How to Apply for Visa for Romania from India: A Detailed Guide

Romania, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and emerging economic opportunities, is an increasingly popular destination for Indian tourists and business professionals alike. For Indian citizens planning a trip to this Eastern European nation, understanding how to apply for visa for Romania from India is a mandatory step, as Indian passport holders generally require a visa to enter the country. While Romania is set to join the Schengen Area for air and sea borders in March 2024, its full accession (including land borders) is still pending, meaning it currently operates its own national visa regime. This detailed, pointwise article will provide a comprehensive guide to obtaining a Romanian visa, outlining the types, required documents, the application process through the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi or its designated visa application center (VFS Global in some instances), associated fees, and estimated processing times, with a special focus on distinguishing between business and other visa categories.

1. Initial Steps: Determining Your Visa Type and General Requirements

Before delving into how to apply for visa for Romania from India, you must first identify the correct visa category for your travel purpose. Romania issues two main types of visas:

• Short-Stay Visa (Type C): For visits not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business, visiting family/friends, cultural/sports activities, and transit.

• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For stays exceeding 90 days, for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or long-term business activities (e.g., investment).

Important Note on Schengen Visa Holders: Indian citizens holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, a national visa, or a residence permit issued by a Schengen member state may be exempt from needing a separate Romanian short-stay visa for transit or stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Always verify this exemption with the Romanian Embassy and your airline before travel, as conditions can change.

General Documents for Any Romania Visa from India:

Regardless of the specific visa type, a core set of documents are commonly required:

• Valid Indian Passport:

  • Original passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Romania and the Schengen Area (if applicable).

     

     

  • Must have a minimum of two blank visa pages.

     

     

  • Photocopies of the passport's bio-data pages and any previous Schengen/Romania visas.

  • All old passports, if any, should also be submitted.

• Duly Filled Online Visa Application Form:

  • Romania utilizes an online e-Visa portal (evisa.mae.ro). You must fill out the application form online, print it, and sign it.

• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:

  • Two (2) recent (taken within the last 6 months) color photographs, typically 3x4 cm or 3.5x4.5 cm (confirm exact dimensions with the Embassy/VFS Global).

     

     

  • Plain white background, full frontal view, neutral expression, no glasses (unless for medical reasons), no headwear (unless for religious purposes, without obscuring facial features).

• Personal Covering Letter:

  • A signed letter from the applicant explaining the purpose of the trip, exact travel dates, and acknowledging their intent to return to India.

• Confirmed Travel Itinerary & Accommodation Proof:

  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservations to and from Romania.

     

     

  • Confirmed hotel reservations for your entire stay in Romania. Alternatively, an original invitation letter from a host in Romania (Romanian citizen or legal resident) along with a copy of their ID and proof of address.

     

     

• Proof of Financial Means:

  • Documents demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay. This is usually specified as a certain amount per day (e.g., at least EUR 50 per day, with a minimum total of EUR 500, or as specified by the Embassy).

     

     

  • Typically includes: Original personal bank statements for the last 3-6 months (duly stamped and signed by the bank), Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 years, and salary slips for the last 3 months (if employed).

     

     

• Travel Health Insurance:

  • Proof of valid travel medical insurance covering the entire period of your intended stay in Romania, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. The insurance policy must be valid in Romania.

     

     

• Proof of Employment/Occupation in India:

  • For Employed: Original NOC (No Objection Certificate) or Leave Sanctioned Certificate from your employer on company letterhead, stating your designation, date of joining, salary, and granted leave dates.

     

     

  • For Self-Employed: Business registration certificate (e.g., MOA, Partnership Deed), company bank statements, and latest company ITRs.

  • For Students: Student ID card and Bonafide certificate from the educational institution.

     

     

  • For Retirees: Pension statements or retirement proof.

     

     

2. Specific Requirements for a Romania Business Visa for Indians (Type C/A)

For Indian citizens traveling to Romania for commercial or trade purposes, a Romania Business Visa for Indians (categorized as a C/A visa) requires specific additional documents:

• Official Invitation Letter from Romanian Company/Entity:

  • This is a critical document. It must be an original letter (or a clear scan if allowed by the Embassy for initial application, with original to follow for submission) on the inviting Romanian company's official letterhead, bearing their official stamp and signed by an authorized signatory.

  • The letter must clearly state:

    • Applicant's information: Full name, passport number, and nationality.

    • Purpose of Visit: Detailed explanation of the business activities (e.g., attending specific meetings, negotiations, signing contracts, participating in trade fairs/exhibitions, training, technical assistance). It must confirm that the activities are non-remunerated in Romania.

    • Duration of Stay: Exact intended dates of arrival and departure.

    • Inviting Entity's Information: Full name, address, contact details, and their registration number (e.g., Unique Registration Code, EUID).

    • Financial Responsibility: A clear statement indicating who will bear the financial expenses for the applicant's stay in Romania (e.g., accommodation, daily expenses, and repatriation costs if needed).

    • Proof of Business Relationship: Documents demonstrating the existing or prospective business link between the Indian and Romanian companies (e.g., previous contracts, correspondence, proforma invoices, agreements).

       

       

  • Important: In some cases, the invitation letter from the Romanian company might need to be approved by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) – Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania, especially if the inviting company is not a large or medium contributor to the state budget. Always confirm this requirement with the Embassy.

     

     

• Covering Letter from Indian Company:

  • On the official letterhead of your Indian employer/company, signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.

  • Must state: Your name, designation, passport number, the specific business purpose of your trip to Romania (matching the invitation letter), and the exact dates of travel.

  • A clear undertaking from the Indian company to bear all financial expenses (if applicable) related to your trip and confirmation of your return to India.

• Indian Company Registration Certificate: A copy of your Indian company's registration certificate (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association).

• Proof of Previous Business Dealings (if applicable): Copies of contracts, invoices, or other documents demonstrating a history of business relations between the two companies.

   

   

3. How to Apply for Visa for Romania from India: Application Process and Fees

The process for how to apply for visa for Romania from India involves both an online component and an in-person submission:

1. Online Application (E-Visa Portal):

   • Visit the official Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa portal (evisa.mae.ro).

   • Register an account and fill out the visa application form online.

      

      

   • Upload scanned copies of all required supporting documents. Ensure all scans are clear and meet size/format specifications.

   • Submit the online application. You will receive an email confirmation.

2. Appointment Booking & In-Person Submission:

   • After the online submission, you will receive an email notifying you about the status of your online application and often, an appointment date/time for submission at the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi. (In some cases, VFS Global may handle submissions, so verify the current procedure).

      

      

   • Attend the appointment in person at the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi.

   • Submit all your original documents and their clear photocopies, along with the printed and signed online application form.

   • Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fees are generally non-refundable and are paid at the time of submission.

      

      

     • Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Approximately EUR 80 (around INR 7,000-7,200, subject to exchange rates).

        

        

     • Long-Stay Visa (Type D): Approximately EUR 120 (around INR 10,500-10,800).

     • Children between 6-12 years often pay a reduced fee.

     • Fees must be paid in Indian Rupees, as per the Embassy's current exchange rate.

   • Biometric Data Collection: Your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph) will be collected at the Embassy.

      

      

3. Processing and Collection:

   • The Embassy will process your application. You might be called for an interview if deemed necessary.

   • Once processed, you will be notified to collect your passport with the affixed visa.

      

      

4. Processing Time and Important Considerations

• Processing Time:

  • For Short-Stay Visas (Type C), the typical processing time is 10 to 15 calendar days from the date of submission at the Embassy.

     

     

  • For Long-Stay Visas (Type D), processing can take up to 45-60 days or even longer, depending on the complexity of the case.

• Application Timeline: It is highly recommended to apply for your visa for Romania from India well in advance, ideally at least 2 months before your intended travel date, to account for any unforeseen delays or requests for additional documents.

• Document Apostille/Legalization: For some documents (e.g., PCC, certain educational certificates for long-stay visas), consular legalization or apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India may be required. Verify this for your specific visa type.

   

   

• Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure all information provided is accurate and consistent across all documents. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.

   

   

In conclusion, successfully applying for a visa for Romania from India involves a meticulous process, starting with the online application and culminating in an in-person submission at the Embassy in New Delhi. Indian travelers must carefully select their visa type, especially distinguishing between a short-term business visa for non-remunerated activities and a long-term work visa. By diligently preparing all required documentation, adhering to the financial solvency requirements, and allowing ample processing time, Indian citizens can smoothly navigate the visa application process and look forward to experiencing the cultural richness and economic opportunities that Romania has to offer. Always refer to the official E-Visa portal of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the website of the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi for the most up-to-date and specific guidelines.