Romania has implemented new transit visa requirements for travellers from 12 third countries since March 31, following the country's accession to the Schengen Area

Now, individuals from these nations must obtain a Schengen Transit Visa to pass through Romania en route to non-Schengen destinations.

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the list of countries whose nationals are now required to obtain transit visas. The list includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, travellers transiting through multiple airports within the Schengen area are no longer eligible for an airport transit visa. Instead, they must apply for a regular Schengen visa (type C), as flights between Schengen states, even for transit purposes, are considered internal flights.

It's worth noting that nationals from these 12 countries already require transit visas to pass through international airports in other Schengen member states, as agreed upon jointly by the Member States. Additionally, individual Schengen states may have their own personalized lists of countries requiring transit visas.

Despite the new requirements, certain exemptions exist. Travelers holding Schengen short-term visas, long-stay visas, or residence permits issued by another Schengen member state do not need a transit visa for Romania. Similarly, those with valid residence documents from Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino, or the United States, as well as holders of valid residence permits for territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, are exempt.

Additionally, flight crew members who are nationals of a Contracting Party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation are permitted to transit Romania without a designated visa.

This shift in transit visa regulations aims to streamline entry procedures and ensure compliance with Schengen Area protocols, reflecting Romania's commitment to harmonizing its immigration policies with those of its European counterparts.

By fLEXI tEAM