Romania
About Romania
| Currency | Romanian leu (RON) |
| Language | Romanian |
| Capital | Bucharest |
Romania is a country in southeastern Europe, bordering Bulgaria, Ukraine, Serbia, Hungary, Moldova, as well as the Black Sea. The population is about 21.7 million people. Romania’s government is a republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.
In 1862 the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia were united as Romania and became independent in 1878. During World War I, Romania joined the Allies and gained Transylvania. After World War II, Romania was taken over by the Soviet Union, leading to the country coming under communist rule. In 1965, Nicolae Ceausescu took power and led a repressive and brutal regime. He was ousted and executed in 1989, and finally in 1996, the communists were removed from power. Romania joined the European Union in 2007.
Tourism is a fast-growing sector of the economy. Travellers will enjoy the cities, such as Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara, Bran and Dracula’s Castle, painted churches, fortified monasteries and churches, the seaside at the Black Sea, and many other attractions.
Recommended Vaccinations For Romania
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated people, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in Tulcea county and Transylvania at the base of the Carpathian Mountains and the Transylvanian Alps or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.
Recommended Medications For Romania
There are no recommendations for Romania at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Romania
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Romania.
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Romania through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
For Some Travellers
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Romania. Travellers to Romania are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in Romania. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The areas presumed to be affected are Tulcea county and Transylvania at the base of the Carpathian Mountains and the Transylvanian Alps. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Safety & Security in Romania
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low and most travellers have no trouble in Romania. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. In Romania, be especially alert in transportation areas and on trains, buses or subways. Thieves may work in organized groups (including groups of children) where someone creates a distraction and another steals your valuables.
In any country, always be alert to your personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
If someone approaches you showing a badge and asking for your wallet and passport, insist on finding a uniformed officer.
The age of consent is 18. Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences of up to 20 years. Taking photos of airports, military sites, or other secure locations is illegal. Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania but not widely accepted.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
In any country, avoid public demonstrations or protests, since these situations can escalate and turn violent unexpectedly.
Areas To Avoid
There is widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Romania.
