Russia Visa RequirementsFor Romania passport holders
Romanian passport holders require a visa to visit Russia. Due to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine (since February 2022), Romania and most EU countries have strongly discouraged or restricted travel to Russia. Visa costs approximately USD 160. This route is included for informational purposes only.
Romania passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
Travel to Russia is currently strongly discouraged for Romanian citizens. If travel were to proceed despite advisories: apply for a Russian tourist visa at the Russian Embassy or Consulate. Due to diplomatic complications and sanctions, obtaining a visa may be extremely difficult or impossible for Romanian citizens. Processing involves completing an online application on the Russian Foreign Ministry consular portal, submitting passport, photos, an invitation letter or confirmed hotel booking, and paying the fee. Processing can take 4-20 business days.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Romanian Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. Note: obtaining a visa is currently extremely difficult for Romanian citizens due to political tensions.
Russian Visa Application
Applied through the Russian Consular portal. An invitation letter from a Russian host or hotel is typically required.
Invitation Letter or Hotel Voucher
An official invitation from a Russian travel agency or hotel confirming your stay, required for tourist visa processing.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance policy valid in Russia is required for a Russian visa application.
Current Travel Situation
Romania to Russia: What You Need to Know
Romania is an EU and NATO member and has joined EU sanctions against Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As a result, direct flights between Romania and Russia are suspended, and travel to Russia is strongly discouraged by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Romanian citizens in Russia have experienced difficulties, and consular assistance may be very limited. This information reflects the technical requirements if travel were to become appropriate in the future.
How to Get There
Russia is currently inaccessible for practical tourism from Romania. Alternative destinations for those interested in Russian culture and history include the Baltic states (Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius) with their Russian heritage architecture, or Georgia (Tbilisi) which has a large Russian-speaking expatriate community.
Money & Banking
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON), Russia uses the Russian Ruble (RUB). Major international payment systems (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Revolut) do not operate in Russia due to sanctions. If travel were possible, you would need to carry significant cash in USD or EUR and exchange locally. Russian banks and ATMs connected to Mir (Russian payment system) are the only functioning options.
Practical Tips
Travel to Russia is not recommended due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the associated security, legal, and practical risks. Romanian citizens should be aware that Russian law has been expanded to criminalize actions that Russian authorities interpret as discrediting the Russian Armed Forces or spreading false information, which could include almost any discussion of the war. Consular assistance from Romania would be severely limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Romanian citizens travel to Russia?
Technically a visa is required, but travel to Russia is strongly discouraged by the Romanian government due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and associated security, legal, and practical risks. Check current travel advisories before making any plans.
Are there flights between Romania and Russia?
Direct flights between Romania and Russia have been suspended since 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions. Travel would require multiple indirect connections through countries that still maintain air links with Russia.
How much does a Russian visa cost?
Approximately USD 160, but obtaining a visa for Romanian citizens is currently extremely difficult or practically impossible due to diplomatic tensions and sanctions. Standard visa processing has been severely disrupted.
Can I use my bank card in Russia?
No. Visa, Mastercard, and other Western payment systems have stopped operating in Russia due to international sanctions. Only cash or Russian domestic payment systems work. This is a major practical obstacle for travelers.
What is the Romanian government's travel advisory for Russia?
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to Russia due to the war in Ukraine and the associated risks to personal safety, freedom, and consular assistance. This is one of the highest-level travel warnings issued.
Are there alternatives for experiencing Russian culture without going to Russia?
Yes. The Baltic capitals (Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius) have significant Russian architectural heritage. Georgia (Tbilisi) has a large Russian-speaking expat community. Orthodox church art and culture can be experienced in several European cities without the current risks of traveling to Russia.
What risks do Romanian citizens face if they travel to Russia?
Risks include arbitrary detention, the possibility of being conscripted or used as a bargaining chip, inability to access consular assistance (Romania severed normal diplomatic relations), loss of banking and payment access, and inability to return via direct flights.