Romania Country Report
Romania is a democratic country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, bordering Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and the Black Sea. Romania, an Eastern Bloc country influenced by the former Soviet Union, has experienced rapid economic growth since joining the European Union in 2007. It is often considered a developing country, with major industries such as the energy and automotive sectors driving recent growth. Although the country is politically stable, internal security can be threatened by widespread demonstrations and the collapse of the political system.
In early 2022, Romania experienced weeks of tension as large numbers of Ukrainian refugees fled the war. As a result, security authorities have increased the borders to deal with the influx of refugees. Crime is the biggest threat to foreign tourists in Romania, and pickpocketing, pickpocketing, and robbery are particularly common in Bucharest and other urban centers. Demonstrations and strikes can cause local disturbances. Severe weather not only endangers life and property but can also cause trip cancellations and power outages. Self-driving in Romania can be difficult due to dangerous driving by some local drivers and poor road conditions.
Last updated: March 2, 2023
Security
Romania does not face significant conflict risks and terrorism is not a major concern. However, the level of petty and organized crime is significant, with criminals targeting foreigners who are perceived to be wealthy. Violent crimes involving travelers are rare, but racially motivated violence remains a concern. Despite its prevalence, organized criminal activity does not typically have a significant impact on foreign travelers.
Due to its border with countries outside the Schengen area, Romania is affected by the increase in cross-border trafficking, including human trafficking. These activities are often controlled by organized crime groups.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Romania hosts a large number of refugees fleeing war zones. Men of military age sometimes flee to Romania to avoid conscription, which is currently enforced in Ukraine under martial law.
Last updated: March 2, 2023
Infrastructure
Air travel is safe and compliant with international safety standards.
Although erratic driving by some local drivers and poor road conditions can make land travel dangerous in Romania, the main roads and highways are safer and better maintained.
The port of Constanta is considered efficient.
7% of all Romanian households do not have access to electricity, and 80% of Romanians living in rural areas rely entirely on wood for heating.
Cyber ​​attacks are on the rise in Romania.
Last updated: March 2, 2023
Environment
Romania occasionally floods due to torrential rains, especially in the spring and summer seasons, while heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures can affect the country in the winter months. Romania is located in a seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes, but most of them are moderate in size and do not cause significant damage or casualties.
Last updated: March 3, 2022
Health and Medical
Healthcare in Romania generally does not meet international standards, and the availability of medical equipment and specialized drugs may be limited outside the major cities. However, Bucharest has enough private facilities available. In case of serious injury or complex medical conditions, evacuation to the country of residence of the traveler or to a third country with adequate medical facilities is necessary.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
Romania is a constitutional republic with a democratic and multi-party parliamentary system. In the 2019 presidential election, Klaus Iohannis of the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL) was re-elected. The PNL has formed a coalition government with its long-time rivals, the center-left Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Hungarian Democratic Union in Romania (UDMR), which has stabilized the short-term political outlook. This political stability follows the Romanian political crisis in 2021, which strongly polarized Romanian politics.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will also have a great impact on Romania. The country is said to be the second most popular destination for refugees from Ukraine but is not ready to deal with a large-scale refugee crisis. Romania will also be affected by trade sanctions and the risk of energy disruptions, which could lead to civil war shortly.
Last updated: March 2, 2023
