United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Romania passport holders
Romanian passport holders can visit the UK without a visa for stays up to 6 months (180 days). While the UK left the EU in 2020, Romania retains visa-free access for tourism. The UK has a substantial Romanian community, estimated at around 1 million people.
Great news! Romania passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for tourism stays up to 6 months. Travel with your valid Romanian passport (a national ID card is NOT sufficient for UK entry; a passport is mandatory). At UK border control (which operates independently from the EU/Schengen system), declare the purpose and length of your visit. You may be asked to show return tickets and proof of funds.
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
A passport is mandatory; national ID card is NOT accepted for UK entry since Brexit.
Return or Onward Ticket
Evidence of planned departure from the UK within 6 months.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Bank statement or credit card showing ability to fund your stay without working.
Accommodation Details Recommended
Hotel booking or address where you will be staying in the UK.
Current Travel Situation
Romania to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the European Union in January 2020 (Brexit), but maintained visa-free access for Romanian citizens for short stays (up to 6 months). Romanians are no longer EU residents in the UK and cannot exercise EU free movement rights. However, for tourism and short visits, no visa is needed. The UK has the second-largest Romanian diaspora in the world after Italy, estimated at around 1 million people concentrated in London, Birmingham, and other major cities. Romania is not in the Schengen Area with the UK; UK entry is separate from the 90/180-day Schengen rule.
How to Get There
The UK connects via Eurostar (London to Paris 2h15, to Brussels 2h) and ferry services to France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Ireland. Budget airlines connect British airports to virtually every European city.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Exchange RON to GBP at competitive rates using Revolut or Wise. Cards are universally accepted in the UK; it is a near-cashless society. London is expensive, especially for accommodation and restaurants. Budget carefully.
Practical Tips
London is a world-class city with free museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum). The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, and Hyde Park are iconic. Beyond London: Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District (UNESCO), Bath's Roman heritage, Oxford and Cambridge, and the Cotswolds are all spectacular. The UK has an excellent rail network (book Advance fares for the best prices).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Romanian citizens need a visa for the UK after Brexit?
No. Despite Brexit, Romanian citizens can still visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months for tourism. However, a valid passport is required; a national ID card is not accepted for UK entry.
Can I use my Romanian national ID card to enter the UK?
No. Since Brexit, the UK no longer accepts EU national identity cards. You must carry a valid Romanian passport to enter the UK.
How many Romanians live in the UK?
Approximately 1 million Romanian citizens live and work in the UK, making it one of the largest Romanian diaspora communities globally. Many came during the period of EU free movement and are now settled under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Can Romanians still work in the UK after Brexit?
Free movement ended after Brexit. To work in the UK, Romanians now need to apply for a UK work visa under the points-based immigration system. Tourism visits (up to 6 months) are still visa-free.
Does the UK count toward my Schengen 90-day allowance?
No. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area. UK visits are separate from and do not count toward the Schengen 90/180-day rule.
Are there direct flights from Romania to the UK?
Yes. Extensive direct flights connect Bucharest and other Romanian cities (Cluj, Timisoara, Iasi) to London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other UK airports. Wizz Air, Ryanair, and British Airways are the main operators.
What are the best free museums in London?
London has an extraordinary selection of world-class free museums: British Museum (Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles), National Gallery (Impressionists, old masters), Natural History Museum (dinosaurs, blue whale), Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum (design and decorative arts), and the Tate Modern (contemporary art) are all free to enter.
Do I need a visa to visit Scotland or Wales?
Scotland, Wales, and England are all part of the United Kingdom and covered by the same visa-free arrangement for Romanian citizens. No separate visa is needed for any part of the UK.