Departure from Ukraine to Romania: border crossing, customs control, legalization of stay

Due to its geographical location, Romania remains one of the key destinations for Ukrainians seeking temporary protection or transit in 2024. Find out about the rules of crossing the border with Romania, peculiarities of customs control, conditions of stay and legalization in this European country

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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When planning a trip to Romania in 2025, it is important to consider key aspects that will make your trip comfortable and safe. Customs control rules, requirements for entering by car, convenient routes for crossing the border, and up-to-date information on finding accommodation and work — all of this matters. Let's take a look at what you are allowed to bring in, what the requirements are for drivers, how best to organize your trip, and where to find great deals on work and accommodation.

Rules for crossing the border with Romania

In 2025, the rules for entering Romania for Ukrainian citizens remain simplified, but several important nuances must be taken into account depending on the category of travelers.

Essential documents

● Foreign passport (biometric or regular + visa).

● Medical insurance (a policy with coverage of at least €30,000 is mandatory for visiting EU countries; its availability and validity may be checked when crossing the border; you can purchase insurance online on the Visit Ukraine website).

● Confirmation of the purpose of the trip and the availability of financial resources (depending on the duration and purpose of your trip).

Please note! If you are traveling by car, you will need to prepare an additional set of documents. The full list is provided below.

For men

Permission to leave Ukraine is granted to men of conscription age only under certain circumstances. Which men can travel abroad and what documents are required for this is described in detail in the previous article. At the same time, from 2025, simplified conditions for traveling abroad will apply to men aged 18-22.

As a general rule, to cross the border, you need a valid military registration document and documents confirming your right to cross the border.

For traveling with children

● Child's birth certificate.

● Child's foreign passport (for children aged 12 and older).

For more information on the rules for traveling abroad with a child, follow the link.

If you are planning to travel to Romania with your family, make sure you have valid medical insurance for each family member. On Visit Ukraine, you can take out a policy online in just a few clicks — it meets EU requirements and is accepted during border checks.

How to get from Ukraine to Romania

Traveling to Romania from Ukraine offers several convenient and popular ways to reach your destination. Trains and buses provide a comfortable and affordable option for travelers, and crossing the border is relatively quick and organized.

By train or bus (popular routes):

● Kyiv–Bucharest train: departs daily, the journey takes about 18 hours.

● Lviv–Bucharest bus: daily flights, duration — about 12 hours.

● Chernivtsi–Suceava bus: ideal for quick border crossing.

Rules for entering Romania by car

Entering Romania by car is a popular choice among Ukrainian travelers, as it allows for flexible route planning and enjoying the scenery. For a smooth border crossing and safe travel, it is important to consider a few key points and rules.

Documents required for entry by car

● Foreign passport (biometric or regular + visa).

● Green card (international car insurance) – a mandatory document for entry in your own car. You need to take out insurance at least one day before your planned trip, as the policy takes effect the next day (you cannot buy a Green Card “for today”). The most convenient way to take out insurance is online, which can be done on the Visit Ukraine website.

● Driver's license.

● Vehicle registration certificate (technical passport).

● Declaration of import of a car, if you plan to stay in Romania for more than 90 days.

● Mandatory technical inspection of the car (read how to pass it at the link).

Please note! To drive on Romanian roads, you must purchase an electronic vignette (Rovinieta). It is sold at gas stations, at checkpoints, or online.

Main checkpoints:

● Porubne–Siret – the most popular.

● Reni–Giurgiu – convenient for those traveling through southern Ukraine.

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Customs control when entering Romania

Romanian customs regulations for 2025 apply to the import of personal belongings, food, medicines, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and currency. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory to avoid fines or confiscation of goods.

What can be imported into Romania in 2025

● Personal items used for personal or family needs during travel may be imported within reasonable limits. This may include clothing, electronics, accessories, and other everyday items.

● Medicines for personal use are allowed to be imported, provided that their quantity corresponds to the length of stay. A prescription or medical confirmation may be required for the import of potent or prescription drugs.

● Alcohol and tobacco:

● Up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic beverages (strength over 22%).

● Up to 2 liters of wine or 16 liters of beer.

● Up to 50 cigarettes (2 packs), or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

Important! If you are importing a car for permanent use, additional registration fees may apply.

Prohibitions and restrictions when entering Romania

● Food products. It is prohibited to import meat, dairy products, honey, canned goods, and any products that may be a source of animal diseases. This rule is aimed at preventing the spread of animal diseases.

● Weapons and dangerous items. It is strictly forbidden to import firearms, explosives, ammunition, and any type of cold weapon without the appropriate permits.

● Other prohibited goods, such as narcotic substances, banned chemical compounds, pirated goods, and counterfeit products.

Currency control upon entry into Romania

● You can bring up to €10,000 or the equivalent in another currency into Romania without declaring it.

● Amounts above this limit must be declared at the border, and you'll need to show proof of where the money came from (like a bank statement or documents showing its origin).

Compliance with customs regulations will ensure a comfortable and smooth passage through customs control when entering Romania.

Rules for staying in Romania

● Visa-free regime: Ukrainians can stay in Romania for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa.

● Temporary protection: Romania provides temporary protection until March 4, 2027. It is issued at migration centers, and the necessary documents are a passport and a temporary protection certificate.

● Use of a car: A Ukrainian car can be used for up to 6 months without registration, provided you have a Green Card.

We talked about what CNP is and why it is needed in our previous article.

Legalization of long-term stay in Romania

For those who plan to stay in Romania for a long time, in addition to temporary protection, it is possible to obtain a residence permit in Romania. Documents are submitted through the migration service. Required documents: rental agreement, proof of income, and medical insurance. Please note that in order to obtain a residence permit, you must first (before entering the country) apply for a long-term visa. When Ukrainians need a visa to Romania and how to apply for it, read the link.

Tip: if you do not know how to legalize your status in the country in your case and need advice or assistance from a specialist, contact the immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine. Our specialists will answer all your questions and help you prepare for legalization in the EU.

Useful information

Traveling to Romania or staying in this country for a long time requires taking into account important nuances. Below are tips for finding housing, work, and other aspects that will help you settle comfortably in the country.

● Housing. You can search for housing on Booking, Airbnb, or in Ukrainian Facebook groups. Housing prices in Romania range from €300 to €800 per month, depending on the city and conditions.

● Work. You can search for jobs on eJobs.ro and LinkedIn. Employers often provide a benefits package.

● Education. Enrollment in schools and kindergartens in Romania is carried out through local education authorities.

● Medical care. Basic medical care is available with temporary protection, but you still need to have insurance to enter the country.

In 2025, Romania remains an important destination for Ukrainians, providing comfortable conditions for refugees and support. Plan your trip in advance and use proven advice!

We remind you! There are certain rules for traveling abroad with pets.

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Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

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Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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