Romania Visa for UAE Residents​

With its misty Carpathian Mountains, hillside fairy-tale castles, and vibrant Bucharest streets that merge history and modern-day vibrancy, Romania beckons. Envision walking through the fictional Dracula’s Bran Castle, walking lush trails throughout Transylvania, or enjoying thick stew in picturesque villages. This Eastern European jewel has a blend of adventure, culture and value unlike many destinations.

For UAE residents this might seem like a complicated process.

This article breaks down every step of the Romanian visa process for UAE residents with the focus on tourist visas. It highlights who needs to apply and tips for applying, all of which is updated for 2025.

Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Romania?

UAE citizens have free visas for travel to Romania for periods not exceeding 90 days in a period of 180 days due to Romania’s complete membership in the Schengen Area as of 2024. The privilege is a result of bilateral agreements between the UAE and the EU, enabling Emirati nationals to discover Romania and other Schengen nations without obtaining permission.

For expatriates in the UAE with residence permits holding passports from non-whitelisted countries including India, Pakistan, Philippines, etc. a visa is required. Romania falls under the Schengen policy, and you will apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) if your visit is for tourism, business, or family purposes for a non-90-day period. Please check your nationality’s status on the official sites, as citizens from nearly 110 nationalities are exempt but most UAE residents are not from any of these nationalities unless they are from countries like the US or Canada.

If you possess an existing valid Schengen visa from another nation, that usually allows you entry to Romania as well, but check details as Romania now issues standard Schengen visas.

Types of Visas for Short Visits

Visas for Short Visits

If you want to travel for a holiday, sightseeing, or short family holiday, prioritize a (Schengen Type-C) tourist visa. The Schengen tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days and travel between the 29 Schengen countries, including Romania, so it is great if you want to hop to nearby places such as Hungary or Bulgaria.

Short-stay alternatives include meeting or conference business visas, and transit visas if you’re only transiting through Romanian airports. For extended stays, such as study or employment, you’d require a Type D long-stay visa, but that’s beyond the scope of this guide.

Romania does not provide a visa-on-arrival for the majority of nationalities, so plan in advance, particularly as a UAE resident applying from overseas.

Eligibility and Exemptions

Eligibility depends on your nationality in your passport, not merely UAE residency. UAE nationals bypass the visa, but expats need to demonstrate true travel purpose, financial worth, and connections in the UAE to qualify and not be rejected.

Exemptions hold in case you possess a passport from Schengen-exempt nations or a multiple-entry valid Schengen visa. Citizens of the US, UK, or Canada may be eligible for streamlined entry, but Romania adheres rigidly to Schengen rules in 2025. From next time on, non-exempt individuals could require an ETIAS authorization instead of a full visa, but for the time being, UAE expats follow the standard procedure.

Minors under the age of 18 adhere to the same conditions, but need to have parents’ consent and birth certificates.

Documents Needed for a Romania Tourist Visa

Collect these basics before applying:

1. Passport: At least three months from your intended date of leaving Romania, with two free pages.
2. UAE Residence Permit: Should be valid for three months after departure from Romania.
3. Application Form: Complete the Schengen visa application form online or print it from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
4. Photos: Two new passport-format photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) on white background.
5. Travel Itinerary: Bookings for round-trip flights and a day-to-day itinerary.
6. Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter issued by hosts.
7. Financial Evidence: Bank statements from the previous three months reflecting a minimum of €50 per day of stay, or sponsor documents if the case so allows.
8. Employment Documents: NOC by your UAE employer, salary certificate, or business license in case of self-employment.
9. Travel Insurance: Coverage of a minimum of €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid in all Schengen regions.
10. Other Items: Marriage certificate if traveling with spouse, or school letters for children.

Submit originals and copies; embassies retain copies but return originals.

Step-by-Step Process of Application

• Begin by making an appointment at the Abu Dhabi Romanian Embassy, since that’s where UAE residents primarily go. Dubai has an honorary consulate, but the full application is submitted there. Email or call to make an appointment since online appointments are booked up fast.
• Download and fill out the form from mae.ro. Pay fee when submitting—non-refundable.
• Attend your appointment in person with all documents. Expect a short interview where officers ask about your trip plans and ties to the UAE. Biometrics like fingerprints get collected.
• Track your application online via the embassy portal. If approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker.

The process demands in-person submission, no full online option yet, though some use the eVisa portal for pre-checks.

Visa Fees and Processing Times

Charges are €80 for a full adult, and €40 for a child between 6 and 12 years old; under 6 years old, free. Pay cash or card at the embassy for exact help.

Typically taking 15 calendar days, but up to 30 or even 60 days during holiday periods, such as summer. Apply at least a month in advance to prevent stress.

Expedited services are available for emergencies, but document the emergency.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

• Cross-check your documents for completeness, absent items result in automatic rejection. Demonstrate strong UAE links, such as property ownership or family, to demonstrate you will return.
• Book refundable hotels and flights until visa approval. Take insurance from established companies covering repatriation.
• Reapply if rejected within 15 days, but best to reapply with better docs.
• Get updated through official sites, since the rules change with Schengen integrations.

What to Anticipate When Arriving in Romania

1. With your visa, produce it at the immigration counter along with your passport and return ticket. Officials may pose brief questions regarding your visit.
2. Relish up to 90 days, but monitor your time throughout Schengen to prevent overstay charges of up to €1,200 or bans; no additional forms required on arrival.
3. Romania adopts the Euro currency, so exchange your money or use widely accepted cards.

Conclusion

As a UAE resident, getting a Romanian visa means everything. You will be able to experience everything from medieval castles to busy city life. Follow these steps, prepare well, and your application will have a good chance. Romania is waiting with open arms. Start planning that dream holiday today. Happy travels!