Romania visa for Indians

Romania, a captivating country at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, is increasingly drawing attention from Indian travelers for its rich history, vibrant culture, and emerging economic opportunities. For Indian citizens planning a visit, understanding the specific requirements for a Romania visa for Indians is the first and most crucial step. Unlike some Western European nations, Romania has only recently joined the Schengen Area for air and sea borders (effective March 31, 2024), which impacts its visa policies, though land border controls remain. This detailed, pointwise article will comprehensively outline the process for obtaining a Romania visa for Indians, covering various visa types, essential documentation, fees, processing times, and a specific focus on the business visa category.

1. Romania Visa for Indians: An Overview of Visa Types

For Indian citizens, the type of Romania visa for Indians required depends entirely on the purpose and duration of their stay. Romania issues two main categories of visas:

• Short-Stay Visa (Type C - Uniform/Schengen Visa):

  • This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

     

     

  • It covers purposes such as tourism, visiting family/friends, short-term business activities, cultural or sports events, medical treatment, and transit.

     

     

  • As Romania became a partial member of the Schengen Area in March 2024 (for air and sea borders), a uniform Schengen visa issued by Romania (as the main destination) allows travel within the Schengen zone. Conversely, a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by another Schengen member state might allow entry to Romania. However, for land border crossings into Romania from non-Schengen countries, separate checks may still apply.

• Long-Stay Visa (Type D - National Visa):

   

   

  • This visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days.

  • It covers purposes such as study, work, family reunification, scientific research, economic activities, professional activities, and religious activities.

  • Holders of a long-stay national visa typically need to apply for a residence permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration upon arrival in Romania to extend their stay beyond the initial 90 days.

Indian citizens will always need a visa to enter Romania unless they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by another Schengen country and meet specific criteria. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders.

2. General Documents Required for a Romania Visa for Indians

Regardless of the visa type, certain common documents are essential for all Romania visa for Indians applications:

• Valid Indian Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Romania (or the Schengen Area, if applicable) and must have at least two blank pages. It should have been issued within the last 10 years.

• Duly Completed Visa Application Form: The application form is typically filled out online via the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' eVisa portal, then printed and signed.

   

   

• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Usually two recent color photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a plain, light-colored background, taken within the last six months. Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo.

   

   

• Travel Medical Insurance: Mandatory for all short-stay visas, covering emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Romania and the entire Schengen Area (if applying for a uniform Schengen visa).

   

   

• Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations for the entire duration of your stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Romania (with a copy of their ID/residence permit and proof of address).

   

   

• Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Documents demonstrating you have adequate funds to cover your expenses during your stay and for your return journey or onward travel. This can include:

  • Original bank statements for the last three to six months, stamped and signed by the bank.

     

     

  • Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last two to three years.

  • Salary slips (if employed).

  • A minimum of approximately €50 per day for short-stay visas is often recommended.

• Flight Itinerary/Round-trip Tickets: Confirmed flight reservations showing your entry and exit dates from Romania.

• Personal Cover Letter: A signed letter explaining the purpose of your visit, detailed itinerary, and confirming your travel dates and intent to return to India.

   

   

3. Specific Requirements for a Romania Business Visa for Indians

For Indian citizens traveling for commercial purposes, the Romania business visa for Indians falls under the Short-Stay Visa (Type C) category. In addition to the general documents listed above, specific business-related documents are required:

• Invitation Letter from Romanian Company: An original invitation letter from the inviting company or organization in Romania. This letter is crucial and must contain:

  • Full details of the inviting company (name, address, contact person, registration number).

  • The purpose of your visit (e.g., business meetings, negotiations, signing contracts, attending conferences, training).

  • The exact dates and duration of your stay.

  • Details of the applicant (full name, passport number, designation).

  • Confirmation of financial responsibility (who will cover accommodation, travel, and other expenses).

     

     

  • Official stamp and signature of the authorized representative.

• Letter from Indian Employer/Company: An original letter on company letterhead from your employer in India. This letter should:

  • Introduce the applicant, stating their full name and designation.

  • Confirm the purpose of the business trip to Romania.

  • Specify the exact travel dates and duration.

  • State that the company will bear all expenses related to the trip (if applicable).

  • Guarantee the applicant's return to India.

  • Be signed by an authorized signatory with the company stamp.

• Proof of Business Relationship: Documents demonstrating the business relationship between your Indian company and the Romanian inviting company, such as:

  • Previous correspondence (emails, faxes).

  • Contracts, invoices, or agreements (if applicable).

  • Confirmation of participation in trade fairs, conferences, or exhibitions.

• Indian Company Registration Documents: Copy of the Indian company's business registration certificate (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, GST Certificate).

• Applicant's Business Card: If applicable.

For long-term commercial activities or investments, a Long-Stay Visa (Type D) for economic or commercial activities would be required, which involves more extensive documentation, often including a business plan and approval from relevant Romanian authorities.

4. Application Process and Fees for Romania Visa for Indians

The application process for a Romania visa for Indians generally follows these steps:

• Online Application (eVisa Portal): Begin by registering and filling out the visa application form on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' eVisa portal. You will select your visa type and upload initial documents.

   

   

• Receive Appointment: After submitting the online application, you will typically receive an email confirmation and an appointment date to submit your physical documents and pay fees at the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai.

   

   

• Document Submission and Fee Payment: Attend your scheduled appointment in person. Submit all required original documents and their photocopies. Pay the applicable visa fees in INR.

  • Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Approximately €80 (INR 7,000 - 8,065, subject to exchange rates). For children aged 6-12, it's approximately €45.

     

     

  • Long-Stay Visa (Type D): Approximately €120 (INR 10,500 - 10,755, subject to exchange rates).

  • Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.

     

     

• Biometric Data (if applicable): You may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph) at the visa application center.

• Processing: The Embassy/Consulate will process your application. They may request additional documents or an interview if necessary.

• Passport Collection: Once a decision is made, you will be notified to collect your passport.

5. Processing Time and Important Considerations for Romania Visa for Indians

Understanding the processing time is crucial for planning your trip to Romania.

• Processing Time:

  • Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Generally, the processing time for a Romania visa for Indians (short-stay) is 10 to 15 working days from the date of submission of complete documents and biometrics.

  • Long-Stay Visa (Type D): These typically take longer, often around 45 to 60 days, as they involve more detailed assessments.

  • Note: These are average times and can vary based on the completeness of your application, the volume of applications, and specific circumstances.

• Application Timing: It is highly recommended to apply for your Romania visa at least 3 to 4 weeks before your intended travel date, especially during peak seasons, to account for any potential delays.

• Schengen Implications: While Romania's recent partial entry into the Schengen Area simplifies travel within the zone for uniform visa holders, it's crucial to confirm the latest rules, especially regarding land border crossings and the validity of existing Schengen visas for entry into Romania.

• Purpose of Visit: Always be clear and consistent about your purpose of visit. Any discrepancies between your application form, supporting documents, and interview responses can lead to refusal.

• Genuine Intent: Ensure all your documents clearly demonstrate your genuine intent to return to India after your visit, as this is a key assessment criterion for all temporary visas.

In conclusion, securing a Romania visa for Indians requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the specific requirements for your intended purpose of travel. Whether you're planning a leisurely trip, attending a conference, or engaging in short-term business activities covered by a business visa, providing a complete and accurate application, along with all necessary supporting documents, is paramount for a smooth and successful visa outcome. Always refer to the official guidelines for the most up-to-date information before initiating your application.