State Department: Romania - Consular Information Sheet, November 4, 1994
Romania - Consular Information Sheet
November 4, 1994
Country Description: Romania has undergone profound political and
economic changes since the 1989 revolution and is in a period of
economic transition. Most tourist facilities, while being upgraded,
have not yet reached Western European standards.
Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Transit and
tourist visas may be obtained on arrival at Romanian border points
or the international airport in Bucharest. Prior to departure,
travelers can obtain a visa and other information regarding entry
requirements from the Romanian Embassy at 1607 23rd Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 232-4747 or the Romanian
Consulate in New York City, telephone (212) 682-9120.
Medical Facilities: Medical care in Romania is limited. There is
a severe shortage of basic medical supplies. Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S.
medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.
Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific
overseas coverage useful. There have been a number of confirmed
cases of cholera, mainly in the Constanta region. Further
information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for
Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.
Crime Information: Crimes against tourists (robbery, mugging,
pickpocketing, and confidence scams perpetrated by black-market
money changers) are a growing problem in Romania. Presently thefts
are most likely to occur on trains and at railroad stations. The
loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet
"A Safe Trip Abroad" which is available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
Currency Information: Credit cards and travelers checks are of
limited utility in Romania.
Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use,
or sale of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can
expect jail sentences and fines.
Adoptions: Recent changes in the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service's definition of an orphan are having a
widespread effect on international adoptions. Before traveling to
Romania, prospective parents may wish to obtain information about
both American visa requirements and Romanian adoption law from the
U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. Romanian adoption law mandates criminal
penalties for offering money or goods to obtain the release of
children for adoption. An information packet on Romanian adoptions
is available by writing the Office of Overseas Citizens Services,
Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, or by
telephoning (202) 647-3444.
Other Information: Customs regulations prohibit the export of some
items from Romania. At the time of departure, tourists may need all
receipts for presentation to customs authorities. Persons who
participate in or photograph demonstrations risk arrest.
Registration: U.S. citizens may register in the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and
security within Romania.
Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, is
located at Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9; telephone (401) 210-40-42.
After hours a duty officer may be reached by calling (401)
210-63-84. Consular services for U.S. citizens are performed in the
Consular Section located at Strada Filipescu No. 26 (formerly Strada
Snagov), one block from the U.S. Embassy at the corner of Strada
Batistei. The telephone number of the Consulate is (401) 210-40-42;
the Consulate fax number is (401) 211- 33 -60.
No. 94-261
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 26, 1994,
to update the information on adoptions and to add information on
cholera.
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