Safety and Security

Terrorist incidents are rare in Romania. Police oversight is routinely provided in the event of public demonstrations. The financial crisis and resulting austerity measures have increased the occurrences of strikes and public demonstrations in Romania, especially in Bucharest. To date, protests have remained peaceful. However, even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable; you should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media reports. Information on specific demonstrations can be found on the Embassy website’s Demonstration  page.

To stay connected: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Romania on Facebook and visiting the Embassy’s website.
•  In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad

CRIME: While most crimes in Romania are nonviolent, violent crime does occur, especially at nightclubs and bars. While reports of sexual assault are uncommon, you should be vigilant, especially at night and in situations involving alcohol. Although racial prejudice exists in Romania, especially toward those who appear to be Roma, hate crimes are rare.

Crimes against tourists, such as robbery, pick pocketing, and confidence schemes remain problematic. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets, sometimes including minors, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and buses in major cities. A number of thefts and assaults have occurred on overnight trains, including thefts from passengers in closed compartments. The U.S. Embassy recommends traveling in the highest class available and with at least one other person. Avoid leaving your personal belongings unattended; stow them securely out of sight.

Romania is largely a "cash-only" economy. Credit card and internet fraud remain among the most common crimes affecting foreigners in Romania. While an increasing number of businesses accept credit cards, you may wish to use cash for goods and services rendered due to the risk of credit card fraud. Vendors, including restaurant staff, have been known to misuse credit card information by making illegal purchases on a customer's account. There are an increasing number of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) located throughout major cities, and sophisticated identity theft rings target them. Try to use ATMs located inside banks and check for any evidence of tampering before use. Be cautious when using publicly available internet terminals, such as in internet cafes, as sensitive personal information, account passwords, etc. may be compromised.

Stay alert to sophisticated money exchange schemes targeting travelers. Some involve individuals posing as plainclothes policemen who approach you, flashing a badge, and asking for your passport and wallet. If presented with a situation like this, you should insist on the presence of uniformed police officers and request that any problem be resolved at a police station.

You should be cautious about entering into contracts with Romanian groups and/or organizations without Romanian legal assistance. The U.S. Embassy recommends that all contracts entered into by foreigners are reviewed by a Romanian attorney. The Romanian legal system is difficult for foreigners to navigate, making the assistance of a local attorney nearly essential.

Scam artists commonly target U.S. citizens using internet chat rooms or personal advertisements. They generally identify themselves as young Romanian women and develop a "relationship" with their victims over time. Requests for money may not begin for six months or longer until a fictional child becomes ill, a job is lost, or a business needs start-up cash. While numerous variations of this scam exist, the ultimate goal is to extort money. If you believe you may have fallen victim to this kind of scam, contact American Citizens Services at the U.S. Embassy. Romanian authorities may be reluctant to prosecute these crimes unless you can show that coercion was used or a significant amount of your money was stolen.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Romania is 112. English-speaking operators are available.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Please also see the Embassy’s Victim Assistance Brochure and Romanian Social Services Handout for specific information about victim assistance in Romania. Please also see the Embassy’s list of attorneys in Romania who speak English and work with U.S. citizens.