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Ethiopia passport → Romania

Romania visa for citizens of Ethiopia

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa · Tourist (Short Stay)

Citizens of Ethiopia need a visa for Romania and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Application site

Verified · Last checked . Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry routeEmbassy / VFS · Schengen Visa · Tourist (Short Stay)
How to applyIn-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stayUp to 90 days
EntriesSingle entry
Processing time15–45 days
Government fee€90
Passport validityAt least 6 months
BiometricsRequired
AppointmentRequired
InterviewNot required
Onward or return ticketRequired
Proof of fundsMinimum €50 per day of stay

How to apply

  1. 1

    Determine visa type

    Identify if you need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) for tourism or business.

  2. 2

    Prepare required documents

    Gather all documents listed – passport, photos, insurance, flight, accommodation, funds, employment proof.

  3. 3

    Complete the visa application form

    Download and fill the form from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

  4. 4

    Book an appointment at the embassy or VAC

    Appointments required for submission and biometrics – book via the official appointment system.

  5. 5

    Attend the appointment in person

    Submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the fee.

  6. 6

    Pay the visa fee

    Standard fee is €80, payable in local currency at the application centre or embassy.

  7. 7

    Wait for processing

    Processing typically takes 15 calendar days – can be extended to 45 days in complex cases.

  8. 8

    Collect the passport

    Return to the centre to collect your passport with the visa or by courier if offered.

  9. 9

    Check visa vignette

    Verify validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay are correct on the visa sticker.

  10. 10

    Travel to Romania

    Carry all documents – passport with visa, insurance, and proof of funds for border control.

Documents checklist

Travel

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, with 2 blank pages)

    Original and copy of data page

  • Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)

    Valid for entire Schengen area

  • Round-trip flight itinerary

    Confirmed reservation showing entry and exit dates

  • Proof of accommodation

    Hotel booking or invitation letter from host

  • Travel itinerary (day-by-day plan)

    Optional

    Optional but recommended for tourist visa

Financial

  • Proof of sufficient funds

    Bank statements last 3 months, or sponsor letter

Employment

  • Employment letter (or proof of studies)

    Include position, salary, and approved leave

Supporting

  • Visa application form (completed and signed)

    Use form available on Romanian MFA website

  • Passport-size photo (35x45mm, white background)

    Recent, must meet ICAO standards

  • Civil status documents (marriage cert, birth cert if applicable)

    Optional

    If family ties need to be proven

  • Previous Schengen visas (copies if any)

    Optional

    Helps show travel history

  • Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)

    Optional

    Notarized invitation from Romanian host

  • Visa fee payment receipt

    Pay at embassy or application centre

  • Proof of residence (if applying from non-home country)

    Optional

    Valid visa/residence permit in country of application

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: 50 EUR per day

  • Bank statement from last 3 months
  • Sponsor letter with sponsor's bank statement

If sponsored, submit sponsor's bank statements and a signed letter of support.

Good to know

  • Visa applications from Ethiopian citizens are subject to additional scrutiny due to immigration risk.
  • Biometrics (fingerprints) are mandatory for all applicants aged 12 and over and are valid for 59 months for subsequent applications.
  • Processing time may take up to 45 days if additional documents are requested.
  • Ensure passport has at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or falsified documents

Submit only genuine and complete documents in the required format.

Insufficient funds to cover stay

Provide clear proof of at least €50 per day for the entire trip.

No valid travel insurance

Purchase a policy covering medical emergencies up to €30,000 for the whole Schengen area.

Previous overstay or visa violation in Schengen area

Ensure you have never overstayed a Schengen visa and maintain good travel history.

Unclear travel itinerary or no proof of accommodation

Provide a detailed day-by-day plan and confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter.

Employment or leave not properly documented

Submit a formal letter from employer confirming your position and approved leave dates.

Passport too old or insufficient validity

Ensure passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen area, and has 6 months from application date.

FAQ

Do citizens of Ethiopia need a visa for Romania?

Citizens of Ethiopia need a visa for Romania and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa · Tourist (Short Stay).

How long can citizens of Ethiopia stay in Romania?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Romania visa cost for citizens of Ethiopia?

Government fee: €90.

How long does Romania visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Ethiopia need for Romania?

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, with 2 blank pages); Visa application form (completed and signed); Passport-size photo (35x45mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary; Proof of accommodation; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Romania?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.mae.ro/en/node/2040. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

Plan your trip to Romania

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Romania.

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