What to see & do with your IDP in Romania?
Romania’s varied landscapes and historical landmarks make it ideal for travelers who love exploring by car. With an international driving permit in Romania, you can design your own road trip, reaching places that public transport often misses.
Transfăgărășan Road
This iconic route winds through the Făgăraș Mountains with sharp curves and dramatic scenery. Open mainly in summer, it’s a favorite for thrill-seeking drivers and one of Europe’s most photogenic drives.
Maramureș Region
Venture north to explore Romania’s pastoral traditions, where locals still use horse-drawn carts and craft wooden churches by hand. A personal vehicle is essential for reaching scattered villages and soaking in the area’s authenticity.
Transylvania’s Historic Castles
Start your castle tour at Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, then continue to Peleș Castle and Corvin Castle. Driving lets you enjoy this architectural circuit at your own pace and stop for scenic photos along the way.
The Danube Delta
From Bucharest, you can reach Tulcea in a few hours. Once there, boats take you deep into a labyrinth of canals teeming with birdlife. The road trip out is flat and peaceful, perfect for weekend escapes.
Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Located in northeastern Romania, these UNESCO-listed monasteries are masterpieces of religious art. They’re remote, so driving is the best way to visit multiple sites in a single day.
An international driving permit gives you the flexibility to explore beyond guidebook spots, avoid tourist crowds, and dive deeper into Romania’s cultural and natural wonders.
Time to travel around Romania
With its central location, Romania makes a great starting point for regional travel. Having an international driving permit allows you to cross borders smoothly, rent cars abroad, and enjoy diverse road experiences across southeastern Europe.
From mountain passes to seaside routes, there’s plenty to discover just a few hours from Romania.
Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for Romania
If you’re planning to drive in Romania, it’s important to know how an international driving permit (IDP) fits into local requirements. While citizens from EU countries can usually drive with just their home license, travelers from countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada are often asked to present an IDP—especially when renting vehicles or passing through rural checkpoints.
Most car rental agencies expect an IDP if your original license isn’t in the Latin alphabet or if it’s unfamiliar to Romanian staff. The IDP serves as a multilingual translation, making it easier to verify your license in areas where English isn’t widely spoken.
Police may set up road controls in the countryside, and you’ll encounter them more frequently in the mountains or near borders. Having an IDP ready helps avoid delays and miscommunication during these stops.
Romanian drivers can be assertive, and rural roads often involve unexpected challenges like livestock crossings, narrow curves, or unpaved stretches. While major highways are well-maintained, secondary roads may lack signage or lighting.
Key Road Rules to Know:
-
Drive on the right side of the road
-
Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone
-
No mobile phone use unless hands-free
-
Zero tolerance for alcohol (0.0% limit)
-
Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns, 130 km/h on highways
-
Headlights must be on at all times
-
Purchase a vignette (road tax) for national routes
For more details on traffic laws and safety updates, visit the Romanian Ministry of Transport or the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police.
Click here for the full Romania Driving Guide — packed with local driving tips
U.S. passport holders do not currently need a visa to enter Romania for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or transit purposes. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Romania. While a visa isn’t necessary, travelers should be aware that Romania is not yet part of the Schengen Area, although it does plan to join. Entry requirements may differ slightly from neighboring EU countries, so it’s recommended to confirm your travel dates and purposes are within the permitted window. For longer stays, or for work or study purposes, a separate visa may be required through Romanian authorities.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for all travelers in Romania, but it is recommended for non-EU visitors, especially those whose driver’s license is not written in Latin script or lacks a clear photo. Romanian rental car agencies often request an IDP in such cases to ensure smooth verification. Police checkpoints in rural or border regions may also ask for a translated version of your home license to assist with communication. The IDP acts as a supplemental document alongside your original license and cannot be used on its own. You can apply directly through our website if you plan to drive in Romania.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new entry requirement for non-EU nationals traveling to certain European countries, including Romania. While Romania is in the process of joining the Schengen Area, it will begin requiring ETIAS authorizations once the system is fully implemented. U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers will need to apply online for ETIAS before entering Romania for short stays. The process involves filling out a form, paying a small fee, and receiving an electronic travel authorization linked to your passport. Once launched, you’ll be able to apply quickly through our platform for ETIAS-compatible travel services.
As of this year, U.S. travelers can visit Romania without special restrictions related to COVID-19. There are no quarantine or vaccination requirements in place, and commercial flights between the U.S. and Romania are operating normally via major European hubs. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays under 90 days. It’s advised to have a valid passport and proof of onward travel or accommodation. Be sure to check with your airline for any transit requirements and carry travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Entry rules may change based on evolving regional policies, so verify your travel details close to your departure date.