Romania welcomes Ukrainian refugees: Short guide to entry rules, asylum regulations & what to expect at the border

As a neighbor of Ukraine, Romania opened its doors to the many Ukrainian citizens trying to escape their war-torn country. To help the refugees coming to Romania, we’ve made a short guide to better understand the rules for entering the country, national regulations for asylum seekers, and what to expect after crossing the border to Romania.

Border crossing points & what documents are required to enter Romania

Several crossing points are open at the border between Romania and Ukraine: Halmeu/Dyakovo, Sighetu Marmației/Solotvino, Siret/Porubne, and Isaccea/Orlivka (ferry crossing). It is also possible to enter Romania via the Republic of Moldova. A map of the border points and real-time waiting times can be checked on the website of the Romanian Border Police - here.

In these past few days, the border points at Sighetu Marmatiei and Siret have been the most used by Ukrainian refugees.

Ukrainian citizens can enter Romania with a short stay status by presenting a biometric or simple passport at the Romanian border crossing point. Those who apply for asylum in Romania can also enter the country based on another type of identity document (national ID card, birth certificate, etc.) or on the basis of the declared identity, without an identity document, for humanitarian reasons.

Ukrainians traveling with children should also carry an identity document of the minor or a birth certificate. Unaccompanied children can also cross the Romanian border from Ukraine.

Refugees are also welcome with their pets. Romania’s National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) has granted a temporary derogation from the observance of certain rules for the entry of pets from Ukraine on the national territory.

Ukrainian citizens are exempted from quarantine regardless of whether they arrive directly from Ukraine or transit through the Republic of Moldova.

How to obtain asylum in Romania

The asylum application can be submitted by any foreign citizen directly at the border crossing point or later at other points on the territory of Romania. The authorities competent to receive an application for asylum are the General Inspectorate for Immigration, the Border Police, most of the police stations across the country, and the National Administration of Penitentiaries.

The asylum seeker has to submit all the documents at their disposal that are relevant to their personal situation, including the passport and will receive the temporary identity document for asylum seekers, issued by the General Immigration Inspectorate.