Romania is steadily gaining attention among UAE-based travellers, offering a mix of medieval cities, Carpathian mountain landscapes, cultural heritage, and relatively affordable European travel. It appeals to tourists, business visitors, families, and students alike.
Visa rules are often misunderstood, particularly following Romania’s full integration into the Schengen Area. Romania is a full Schengen member, meaning its short-stay visas and entry rules now follow standard Schengen regulations.
This guide explains who needs a Romania visa from the UAE, how rules differ for Emirati citizens and expatriate residents, the visa types available in 2026, and how to apply correctly to avoid delays or refusal.
- Why UAE residents travel to Romania
- Romania’s status within the Schengen Area
- Do UAE residents need a visa for Romania?
- Romania visa types relevant to UAE residents
- Eligibility criteria for Romania visa from UAE
- Required documents for Romania visa from UAE
- How to apply for a Romania visa from the UAE
- Visa fees, processing time, and validity
- Romania visa rules at the border
- Practical tips for UAE residents applying for Romania visa
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Why UAE residents travel to Romania
UAE residents travel to Romania for several reasons. Tourism remains the most common, with Bucharest, Transylvania, Brașov, Sibiu, and the Carpathians attracting visitors year-round.
Another factor is accessibility. Flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi connect efficiently to Bucharest and other regional hubs, making Romania a practical entry point for Eastern and Central Europe.
Romania’s status within the Schengen Area
Romania is a full member of the Schengen Area.
Air and sea border controls were lifted on 31 March 2024, followed by the removal of land border checks on 1 January 2025. As a result, Romania now fully applies the Schengen acquis.
This has two key implications for UAE residents:
- Romania issues Uniform Schengen Visas (Type C)
- Time spent in Romania counts toward the Schengen 90-day limit within any 180-day period
A short-stay Schengen visa issued by Romania allows travel across all 29 Schengen member states, subject to standard Schengen rules.
Do UAE residents need a visa for Romania?
Whether you need a visa depends on your national passport, not your UAE residency. For short stays, Romania follows standard Schengen rules.
UAE citizens (Emirati passport holders)
Emirati passport holders are visa-exempt for short stays.
- Allowed stay: up to 90 days within any 180 days
- Permitted purposes: tourism, business meetings, and family visits
- Visa still required for: work, study, or long-term residence
Border officers may still request proof of accommodation, return tickets, and evidence of sufficient funds.
Expatriate UAE residents (non-Emirati passports)
Many expatriate residents must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa in advance, based on their nationality. UAE residency does not change this requirement. If you already hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by another Schengen country, you can usually travel to Romania without applying again, provided you comply with the visa validity and 90/180 stay limits.
Romania visa types relevant to UAE residents
As a Schengen member state, Romania now issues Schengen visas for short stays.
- Type C – Schengen short-stay visa
This is the main visa for tourism, visiting friends or family, and short business trips. It allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area, subject to the validity and conditions on your visa sticker.
- Type D – Long-stay visa (national)
This is for stays longer than 90 days, such as employment, university studies, or family reunification. A Type D visa is typically followed by applying for a Romanian residence permit after arrival.
Eligibility criteria for Romania visa from the UAE
A Romanian short-stay visa application is assessed on consistency and credibility. Expect to show:
- Valid passport with enough validity and blank pages
- Valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID (with sufficient remaining validity)
- Clear travel purpose (tourism, visit, business, etc.)
- Proof of return intent (UAE employment, family, property, or other ties)
- Sufficient funds for the full trip (bank statements and supporting evidence)
Common reasons for refusal
Most refusals come down to avoidable gaps:
- Weak or unverifiable financial proof
- Inconsistent details (dates, employer, salary, names, itinerary)
- Unclear purpose or a plan that does not match the documents
- Previous overstays or violations in Schengen or elsewhere
- Weak UAE ties, especially for first-time travellers
Required documents for a Romania visa from the UAE
Most short-stay applications follow a standard checklist, with a few extra documents depending on your job status and travel purpose.
Core documents
Typical short-stay files include:
- Passport (plus copies)
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID (copies)
- Completed visa application (submitted through the official portal, where applicable)
- Recent passport photo(s)
- Flight booking (return or onward)
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation)
- Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance (minimum EUR 30,000)
- Stamped bank statements for the last 3–6 months (plus salary proof where relevant)
Additional documents (if applicable)
Add what fits your profile and visa purpose:
- Employer NOC and employment letter, plus salary certificate if available
- Trade licence and company documents (business owners)
- Invitation letters (visit or business), plus host support documents if required
- Family documents for dependants or minors (birth certificates, consent letters, school letters)
How to apply for a Romania visa from the UAE
Romania uses a hybrid online-to-in-person process for most applicants.
Most applicants follow a hybrid process: start online, then submit in person.
Apply based on your UAE emirate of residence:
General Consulate of Romania in Dubai – Dubai and the Northern Emirates
Location
It’s located in 8 16A St – Al Safa 2 – Al Safa – Dubai
Contact Information
- Phone: 04 349 2974
- Email: dubai@mae.ro
Embassy of Romania in Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Location
It’s located in Villa No.15 – Abu Al Abyad St – Al Bateen – W33 – Abu Dhabi.
Contact Information
- Phone: 02 445 9919
- Email: abudhabi@mae.ro
If you apply outside your jurisdiction, your file may be refused.
Step-by-step process
- Confirm whether your nationality needs a visa.
- Select the correct visa type (Type C for short stays, Type D for extended stays).
- Complete the online application and upload the required documents (where applicable).
- Wait for the consulate to validate your file and send appointment details by email.
- Attend in person with originals, provide biometrics if required, and pay the fee.
- Collect your passport and check the visa sticker (name, dates, entries).
Visa fees, processing time, and validity
- Fee (short-stay Type C): typically, EUR 90
- Fee (long-stay Type D): typically, EUR 120
- Processing time: often 7–15 working days, longer during peak periods
- When to apply up to 3 months before travel is a safe lead time
Validity and entries (single or multiple) depend on your application and travel history.
Romania visa rules at the border
Border officers may ask for documents showing you meet entry conditions, such as:
- Accommodation confirmation
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of funds
- Travel insurance (recommended even if not requested)
Overstays can lead to fines, entry bans, and future visa issues across the Schengen Area.
Practical tips for UAE residents applying for Romania visa
- Keep names, dates, and employers consistent across every document.
- Avoid bank statements with unexplained cash deposits right before applying.
- Write a simple cover letter that matches the evidence.
- Apply earlier if travelling in summer or December.
- Do not rely on assumptions at check-in. Airlines validate entry rules using their systems, so bring a clean, complete file even for straightforward trips.
Key Takeaways
Visa requirements depend on passport nationality, not UAE residency. Short stays follow standard Schengen rules, and time spent in Romania counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period. Many travellers need to apply in advance, while holders of valid multiple-entry Schengen visas can usually travel without applying again. A consistent, well-documented file and early submission help avoid delays.
FAQs
It depends on your passport nationality. Emirati citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, while many expatriate residents must apply in advance.
Up to 90 days in any 180 days, subject to Schengen short-stay rules.
Often 7–15 working days. It can take longer in peak periods.
No. You may start the process online, but most applicants submit originals and complete checks in person.
In most cases, yes. If you hold a valid Schengen short-stay visa, it generally covers travel to Romania. Confirm your specific case before departure.
