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Visa Information
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General Info
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to Romania.

VISA INFORMATION

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Embassy

Embassy of Romania in Pretoria:

WEATHER

Romania has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Mountain areas can have snow late into spring.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in Romania is a refreshing season, with temperatures gradually rising from 10°C in March to around 22°C in May. Trees bloom and parks come alive, especially in cities like Bucharest, Brașov, and Sibiu. It’s a great time for exploring castles, countryside villages, and hiking trails in the Carpathian Mountains.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers can be hot, particularly in the southern plains, where temperatures often reach 30°C or higher. Mountain areas remain cooler and are popular for trekking and outdoor festivals. The Black Sea coast is also in full swing, attracting visitors to beach resorts like Mamaia.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings colourful foliage, crisp air, and mild temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. It’s an excellent time for wine tasting, cultural tours, and scenic drives through Transylvania. Rainfall increases slightly towards November, especially in the western regions.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C, especially in the mountains and northern parts. Snow is common, making it ideal for skiing in resorts like Poiana Brașov. Cities may experience snow and frost, but holiday markets and warm cafés add charm to the chilly season.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter is perfect for snow sports and festive markets, while summer is ideal for beach holidays and mountain escapes.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Romania
Capital City: Bucharest
International Airports: Bucharest International Airport
Brașov International Airport
Constanța International Airport
Sibiu International Airport
Craiova International Airport
Cluj-Napoca International Airport
Târgu Mureș International Airport
Oradea International Airport
Timișoara International Airport
Iași International Airport
Area: 238,391 km²
Population: 18,631,386 (2013 census)
Time Zone: EET (UTC+2)
Religion: 84.8% Christianity (73.6% Romanian Orthodox, 11.2% other Christian),
15.2% no religion
Language: Romanian
Currency: Romanian New Leu (RON)
Exchange Rate: 1 EURO = 4.9773 RON. Confirm with bank
Credit Card Payment Availability: VISA, Mastercard, Amex, Maestro
ATM Accessibility: Yes (most locations)
Dialing Code: +40

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 230V supply voltage, 50Hz
Water: Tap water is safe.
Bottled water is preferred by locals.
Business Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
Banking Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
Photography Restrictions: Some institutions/museums
Tipping: 10 – 15%
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations requirements
Dress Code Restrictions: No dress code restrictions
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Friendly, open, and welcoming behaviour toward foreigners.
Politeness, especially with older people; use Mrs. or Mr. when addressing someone new.
Handshaking is common; men may kiss a woman’s hand when introduced.
Hosts may interpret refusal of food/drink as politeness; if you refuse, give a clear reason.

FESTIVALS

  • UNTOLD Festival
  • Electric Castle
  • Neversea Festival
  • SAGA Festival

MAP

“My love for my country is my religion.”

– Queen Marie of Romania