Romania — visa, budget & guide for South Africans

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Do South Africans need a visa for Romania?

Yes — and this is recent: Romania fully joined the Schengen area in 2025, so South Africans now need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa, valid across all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180. As elsewhere in Schengen, ETIAS does not apply to you (it’s for visa-exempt nationalities) — the full Schengen visa is required, with mandatory travel insurance (all Schengen countries, min €30,000) — compare cover here. Apply through Romania’s visa centre with bookings, bank statements and an itinerary, a few weeks ahead; the EES biometric border checks now apply. Full step-by-step in our Schengen visa walkthrough for South Africans.

What it costs (in rand)

Romania is one of the EU’s best-value countries — budget around R650–1,100 a day. Hearty food (sarmale, mămăligă, mici), good wine and family-run guesthouses (“pensiune”) cost little, and intercity transport is cheap. Central Bucharest and tourist-favourite Brașov are the priciest pockets; the countryside and smaller Transylvanian towns are gentler. It’s noticeably cheaper than Western Europe.

When to go

Late spring (May–June) and September are ideal — mild, green and good for both the cities and the Carpathian mountains. Summer is warm and busiest (and best for the Black Sea coast and hiking). Winter is cold but atmospheric — skiing in the Carpathians and snow-dusted castles. Spring and early autumn are the sweet spots for touring Transylvania.

Getting around

Trains (CFR) and intercity buses/minibuses (maxitaxi) link the main centres affordably, though they can be slow. A hire car is the best way to explore Transylvania’s villages, castles and mountain roads (the spectacular Transfăgărășan highway is summer-only). Bucharest has a cheap metro. Distances are moderate; allow time on rural roads.

What to actually do

Transylvania is the draw — medieval Brașov, Sibiu and Sighișoara, the hilltop Bran (“Dracula’s”) Castle, and the fairytale Peleș Castle at Sinaia. Hike or wildlife-watch in the Carpathians (Europe’s largest brown-bear population), see the painted monasteries of Bucovina, and explore the Danube Delta, a birdwatching wonderland. Bucharest adds grand boulevards and the colossal Palace of the Parliament. Pre-book popular castle and Carpathian tours in summer.

Honest take

Romania is one of Europe’s most underrated, best-value trips — castles, big wild mountains and genuine character — with the (new, since 2025) Schengen visa the only barrier for South Africans. Read the Schengen guide, hire a car for Transylvania, and land with a data eSIM.

Common questions

Do South Africans need a visa for Romania?

Yes — Romania fully joined the Schengen area in 2025, so South Africans need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa, valid across all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180. ETIAS does not apply to South Africans.

How do South Africans apply for a Romania Schengen visa?

Through Romania's appointed visa centre in South Africa, with bookings, bank statements, an itinerary and mandatory travel insurance (min €30,000). Apply a few weeks ahead — see our Schengen visa guide.

Is Romania cheap for South Africans?

It's one of the better-value EU countries — around R650–1,100 a day, with affordable food, transport and guesthouses, especially outside central Bucharest and Brașov.

When is the best time to visit Romania?

Late spring (May–June) and September are ideal for Transylvania and the Carpathians. Summer is warm and busiest; winter brings skiing and snowy castles.