Update: With the inclusion of Romania in the Schengen Area, Filipino passport holders applying for a tourist visa will need to go through the standard Schengen short-stay visa application process. This guide will walk you through the requirements and steps to increase your chances of a successful application.
Romania is a country steeped in history, with the Transylvania region being a major draw for tourists. While many know of its charming castles and picturesque hills, there's more to Romania than just this. The district of Dobrogea is also worth exploring, and with the right visa, you can experience all that Romania has to offer.
As a Filipino citizen, you'll need to apply for a Romania visa before embarking on your trip. While the process may seem daunting, it's relatively straightforward, and with the right guidance, you can increase your chances of approval.
NO ONE can guarantee the approval of your Romanian visa, regardless of who you consult. However, with this comprehensive guide, you'll have a better understanding of the requirements and process, which can help you navigate the application process with ease.
Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for a Romania visa:
Step 1: Determine the type of Romania visa you need to apply for. For this guide, we'll focus on the requirements for a visit or tourist visa, as this is the most common type of visa for tourists.
Step 2: Register online to initiate and process your Romania visa application. Go to the E-Visa Portal and click the button that says "Apply for a visa." The process is easy and self-explanatory, but make sure to follow the instructions and upload the required documents.
The basic requirements for a Romania visa include:
A duly accomplished Visa Application Form, which can be downloaded from the E-Visa Portal.
A passport photo, with 2 pieces of passport-sized photos (3cm x 4cm) on a white background.
Your valid passport, which should be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and issued within the last 10 years.
A photocopy of the passport's first page, which contains your passport data and personal information.
A hotel voucher or reservation for the entire duration of your stay in Romania, which should include the name and contact details of the hotel.
A flight reservation or itinerary, but make sure not to buy non-refundable flights unless the embassy specifically requires them.
Proof of financial resources, which should demonstrate that you have at least EUR 50 per day of your stay in Romania, or a minimum of EUR 500 for the entire period.
A travel itinerary, which should outline your planned activities and movements during your stay in Romania.
Travel insurance, which should be valid for the entire Schengen Area, cover the full duration of your stay, and provide at least €30,000 in emergency medical and repatriation coverage.
Proof of strong ties, which may include certification of employment, business registration, income tax statement, or other documents depending on your situation.
A pledge of support, which may be required if you have a sponsor/host, and should include an authenticated invitation stating how your sponsor/host will cover your repatriation expenses and provide for your means of support and accommodation.
Driving documents, which may be required if you plan to drive around Romania, and should include your driver's license and other relevant documents.
After submitting your online application, you'll need to wait for the embassy to verify your documents, which can take around 1 week. Once your documents are approved, you'll be instructed to book a scheduled appointment to submit the hard copies of your documents.
At the appointment, you'll need to submit the same documents you uploaded online, along with the Visa Application Form. Make sure to print all documents on A4 paper, and arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.
Once your application is processed, you'll receive the results, which can take around 15 calendar days. Make sure to take the payment receipt or slip, if provided, when claiming your passport.
With this comprehensive guide, you'll be better equipped to navigate the application process and increase your chances of approval. Remember to always check the embassy's latest instructions before applying, and good luck with your application!
Q: How early can I apply for my Romania visa?
A: You can usually apply up to 6 months before your intended trip, but it's recommended to apply at least 1 to 2 months before your departure, especially during peak travel seasons.
Q: Will there be an interview?
A: The interview is usually brief and consists of basic questions about your trip, such as why you're traveling to Romania, how long you'll be staying, and so on.
Q: I am traveling with other people. Can we apply under one application online?
A: Unfortunately, no, each person will need to apply individually.
Q: I'm currently out of the country, can I still apply online?
A: Yes, but only if you come back to the Philippines within 30 days. Otherwise, please process your Romania visa application in your current residence's Embassy of Romania abroad.
Q: Should I submit a cover letter along with my application?
A: This is not required, but it can help provide context about your intentions for traveling.
