Highlights
Bucharest city tour – to find out why the Romanian capital was once surnamed “the little Paris”.
Bucovina’s Monasteries – UNESCO World Heritage sits, Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita.
Sighisoara Medieval Citadel one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities with a UNESCO World Heritage status.
The fortified Church of Biertan – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the finest Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania
Sibiu – the European Capital of Culture in 2007, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Romania
Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle, a legendary Transylvanian fortress dating back to 1377.
Brasov City tour – explore the Medieval Saxon city with its outstanding medieval atmosphere
Peles Castle – one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe
Rasnov Citadel – the largest peasant fortification ever built in Europe
Danube Delta – Europe’s wildlife sanctuary, a unique eco system home to an incredible variety of species of birds, fish, plants and trees.
Day by day itinerary:
DAY 1 Sunday, Bucharest
Welcome to Romania! You’ll connect with our English speaking guide at the Bucharest Airport. Relax in an exquisite 5* hotel, centrally located. For an authentic Romanian culinary experience we recommend for dinner Pescarus Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Bucharest where the tasty traditional Romanian cuisine is complemented by the lively and animated atmosphere with Romanian folk music.
DAY 2 Monday, Bucharest
Explore today the capital city of Bucharest and find out why the Romanian capital was once surnamed The little Paris. Visit major highlights such as the Old Princely Court, built in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes, the Romanian ruler also known as Dracula. According to the local folklore, Vlad kept his prisoners in the dungeons of this court, dungeons which extended under the city. A more recent and long disputed attraction is the Parliament’s Palace, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, built by the dictator Nicolae Ceausecu. An architectural jewel, Stavropoleos Church is a must see as well. Built in 1724 by a Greek monk the edifice is a combination of Romanian and Byzantine architecture with beautiful frescoes and wood painted icons. An excellent restaurant option for lunch or dinner would be Carul cu Bere (Beer Cart Restaurant) dating back to 1879, an exquisite neo-gothic building which will surely rise up to your culinary expectations.
DAY 3 Tuesday, Bucharest – Suceava
Before saying good bye to the Romanian capital visit in the morning the Village Museum, located on the shores of Herastrau Lake in Herastrau Park. It is the largest outdoor museum in Europe displaying peasant settlements representing the history and design of Romania’s rural architecture. To fully enjoy Herastrau Lake and the park you’ll enjoy lunch on board while gently sailing on the quiet waters. Late in the afternoon transfer to Bucharest Airport for the flight to Suceava, the old Moldavian capital. Accommodate in a 3* hotel.
DAY 4 Wednesday, Suceava – Marginea – Sucevita – Moldovita – Gura Humorului
Good morning Moldavia! Discover today the treasures of North Romania. Start with the renowned Black Pottery Center in Marginea, an excellent place to shop for genuine souvenirs. Continue with Sucevita Monastery the largest monastery in Bucovina and the last one built. The monastery is located in a beautiful green valley and is fortified like a citadel. Green is the predominant colour. Another fine example of Moldavian architecture and painting is Moldovita Monastery. The Church of the monastery has a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The most spectacular fresco of Moldovita is considered The Fall of Constantinople. To complete your experience with the Moldavian’s monasteries you could enjoy a home cooked monastic lunch prepared by the nuns. Accommodate in a 4* hotel. The Moldavian cuisine is not something you should miss. The mouth-watering Moldavian specialities could be tasted at Casa cu Pridvor.
DAY 5 Thursday, Gura Humorului – Voronet – Gura Humorului
The most accomplished example of Moldavian painting and architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered the Sistine Chapel of the East – Voronet Monastery is on your schedule this morning. The magnificent frescoes are set against an incredible blue background, colour which has made the monastery famous worldwide. Further more “Voronet Blue” was added to the lexicon of art alongside colours like “Titian Red”. One of the first of Bucovina’s monastery will open its gates for you, Humor Monastery. It is one of the best preserved monasteries in Bucovina boasting frescos from 1535. The predominant colour is reddish brown. In the evening relax in your 4* hotel.
DAY 6 Friday, Gura Humorului – Bistrita – Sighisoara Citadel
Leave Moldavia with its peacefully monasteries behind and head for the magic realm of Transylvania. Enjoy a city tour of Bistrita Citadel, where the main character of Bram Stocker’s novel, Jonathann Harker enjoyed his last meal before meeting the dark Count. You can delight yourself with Jonathann Harker’s menu in Golden Crown restaurant. Next stop, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. Accommodate in a 3* hotel of an outstanding medieval charm, located in the heart of the medieval citadel.
For dinner we recommend Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Vlad Dracul was borne, turned today into a cosy restaurant.
DAY 7 Saturday, Sighisoara – Biertan – Sibiu
Enjoy the medieval atmosphere at its best. Stroll around the old streets of the citadel and visit its main attractions: The Clock Tower, built in 1360 and standing 60 meters tall on top of the citadel’s hill, it hosts a museum and offers a great view over the citadel, The Torture Room, The Medieval Weapon Collection containing an interesting selection of medieval weapons. Around noon you’ll reach the traditional Saxon village of Biertan set high on a hill. The village has the best known of all the Saxon fortified churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy a medieval lunch in Unglerus restaurant to convince yourself. Evening in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture. Accommodate in a 4* hotel.
DAY 8 Sunday, Sibiu – Sibiel – Sibiu
Explore and enjoy this outstanding medieval city. Among the numerous tourist attractions you shouldn’t miss Liar’s Bridge – the legend says the bridge will collapse if one utters any lie while crossing it, Brukenthal Palace, built at the end of the 18th century at the order of Baron Sammuel Brukenthal. Today, the baroque edifice reigning over the west side of the Grand Square in Sibiu, houses the works of some famous artists: Rubens, Van Dyck. Spend the afternoon in the country side in Sibiel Village, 20 km away from Sibiu. Visit here the Icon Glass Painting Museum and stop for a shot of Romanian fire water at the village’s alembic. In the evening return to your welcoming 4* accommodation in Sibiu. For dinner we recommend one of Sibiu’s oldest and finest restaurants, Crama Sibiul Vechi (Old Sibiu Cellar).
DAY 9 Monday, Sibiu – Fagaras – Brasov
Morning drive to Fagaras Citadel. The citadel was built in 1310 by the Transylvania ruler Ladislau Apo as defence measure against the Turks and it had an important role in Romania ’s history both old and new. Continue your journey with the Medieval Saxon city of Brasov, a city with an outstanding medieval atmosphere. Three quarters of the city is surrounded by mountains, and it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Accommodate in an outstanding 5* hotel and enjoy a city tour. The fresh air in the evening will surely do you good before dinner. The delicious Saxon cuisine could be experienced at Butoiul Sasului Restaurant (Saxon’s Barrel Restaurant) offering genuine Saxon dishes.
DAY 10 Tuesday, Brasov – Bran – Risnov – Brasov
Start the day with a prayer. Visit Brasov’s main point of attraction, the Black Church, the largest gothic edifice in South Eastern Europe. Transylvania’s symbol Bran Castle is next on your itinerary. The edifice owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. Documentary evidence of the castle dates back as far as 1377. Queen Mary, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence. Close to the castle there is a shrine set in the wall of a mountain which once sheltered her heart. Lunch could be served in Bran village, Wolf Restaurant is strongly recommended. The largest peasant fortification ever built in Eastern Europe is your next destination. Standing on top of a hill, the ruins of Rasnov Citadel overlook an incredible Transylvanian landscape. In the evening return to your accommodation in Brasov.
DAY 11 Wednesday, Brasov – Sinaia – Brasov
You’ll explore today the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania, Sinaia. The main point of attraction is the royal Peles Castle. The edifice was built in 1873 and is an architectural mixture of the German School and neo-renaissance style. The castle has 160 rooms, all of them opulently decorated in leather and wood from the most valuable tree species and it is one of the best preserved and the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. For lunch we recommend Palace Restaurant, the very place where the passengers of the famous train Orient Express used to dine. In the evening return to Brasov for a delicious folk show dinner in one of Brasov’s top restaurants.
Day 12 Thursday, Brasov – Tulcea – Mahmudia
It’s time to change the scenery. Leave the thick forests and the narrow winding roads of Transylvania behind and drive to Tulcea to meet the mighty Danube. The entire journey is an adventure revealing the impressive change of scenery, from impressive mountains to the endless plain. Accommodate in an exquisite 4* hotel located on the banks of Danube. The great view over the Danube, the first class restaurant as well as the relaxing pool turn the hotel into the ideal location to fully enjoy the beauty of the Danube.
Day 13 Friday, Mahmudia – Tulcea – Mahmudia
Morning visit of the city of Tulcea, the main harbor on Danube. Prepare next for a boat trip on Danube Delta. Exploring the wilderness of the Danube Delta is the experience of a lifetime. One of Europe’s best kept secrets, the Delta is a world class conservation area and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The lakes, channels and estuaries of the vast Danube Delta are a paradise for birds and a large variety of fish species as well. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch on board. In the evening return to Tulcea and transfer to Mahmudia to relax in your 4* accommodation, admire the incredible Danube sunset.
Day 14 Saturday, Mahmudia -Tulcea –Bucharest
With a lot of memories and surely some regrets say good bye to the wild green paradise and drive to the capital city of Bucharest. Relax in a 5* hotel, centrally located.
Day 15 Sunday, Bucharest
Time for last minute shopping before your transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
| Testimonials Rest assured that based upon our experience, we would recommend your company to anyone traveling to Romania. Your staffs that we have dealt with have always been courteous, helpful and professional. We felt very grateful to our guide as, the guide, made an excellent impression regarding the quality of your firm. Best wishes to everyone at Transylvania Live. Professor Merlin S, Rhode Island, USA |  | Your guide, Mariana Stavila Mariana has started working in the tourism industry 22 years ago, but apart from the great professional experience accumulated over the years, she should be described as a devoted guide, keen with details and good understanding of people and their needs. Some of the largest tour operators from UK rely constantly on her faultless, perfect services. | |
| Hello everyone! I am proud to be able to share with you an extraordinary experience, in the beautiful and rich in culture, Romania. I’ve been lucky enough to find my own self amongst people, linked by the love of travel. After having escorted tours throughout Europe, for a number of years, I’m back now to my favourite place where I had started – and that is at home. Here, every year I fell in love with the light reflected on the French Neoclassic style edifices of my hometown, Bucharest. I love Brasov, Cluj and Sibiu for the atmosphere and its people. Sighisoara looks to me as a tiny patch of the Disney Land. I know that the healthiest food is cooked by the best ladies of the village Sibiel. All this and a lot more… for a good mixture of history, landscapes and local traditions! It is my great pleasure to welcome you to my country. |
Best of Romania tour with Danube Delta- technical description
and options for other awarded Romania tours
Price and Departure
| Departure date | Price per person (2 persons to one double room) | Single room supplement | Availability |
| 15 day tour. Departure from Bucharest – Otopeni Airport, 14.00 (GMT+02:00) | |||
| on request | € 3689 | € 1319 | minimum group size is 6 persons |
Book now!
We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form, by fax and by phone.
We also accept payments by bank transfer and Western Union.
Price includes:
English speaking guide
Accommodation: 6 nights in 5* hotels, 6 nights in 4* hotels and 2 nights in 3* hotels or best available at an equal classification
Transportation: by microbus / coach – air conditioned, depending on the number of travellers, all land transfers included as well as an internal flight from Bucharest to Suceava.
To fully enjoy the itinerary luxury coaches are available. Attention: for a luxury coach a minimum of 15 tourists is required
Meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 dinners (out of which one special dinner with wine tasting and folk show) and 2 special lunches: lunch on board on Snagov Lake and on Danube Delta.
Entry fees to: Parliament Palace, Princely Church, Village Museum, Moldovita Monastery, Sucevita Monastery, Voronet Monastery, Humor Monastery, Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon and Torture Room in Sighisoara, Biertan Fortified Church, Brukental Museum, Glass Icon Museum, Fagaras Citadel, Black Church, Bran Castle, Risnov Peasant Citadel, Peles Castle.
Special activity: Boat trip on Danube Delta
Not included: airfare, airport fees, photo & video taxes and other not mentioned.
Customized Tour:
Here is an itinerary to your taste but the departure dates are not suitable or you don’t like to travel with big groups. Don’t worry! You can take it as a private journey, with the preferred departure dates and your chosen travel companions, whether it is for a family vacation or a fun relaxing holiday with a small group of friends. For any question or inquiries about the tour please contact us.
For private tours based on 1 to 2 people travelling together, a standard European car will be provided. For private tours based on 4 people travelling together, a more spacious off road vehicle will be provided.
The prices above are based on buying the itinerary as listed on tour page. We can customize the tour to meet your exact travel needs: change hotels, shorten or lengthen the tour.
For any customization implying a new base itinerary, a tailor made fee of €240 is required and will be added to the tour cost.
Also, please note that the itinerary could suffer small changes, as some activities require a minimum number of tourists. Depending on the number of tourists we will make any such changes at the time of booking.
The itinerary includes an internal flight from Bucharest to Suceava. In order to ensure yourself a plane ticket we recommend you book the tour early in advance.
Special notes & info:
- Once you realise the price of good beer and wine you will probably not want to return to your country.
- Bucharest is well known city for the night life oportunity.
- Plenty of English is spoken and you will find the people are friendly and open.
- No visa is required and you can get green card extension insurance from your insurer to cover Romania.
Media Mentions
We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live – expert in Transylvania has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts
more details here
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Options for other awarded Romania tours
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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – 3 days Short Break
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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – 3 days Short Break
3 days from € 599- Bucharest departure (tour code Bu4 .3RoHa)
It’s time for the ultimate Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place! A 3 day short break including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace.
Furthermore, visit Transylvania’s iconic image, Bran Castle and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov.
The itinerary is complimented by an excellent selection of medieval 3* hotels.
The Halloween Party includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine.
Enjoy a special programme including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampire Hunting, Romanian Folk Show and many dark surprises.
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Vampire in Transylvania – 3 days Short Break
HB from € 569- Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca departure ( code: TR 4.3RoSh)
Intended for those willing to discover the best parts of Transylvania’s legendary realms in a shorter period time, this 3 day break includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sighisoara, unique events which caught the attention of media world wide such as the live reenactment of the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead.
In addition, visit Transylvania’s most beautiful castle – Corvinesti Castle. The entertaining programme is complemented by the relaxing 4* accommodation, a medieval fantasy with beds and the mouth-watering vampire dinner! We bet our 9 lives you’ll love it. Direct flights from London to Cluj Napoca available.
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Transylvania’s Undying legend
- 5 day Private Dracula Tour from € 1299 -Bucharest departure (tour code: Ro4.3RoVa)
A private Dracula Tour in Transylvania departing from Bucharest. The tour includes historical and legendary places related with Dracula’s life and death.
Visit Vlad Dracula’s birth place in the medieval citadel of Sighisoara, the ruins of the Poienari Fortress – Dracula’s refugee place, Arefu village and Dracula’s tomb in Snagov Monastery.
Enjoy a mysterious trip in Dracula’s Realm!
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Dracula weekend in Transylvania
-3 day private tour
HB from € 559 – Bucharest departure (code: TR 4.3RoBu)
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Halloween Party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler!
a party and 2 transfers from Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca
Enjoy the best Halloween ever in Dracula’s birth place – the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara! A 2 day self guided break departing from the Romanian airport of your choice, be it Bucharest, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca.
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2 Days tour with Halloween Party at Bran Castle
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1 Day Halloween in Transylvania with Halloween Party at Dracula Castle in Bran
1 Day accommodation and Halloween Party at Bran Castle, starting from € 249 (code TRB.1RoHa)
Enjoy an unforgettable night tour of Bran Castle, meet the Wicked Fairies and get lost in their euphoric dance along with a glass of local red wine. Watch a horror movie projection and feel amazing being part of a great and dynamic Halloween After Party in the grounds of Bran Castle until 4:00 am.
Accommodate in a 3* hotel near Bran Castle. Enjoy a traditional dinner and then explore Bran Castle, Transylvania’s symbol. Experience the edifice’s unique charm and immerse yourselves in the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula.
Vintage sidecar Dracula tours from Bucharest
5 hours programme, from €264 / couple
Sightseeing of Bucharest and Dracula’s Tomb from Snagov Island. and an unforgettable evening in a Dracula Restaurant: indulge yourself with a Dracula dinner to find out why it’s worth killing for a meal!
The tours and are designed to show you the beautiful architecture and monuments of the so called “Little Paris”. The sidecar can carry two passengers, one in the sidecar and another riding pillion. We hope you’ll try the sidecar and pillion as they each offer a different perspective.
You will be chauffeured in a sightseeing tour of Bucharest with stops for pictures in the main points of attraction. This is a fabulously fun Dracula Tour from Bucharest viewed from the nostalgia of an original vintage sidecar.
Departures: from Monday to – Friday at 14.00; Saturday – Sunday at 10.30
Press about us
The prestigious Fodor’s Travel guide, placed Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – Dracula Tour in Top Ten Must-Do-Adventures that will make 2007 a year to remember.
read the article
The itinerary of the Vampire in Transylvania – Dracula tour was a major source of inspiration for a documentary that was broadcast-ed on Travel Channel.
Transylvania Live Dracula Tours -The world’s best vampire-spotting locations according to Lonely Planet.
read the article
Testimonials
We had a wonderful time and are very happy that we chose Transylvania Live. I also wanted to let you know that it was really nice to meet the people from Transylvania Live during our party in Turda.
I will be sure to recommend you to any friends who might ask about Romania. Thank you again for all of your help, and most of all your patience with all of my many questions!!! Multumesc!!!!
Damon B, New York, USA
Interested in reading some more opinions on Transylvania Live Holidays? Click our Tripadvisor page here!
Halloween tours in Transylvania on the national news
Please activate Caption button to see the news with English subtitles.
Halloween Party at Bran Castle:
Advice for British citizens traveling to Romania
According to British government most visits to Romania are trouble-free.
There were no cases of terrorism attacks in Romania but as the country is part of European Union terrorist attacks in Romania can’t be ruled out.
If you need to contact the emergency services in Romania call 112.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact
the British embassy from Bucharest
24 Jules Michelet, 010463 Bucharest, Romania
General enquiries+40 (21) 201 7200
Consular enquiries+40 (21) 201 7351
British Embasy Bucharest website
Urgent assistance
If you’re in Romania and you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +40 (21) 201 7200.
If you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Romania, call 020 7008 1500.
Get an emergency travel document
You can apply for an emergency travel document if you’re abroad and your passport has been lost or stolen, damaged or expired, and you can’t get a new or replacement passport in time to travel.
You can apply online for an emergency travel document.
If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian should apply on their behalf.
Safety and security for Transylvania travel
Crime
Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. There is a risk of petty theft in large towns, especially Bucharest. Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops and hotels, on public transport (especially to the airport), in the main railway stations and inside airport terminals.
Organised attacks by groups can occur. The most common method by distracting victims while several people, often children, attempt to snatch watches and jewellery from pockets or from around the neck and wrist.
Valuables including passports have been stolen from hotel rooms. Use the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of the information pages of your passport as ID.
There have been reports of credit or debit cards being ‘copied’ when used for payment in some bars and restaurants.
Road travel
Licences and documents
If driving in Romania, make sure you have with you all documentation, including your full, valid driving licence, proof of insurance/green card (third party or above), proof of ID (passport) and proof of ownership (V5C Certificate).
If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If there’s no deal, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to drive in some European countries as a visitor after the UK has left. Check this guidance page for full information. You should also check guidance on driving in the EU after Brexit for information on other additional documents you may need to carry.
If you’re living in Romania, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.
Driving regulations Transylvania travel
You’ll need to pay a road toll ‘Rovinieta’ to use the national roads. You can buy the vignette (sticker) at border points and at most petrol stations. The minimum cost is 3 euros for 7 days. Failure to display the sticker may lead to a heavy fine. You can find out more about prices by using the website Roviniete.ro.
Observe the speed limit at all times. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The drink drive limit is zero.
Carry the following equipment: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, red warning triangles and a fluorescent jacket.
If your vehicle is damaged before you arrive in Romania, ask a Romanian customs officer or police officer to write a report on the damage so that you have no problems when leaving. If any damage occurs inside the country, a report must be obtained at the scene of the accident.
Road safety
In 2018 there were 1,867 road deaths in Romania (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 9.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population, (witch is similar with USA) and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2018.
Road conditions are variable and secondary roads can be in a bad state of repair. Driving standards can be poor. Look out for double parked cars, people suddenly braking to avoid a pothole, horse-drawn carts, livestock and stray dogs, particularly in rural areas, running in front of the vehicle. Equip your car for extreme conditions in winter.
Local laws and customs –Transylvania travel
It is illegal to change money on the streets. You should change money only in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.
The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. The age of consent is 18. If you are convicted, you can expect a prison sentence.
Homosexuality has been legal in Romania since 1996. The country has made significant progress in LGBT rights legislation since 2000 including wide–ranging anti-discriminatory laws, equalising the age of consent and laws against homophobic hate crimes.
Bucharest’s annual Pride, usually accompanied by a LGBT film and art festival, has grown in recent years and is gaining the support of more public figures. Since 2017, a Pride event has also been held in the city of Cluj. The country remains generally socially conservative resulting in the majority of LGBT people not being openly gay and there being very few gay bars or clubs in Bucharest or the other main cities. You can find local information on LGBT issues in Romania on the website of ACCEPT. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Most airports and military bases will have signs prohibiting photography. Ask permission before photographing anything potentially sensitive (eg official buildings, police cars).
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your Transylvania travel; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Romania.
Parental consent when travelling with minors
Some British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship (irrespective of whether they hold citizenship of other countries) are prevented from leaving the country without notarised parental consent from the minor’s non-travelling parent/s. While enforcement of this may vary at borders, British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship should obtain notarised parental consent before departure from Romania.
A list of the public notaries can be found on the website of the National Union of Public Notaries from Romania.
Healthcare
You should still get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.
The EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Romanian nationals. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
The UK government has or is seeking agreements with countries on healthcare arrangements for UK nationals after the UK leaves the EU. The NHS website and this travel advice will be updated with further information on travelling to Romania as the circumstances change.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.
Money
Romania is increasingly a card economy. While a growing number of businesses do accept credit cards, it may be safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud. There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your card provider whether you will be able to use these machines.
US dollars and sterling are not always easy to exchange for local currency, especially outside Bucharest. You may have difficulties using travellers’ cheques. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes may not be accepted in banks and bureaux de change.
Before you travel abroad in Transylvania travel
• tell family and friends where you’re going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and itinerary. Store them securely online
• ensure you have access to funds to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. Take more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card)
• find out if travellers cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep a separate record of their numbers
• invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip and consider using online travel forums for more detail about your destination
• check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad. Consider leaving your phone’s IMEI number with a friend or family member, to help block or locate the phone if there’s a problem
• if you’re going to be driving abroad, make sure your licence is current and valid and be aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
• if you’re travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents, check our guidance on permissions that you might need to get and check the policy of your airline or transport provider
When you’re abroad in Transylvania travel
• think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts. Don’t take risks that you wouldn’t in the UK
• don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• find out how to minimise your risk from terrorism and what to do if there’s a terrorist attack
• find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws. There may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. These activities may be misunderstood by local authorities, especially near military installations.
• store useful numbers on your phone such as the local police and the nearest British embassy or consulate
• whether you’re living abroad or visiting, be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, just as you would in the UK; the ‘Be Alarmed’ campaign gives practical advice on how to stay safe and lists the symptoms to look out for
• if you intend to take part in any adventure sports or water sports during your trip, only use properly licensed and insured operators. Before taking part, make sure you fully understand the operating instructions and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place
• check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK
Learn more on Foreign travel Advice