romania should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the Maritime Security Communications with Industry web portal. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Romania, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
For American nationals, there have been no reported incidents of arbitrary detention or official harassment. Romania continues to contend with long standing problems regarding corruption and rule of law that extend from national government down to municipalities. Bribery in the public sector remains a challenge, especially in healthcare and education. Laws are not always implemented effectively, and officials sometimes engage in corrupt practices with impunity.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 2024 economic survey warned that corrupt practices in certain sectors remain widespread and that progress in developing mechanisms that dissuade corruption is slow. U.S. investors have complained of both government and business corruption in Romania, most frequently naming the customs service, municipal officials, and local financial authorities.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Romania. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
Medical care, capabilities, and quality of service are generally not at the same standard as compared to the U.S. or Western Europe. Hospitals often lack nursing care and assistance for the elderly.
Credit card payment is not always available for medical services outside of the major cities. In rural areas medical professionals require cash payment. Travelers seeking medical treatment should therefore choose their provider carefully.
Psychological and psychiatric services are limited outside of the larger cities. Hospital-based care is very limited in Romania.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Most prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are available in Romania but are often sold under different names. If traveling with prescription medication, check to ensure the medication is legal and available if you may require a refill. Because Romania is part of the Schengen Zone, travelers carrying medications classified as narcotics or psychotropics (like certain ADHD medications, strong opioids, or benzodiazepines) must secure a Schengen Certificate (Article 75) if traveling from within the EU, or a comprehensive doctor's letter in English/Romanian if arriving from outside the EU. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Romania.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Avoid consuming tap water, as heavy metals from old pipes and industrial run-off can be present.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
Romania has been known to experience large earthquakes. Not all buildings and infrastructure are constructed to withstand significant seismic events.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
According to the Global Organized Crime Index, cyber-dependent crime in Romania has been on the rise in recent years. The latest cyber threats faced by the country are malware distribution and ransomware attacks. Ransom-type attacks tend to target a certain profile of victim in order to maximize profit. For instance, government and private-sector organizations, including critical infrastructure as well as hospital services, are increasingly targeted. Cybercrime is relatively low profile for perpetrators and results in huge gains, making it especially appealing for organized crime groups. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Romania experienced a spike in the number of cyberattacks on infrastructure.
This trend severely intensified in late December 2025, when cybercriminals launched a multi-pronged holiday offensive against Romania's essential public services, exploiting lean staffing periods over the winter break. These attacks targeted water systems and energy plants, including a massive "Living off the Land" (LotL) breach at the national water administration (Apele Române) that weaponized native Windows BitLocker tools to encrypt 1,000 IT assets, alongside a concurrent ransomware strike by the Gentlemen group paralyzing the ERP systems of the Oltenia Energy Complex. Subsequent attacks have expanded to oil pipelines, with regional authorities logging upwards of 10,000 daily cyberattack attempts heavily attributed to Russian state-aligned actors and hacktivist groups.
Romania has a comprehensive cybersecurity regulatory environment that aligns with EU directives and addresses national security concerns. The country focuses on protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring compliance with international standards, and fostering public-private collaboration, putting it in a strong position to tackle cybersecurity challenges. The National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC) oversees this framework, ensuring strict alignment with the GDPR and the EU's Cybersecurity Act.
To address the rapidly escalating threat landscape, Romania formally completed its transposition of the EU's stricter NIS 2 Directive through Government Emergency Ordinance (GEO) No. 155/2024, as heavily amended and expanded by Parliament under Law No. 124/2025. Under this updated framework, Romania requires critical infrastructure operators to implement stringent cybersecurity measures, expanding the scope of regulated "essential and important" entities to cover food supply chains and pharmaceutical networks. The law also mandates independent cybersecurity officers, enforces mandatory risk training for corporate boards, and institutes a strict three-tiered incident reporting window requiring initial "early warning" notifications within 24 hours of a significant breach. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to EUR 10 million or 2% of annual worldwide turnover, with DNSC reserving the right to double these penalties for severe systemic violations. Consequently, while these measures aim to enhance national cyber defense capabilities, businesses operating in Romania still face ongoing operational challenges due to the highly aggressive regional threat environment and the rising costs of regulatory compliance.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, counterintelligence risks in Romania have intensified as the country’s strategic position on NATO's eastern flank makes it a primary target for hostile foreign intelligence operations. Western and Romanian intelligence agencies have actively dismantled several hostile espionage rings, including a major Belarusian KGB-directed proxy cell utilizing regional intermediaries to map regional vulnerabilities and target commercial supply chains. Concurrently, Romania's updated National Defense Strategy explicitly reclassified state-backed hybrid warfare and espionage as its primary national security threats. These hostile operations have shifted away from traditional diplomatic espionage to target private-sector logistics, defense co-manufacturing networks, and critical information infrastructure. Consequently, any American enterprise operating within Romania's robust technology, defense, or transport sectors must account for a heightened threat of corporate espionage, insider threats, and sophisticated data exfiltration attempts.
Import/Export Restrictions
Romania fully joined the Schengen Zone for air and sea travel. Routine border controls at airports have been lifted for flights within the zone. Any days spent in Romania now count toward a U.S. citizen's total allowable 90-day maximum stay within a 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Overstaying this combined limit can result in entry denials, hefty fines, or travel bans.
Romania has strict regulations on importing/exporting firearms, other weapons, drugs, antiquities, local currency and gold or gold jewelry. Contact the Romanian Customs Office for specific information regarding customs requirements.
If traveling with prescription medication, check to ensure the medication is legal and available if you may require a refill. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Romania.
There are no restrictions on satellite phones in Romania.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.