TL;DR
Romania is now a full Schengen member (air/sea borders from 31 March 2024, land borders from 1 January 2025), so from the UK you apply for a standard Schengen visa through VFS Global (London, Manchester or Edinburgh). That visa covers the whole Schengen area. Allow 15 calendar days and book early.
| Romania Schengen visa (from the UK) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| UK visa application centre | VFS Global |
| Application cities | London, Manchester, Edinburgh |
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45) |
| Official portal | Romania visa info ↗ |
How to apply
- Complete the online Schengen application and follow the steps on the official Consulate General of Romania in London visa page.
- Create a VFS Global account and book an appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
- Prepare your documents — see the full Schengen document checklist.
- Attend your appointment to give biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and submit.
- Wait for the decision — 15 calendar days once complete, up to 45 in complex cases.
Romania is now in Schengen
This is the key change for UK applicants. Romania joined the Schengen area in two steps: air and sea border controls were lifted on 31 March 2024, and internal land border controls on 1 January 2025 (confirmed by the European Commission and the Council of the EU). As of 2026 Romania is a full Schengen member, so you no longer apply for a separate Romanian national visa — you apply for a standard Type C Schengen visa, and it lets you travel across the entire area. After your VFS appointment, your file goes to the Romanian consulate in London for the decision; arrive 10–15 minutes early, as latecomers may have to rebook.
When to apply to Romania
Apply to Romania only if it's your main destination — where you'll spend the most nights — or your first point of entry if your trip is split evenly (see which country to apply to). A Bucharest city break or a Transylvania tour makes Romania the country to apply to. If you'll spend more nights elsewhere in Schengen — including neighbouring Bulgaria or Hungary — apply there instead.
What you'll need
The standard Schengen document set: a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond your trip, the completed application, a recent photo, proof of UK residence (UK immigration status share code), confirmed travel and accommodation bookings, an itinerary, recent bank statements, €30,000+ travel insurance, and strong evidence you'll return to the UK — the leading reason these applications are refused for UK-resident non-EU nationals. Book your VFS appointment early. Payment at VFS is by card only.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator — your tailored document list
- Bundler and Compressor — assemble and size your file
Want a human to check it before your VFS appointment? See the done-for-you Schengen service. For the overview, see the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
Is Romania in the Schengen area in 2026?
Yes. Romania became a full Schengen member in two phases — air and sea borders on 31 March 2024, and land borders on 1 January 2025. As of 2026 you apply for a standard Schengen visa, and that visa lets you travel across the whole Schengen area, not just Romania.
- 02
How do I apply for a Romania Schengen visa from the UK?
Romania's UK applications are handled by VFS Global. You complete the online Schengen form, book a VFS appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and attend in person to give biometrics and submit your documents. You must legally reside in the UK to apply here.
- 03
How much is a Romania Schengen visa from the UK?
€90 for adults, €45 for children 6–12, and free for under-6s — the standard Schengen fee now that Romania is a full member. VFS Global adds its own service charge, payable by card, and you'll need travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover.
- 04
How long does a Romania visa take and when should I apply?
Standard processing is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the consulate, up to 45 in complex cases. You can apply up to 6 months before travel. Arrive 10–15 minutes before your VFS appointment, as latecomers may have to rebook.
- 05
Should I apply to Romania if I'm visiting several countries?
Apply to Romania only if it's your main destination (most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split evenly. For a Bucharest or Transylvania trip Romania is the country to apply to; otherwise apply where you'll spend the most time.
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