Between the Carpathians with their misty peaks and the lively avenues of Bucharest, Romania unfolds enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures that stir the imagination. From the castles of Sinaia to the dizzying road of the Transfăgărășan, from the deep forests where bears watch over to the bohemian cafés of Cluj and Iași, every turn tells a story. Amidst vibrant traditions, colorful markets, and gypsy melodies, one unexpectedly transitions from rural charm to grand urban scenes. Ready to follow the hiking trails and taste the well-kept secrets of this generous-hearted central European country?
Heading to Romania! Between wild Carpathians, pastel villages, painted monasteries, and the bustling Bucharest, this country reveals bewitching landscapes and a diverse heritage. This guide takes you on a journey across the country, with ideas for itineraries (including biking along the Danube), cultural and nature tips, as well as all the practical information for smart traveling in 2025 (formalities, health, safety, roads, train, plane). Read this before packing your bags—especially if your identity card has expired.
Discovering Romania: between enchanting landscapes and cultural riches
Exceptional panoramas between Carpathians, Danube, and Black Sea
Imagine an amphitheater of mountains where deep forests and flowering meadows are ensconced: the Carpathians form the backbone of the country, with resorts like Sinaia or Predeal and mythical roads such as the Transfăgărășan. Further south, the Danube winds its way to the delta, a sanctuary of biodiversity, before opening up to the azure of the Black Sea. Romania is a microcosm of Central and Balkan Europe, where each bend brings a new shade of green and ochre.
The Saxon villages of Transylvania (Sibiu, Brașov, Sighișoara) charm with their cobbled squares and ramparts. The painted monasteries of Bucovina, on the other hand, are like medieval comic strips, frescoes in the open air. All of this under a sky that, in summer, smells of linden blossoms—and in autumn, ignites with copper tones.
Vibrant cities, living traditions
Bucharest delights with its bohemian cafés, eclectic palaces, and nightlife culture. Cluj pulses with student energy, Iași buzzes with culture, and Timișoara showcases an artsy vibe. Regarding traditions, expect generous tables (sarmale, ciorbă, papanși), swirling dances, and markets where honeys compete in amber colors. Richness is also in the ear: exhilarating brass bands, Byzantine liturgies, and jazz under the arcades.
Large-scale nature, thrills included
The mountains are a grand playground, but they demand caution. The trails can be steep, narrow, slippery, and the weather can change mood within fifteen minutes. Before any hike, check the trail status with the mountain rescue team Salvamont and avoid hiking alone. Also, keep your distance from wildlife: Romania is home to one of the most significant populations of bears in Europe. No approaching, no feeding, no shouting—calmly step aside and let the beast pass.
Practical advice for traveling in Romania in 2025
Last updated: October 2, 2025 — Information valid as of this date.
What to know about safety and weather
Romania is located in a zone of seismic activity: minor tremors can be surprising, and stronger earthquakes can damage structures. Keep safety reflexes in mind (protect your head, move away from façades, avoid weakened bridges). Crime remains generally moderate, but some nighttime assaults have been reported in Bucharest, Cluj, and Iași—stay vigilant, especially late at night.
Important weather information at the time of publication (10/02/2025): an intense rainy episode affects the south/southwest. Red alert in Dolj and Olt counties, orange alert across nearly all of the south, including Bucharest. Strong winds and risks of sudden floods: avoid all non-essential travel, keep away from waterways, and follow local authorities’ instructions. Additionally, French citizens abroad are advised to exercise heightened vigilance in the context of the Vigipirate security plan raised to “Terrorist attack emergency” level.
Useful urban reflexes
Avoid changing money in the street, opt for official exchange offices. At night, steer clear of sensitive areas, particularly around the North Train Station in Bucharest. Pickpockets are keen on public transport, restaurants, and tourist sites: keep your bag in front of you, prefer anti-theft pouches, carry photocopies of your documents, and leave the originals in a safe place. Never buy medication from street vendors.
Hiking, bears, and common sense
Before trekking in the Carpathians, consult with the Salvamont teams, inform someone of your itinerary, and do not go alone. If you encounter bear cubs, remain calm: the mother is never far. Avoid any sudden movements, do not approach, and provide an escape route for the animal. If a car or house is nearby, enter cautiously.
Entry, stay, and transportation
Travel documents: passport, ID card, and common sense
French citizens, you can enter Romania with a valid passport or a valid national identity card. However, be aware: some ID cards issued between 2004 and 2013, which are automatically extended on the French side, are not officially recognized as valid in Romania. To avoid any inconvenience, travel with a valid passport. If you’re flying and questioning the validity of an expired document, read this helpful article: traveling by plane with an expired ID card.
For any stay over 90 days, register with the Romanian immigration services (registration certificate for EU citizens, residence card for non-EU family members).
On the road: the “rovinieta”, checks, and nighttime driving
To drive on the road network, the rovinieta tax is mandatory for all vehicles. It can be purchased at borders, post offices, or gas stations (Mol, Petrom, Rompetrol), for varying durations (day, week, month, semester, year). The fee depends on the type and pollution standard of the vehicle. Keep the proof of purchase on board throughout your stay: without it, fines can climb up to around €2,000 at the exit of the country.
The road network is mixed, and the rules can be… creative. Frequent speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on roads. Regular radar checks. Speeding can lead to license retention, and driving under the influence results in immediate confiscation. Avoid driving at night on secondary roads: poorly lit vehicles, unpredictable cyclists, and carts can catch you off guard.
Train, plane, and the winter effect
The railway network operates well, although trains are not speed demons. Keep an eye on your luggage. Regarding flights, there are regular direct routes between Paris-CDG and Bucharest-Otopeni (Air France, Tarom), as well as low-cost flights (Wizz Air, Ryanair, HiSky) to the capital and several provincial towns. In winter, some domestic routes may be suspended, and weather can cause delays or cancellations.
Health, vaccines, and little invisible enemies
Insurance and European card: your best allies
Abroad, medical expenses can escalate quickly. Make sure you have insurance covering hospitalization, surgery, and repatriation. Request your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at least 15 days before departure to facilitate coverage. A visit to your doctor (and dentist) allows you to adjust vaccinations and treatments.
Vaccinations and prevention
Ensure you are up to date for DTP, MMR, and, depending on your stay, consider hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningococcal disease. In rural and forested areas, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis may be relevant. Stray dogs are present in some cities: rabies is not a myth, consult your doctor for possible pre-exposure prophylaxis. Maintain food hygiene: avoid raw meats and eggs, wash your hands often.
Ticks, mosquitoes, poultry
After any walk in the forest, check yourself for ticks to remove them promptly. West Nile fever occasionally circulates: mosquito repellents and covering clothing remain your allies. Romania is on a migratory bird path: avoid contact with live or dead poultry and do not approach sick farm animals. For STIs, remain cautious and protect yourself.
Itinerary ideas and adventures
Biking along the banks of the Danube
Want a gentle odyssey? Hop on your bicycle and explore the curves of the Danube between Bulgaria and Romania: sleepy villages, cliffs, vineyards, and sunsets over the water. Get inspired by this colorful getaway: a unique biking adventure along the Danube.
Chic training: Paris – Rouen via Vexin
Before tackling the elevations of the Carpathians, test your calves on a green escape near you. This Paris–Rouen via Vexin bike ride is a perfect warm-up: bucolic landscapes, small hills, and that taste of freedom that prepares you so well for the Romanian highways.
Budget, timing, and inspirations
To travel smart in spring, draw from these ideas for economical destinations that will help you calibrate your budget—the Romania excels in value for money. And to refine your dream map, keep an eye on areas to avoid based on the international context: destinations to avoid in 2026.
Business trips and professional ecosystem
Visa, documents, and legal framework
For business travel of less than 3 months, no visa is required for French citizens; bring a valid passport or ID card covering the entire duration of the stay. A useful reminder: possession, consumption, or trafficking of drugs is severely punished (prison sentences). Solicitation is prohibited, as is the intentional transmission of a sexually transmitted disease. Weapons without authorization? To be avoided.
Support networks and address books
In Bucharest, you will find a well-established ecosystem for French businesses: the Economic Service at the embassy (macro-economic monitoring and bilateral support), Business France (accelerating business flows), CCIFER (business network, events, support). A regional customs attaché can also guide you on goods circulation issues. In short: effective entry points for establishing and growing in the Romanian market.
Useful information and best practices
Money, documents, small troubles
Change your money at authorized points, never in the street. Bring copies of your documents and store the originals in a safe. Use closed bags carried in front of you in crowded areas. Avoid venturing out at night in sensitive neighborhoods, particularly around the North Train Station in Bucharest.
Staying long? Think regularization
Beyond 90 days on site, EU citizens’ driving licenses can be exchanged for a Romanian license without retesting, and vehicles must be registered locally within the same timeframe. On the road, strictly adhere to the rules: the police are very attentive to speeding and drunk driving.
Small gestures, big effects
Wash your hands regularly (with soap and water or hand sanitizer), prefer well-cooked food, avoid raw products (meat, fish, eggs, milk). Stay away from stray animals, their droppings, and animal carcasses. And if you go for a walk in the forest, check for ticks upon return to remove them quickly.
