Romania family and friends visit visa (C/VV)

The host must be a Romanian citizen, a citizen of another EU, EEA state or Switzerland living in Romania, or a non-EU national holding a valid Romanian residence document. The visit must be private: family events, holidays with relatives, visiting a partner or friends. Business contacts use the C/A visa instead.

Nationals of the countries on the IGI list must have the invitation approved by IGI; for all others the mission asks for an authenticated invitation, usually signed before a Romanian notary, in which the host undertakes to cover repatriation costs if the guest overstays and, where offered, accommodation and support.

Besides the form, passport, photo and EUR 30,000 travel insurance, you submit the authenticated invitation, proof of accommodation (the host’s undertaking or a hotel booking), a ticket to Romania and proof of funds of EUR 50 a day, at least EUR 500. Drivers add the licence, Green Card and registration documents.

Close family of Romanian citizens follow a shorter list. A spouse, a descendant under 21 or a dependent ascendant presents the passport, two 3 x 4 cm photos, a ticket, travel insurance and proof of the marriage or family link issued under Romanian law. If the Romanian relative travels with you, bring their passport or ID and a declaration on accommodation; if not, a notarised invitation from them with a copy of their ID.

The host prepares the invitation in Romania and sends you the original. You then register the application on the e-Visa portal, attend the appointment at the Romanian mission responsible for your place of residence, give fingerprints if required and pay EUR 90. The decision normally takes 15 days and can be extended to 45.

Apply at least 15 days and no more than 6 months before the trip. The Romanian portal suggests not leaving it to the last fortnight, because the processing period starts only when you appear in person at the mission.

Being married to a Romanian citizen does not remove the visa requirement if your nationality needs one, but it changes the evidence: the marriage certificate must be issued by Romanian authorities or transcribed into the Romanian civil registers. Those who plan to live in Romania should apply for the D/VF family reunification visa instead of repeating short visits.

The refusal form lists the grounds. A written preliminary complaint to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mandatory within 30 days; a court action at the competent court of appeal may follow within 6 months of the reply. Reapplying with a stronger invitation and proof of ties is often faster.