Travel Report for Romania

Country Profile for
Romania

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: October 29, 2006 23:09 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:05 EST

Romania

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 7 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

See our Current Issues page for information on Avian Influenza.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and mugging occurs, especially in Bucharest and other urban centres. Tourists are often targeted. Organized groups of thieves operate in train stations and on public transportation. Canadians should be vigilant at all times. Credit card and ATM card fraud has increased. Users should pay careful attention when their cards are being handled by others during payment processing. Do not show signs of affluence. Theft from hotel rooms is common. Passports and other personal belongings should be kept in a hotel safe. Do not walk alone after dark. Do not travel alone in a taxi to remote areas or after dark.

There are reports of police officers stopping foreign cars and demanding payment of fines in hard currency for bogus offences. Other persons pose as plainclothes police officers and ask to verify foreign currency and passports. If stopped, decline to pay fines or to hand over money or passports. Offer instead to go to the nearest police station. For emergency assistance, call 955 for police, 961 for ambulance, or 981 for fire.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Public transportation is widely available. Exercise caution when travelling by train. Thefts and assaults have occurred on overnight trains. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside.

Drive defensively, as traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Road conditions vary. Apart from major city streets and intercity highways, most roads are in disrepair, poorly lit, narrow, and without marked lanes. Driving after dark is not recommended, due to unsafe conditions, including horse-drawn carts without lights and wandering livestock. Traffic laws are strict. Local authorities carry out frequent road checks. Canadians must carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance. For emergency roadside assistance and information call the Romanian Auto Club at (021) 222-22-22.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Romania is located in a seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Bucharest (see below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However,

Canada

and

Romania

are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons which enables a Canadian imprisoned in

Romania

to request to be transferred to

Canada

to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Romanian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

In 1996, Romanian Parliament introduced an ordinance lifting a ban on same-sex relations. However, instigating same-sex relations is still punishable by law, and homosexual activity is not widely accepted in Romanian society.

There are harsh Romanian penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a minor (the age of consent is 18). In addition, Canadians may be prosecuted at home for sexually exploiting children while abroad. Please see our publication entitled What No Child Should Endure for further information on the risks of committing this form of sexual abuse abroad.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.1. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, and driving licences may be confiscated immediately.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Canadians with dual nationality or who are eligible for Romanian citizenship may be subject to Romanian laws and other obligations. Holding dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should check their status at a Romanian embassy or consulate. For more information, see our publication Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know.

Photography of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Romania - BUCHAREST, Embassy of Canada
Address: 1-3 Tuberozelor Street, 011411 Bucharest, Sector 1, Romania
Postal Address: P.O. Box 270, Post Office No. 2, Bucharest, Romania
Tel.: 40 (21) 307-5000
Fax: 40 (21) 307-5010
E-mail: bucst@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.bucharest.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Bucharest and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Romania is 01-800-5000, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Romania. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the country.

Visas are required for travellers staying in the country for more than three months. Visas can be obtained from any Romanian embassy or consulate abroad prior to travel. Extensions of stays beyond 90 days can also be obtained from the local passport office. Business and student visas must be obtained prior to arrival.

Visitor's Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Romania and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The economy is cash-based. The currency is the New Leu (RON). U.S. dollars and traveller's cheques can be exchanged only in recognized establishments, such as exchange shops, banks, and hotels. Euros are more easily exchanged. Carry crisp bills, as well-worn or used banknotes may not be accepted. Visitors may be approached by individuals to exchange funds into local currency. This practice is illegal and may result in arrest or extortion attempts. Credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in major cities. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Romania (capital: Bucharest) is located in southeastern Europe, bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, and Hungary. The official language is Romanian. Tourist facilities are not highly developed.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is below Western standards. Carry a sufficient supply of medications, as shortages of prescription drugs are common outside major cities.

A rabies vaccination is recommended, as there are numerous stray dogs in and around Bucharest, and attacks on pedestrians and joggers are common.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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