Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While traveling or living in Romania, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. Persons violating Romanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Romania are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. If you break local laws in Romania, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well.

You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws. Under Romanian law, engaging in sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 18 is a crime punishable with a 2-10 year prison sentence. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with someone who has a physical or psychological disability is punishable with a 2-10 year prison sentence. The attempt to contact a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct is a crime punishable by 1-12 months prison or a criminal fine. The production, distribution, transfer or possession of obscene materials depicting minors is a crime punishable with a 3-12 year prison sentence. Prostitution is illegal in Romania, regardless of the age of the participants.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. A list of English speaking attorneys can be found on the embassy’s website. The Romanian authorities will provide you with an attorney and translator if you cannot afford one.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Stray dogs are common in Romania and generally tolerated. Strays are often fed and are seen frequently in public areas, especially in or near parks. Some statistics report one dog bite hourly in Bucharest. Because the immunization status of stray dogs is unknown, precautions to prevent rabies are recommended. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more details. If you encounter dogs that appear aggressive, it is best to change your path to avoid contact.

Romania's customs authorities strictly regulate temporary importation or exportation of firearms, antiquities, and medications, into and from Romania. Romanian law allows you to bring cash into or out of Romania; however, you must declare sums larger than 10,000 Euros or the equivalent. You should contact the Embassy of Romania in Washington or one of Romania's consulates in the United States (see above) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

The unit of currency in Romania is the leu (also called the RON). ATMs, called "bancomats" in Romanian, are widely available throughout larger cities. However, ATMs that accept debit cards from the United States are less widespread. Look for international banks or ATMs that have symbols for international networks such as STAR and PLUS.

While major credit cards are accepted in many places, there is risk of fraud (see Crime). Contrary to practice in the United States, a PIN is usually required to make credit card purchases. Many U.S. banks allow cardholders to establish such a PIN prior to travel, in case one is needed. You should notify your bank of your international travel, and the potential legitimate use of your card abroad, prior to leaving the United States. Travelers' checks are of limited use but may be used to purchase local currency at some exchange houses.

Both official and societal corruption remains problematic in Romania. For more details, please see the Embassy’s website page on corruption.

Disaster Preparedness: Romania is situated in a seismically active region and has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the greatest risk occurring in Bucharest. Mountainous areas of the country can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in the spring and summer months. Winter storms are severe and icy streets and sidewalks are hazardous; you should wear shoe traction devices to prevent slipping and be alert to falling icicles. While responsibility for caring for disaster victims, including foreigners, rests with Romanian authorities, disaster preparedness is also a personal responsibility. Additional information is available from the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals enjoy full rights in Romania; however, an annual gay pride parade in Bucharest has been the scene of violent protests in past years. The LGBT community is protected by anti-discrimination laws, and there are no legal or governmental impediments to the organization of LGBT events. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Romania, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013. For further information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Romania, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from that in the United States.

Romanian laws and regulations require that public places, the outdoor environment, means of transportation, and housing are made accessible.

Although progress has been made, accessibility greatly varies in Romania, with a significant difference between urban and rural areas. Public transportation and building access are better in Bucharest and other large cities, international airports, and large hotels. Sidewalks and streets are uneven, and many small hotels and tourist sites do not have elevators or ramps. Access to public transportation is not adequately marked for people with visual impairments. Persons with disabilities will face obstacles when trying to gain access to public transportation. Where buses equipped for persons with disabilities do exist, a disabled person may find that the bus stops right in front of a parked car to which he/she cannot gain access. In addition, platforms may be narrow, steep, and slippery, especially at subway stations. There are few designated or reserved parking spaces for disabled people. Public institutions, cultural institutions and supermarkets are well lit, and most have a ramp at the entrance for use by people with mobility difficulties. Most public buildings have corridors spacious enough for a wheelchair user to pass through comfortably. Central public institutions and supermarkets are best equipped with facilities for persons with disabilities. Restaurants, subway stations, and smaller public institutions are not as accessible.

Access for people with disabilities to Romania's tourist attractions has improved in recent years; however, it is prudent to check with all service providers prior to your visit, to ensure that they meet your specific needs. Advance notice and reservations will also help ensure that you receive the best possible assistance.