Romania

People entering Romania must use a port open to international traffic and meet applicable document, visa and border-check requirements. Non-EU vessels may be subject to the EU customs temporary-admission regime depending on the vessel, owner and use. Available information does not confirm a uniform national arrival-clearance procedure or designated ports for private yachts in Romania. Before arrival, check vessel and crew formalities with the destination port, Customs and Border Police.

Romanian law and the Border Police list maritime border-control points along the Black Sea and Danube, including Constanța, Mangalia and Midia. Routes crossing an external border must use an applicable port as directed by the Border Police. The list does not establish that every location receives private yachts. Confirm current yacht reception and opening hours before arrival.

When sailing into Romania from foreign waters, confirm external-border inspection, people-aboard lists, vessel documents and berthing permission with the intended port. Published regulations concern general vessel border inspections, not a yacht-specific guide. No uniform advance-notice period or agent requirement was confirmed in this review.

Crew and passenger entry

Romania has applied Schengen internal maritime-border arrangements since March 2024; external-border checks still apply to arrivals from third countries.

Important 2026 update | European Entry/Exit System (EES): From 10 April 2026, EES is fully operational at the external borders of the 29 countries using the system. Eligible non-EU short-stay travellers may need to register passport details, facial image/fingerprints and entry/exit times. Exemptions apply, and the vessel's flag alone does not determine the outcome. On a private-yacht arrival, confirm how processing works with the actual border-reception port. This does not mean every port in the country can provide direct clearance.

ETIAS status (3 November 2026): The EU says ETIAS is not yet operational and is not accepting applications; it is not currently a travel authorization that must be purchased. Check again when an implementation date is announced.

Official sources: EU countries using EES · EES implementation timeline · Current ETIAS status

Vessel customs

Vessel-document preparation note: have registration/nationality documents, proof of ownership or owner's authorization, insurance, previous-port clearance and an inventory ready. Ask Romanian Customs whether temporary admission, retention aboard, repairs, crew changes, sale or conversion to commercial use require additional formalities. No duty-free period or guarantee requirement applicable to all foreign vessels has been confirmed. Berthing permission is not customs release.

EU vessel customs temporary admission (Temporary Admission; separate from a person's stay): A qualifying privately used yacht registered outside the EU customs territory and used mainly by an eligible resident outside the EU may normally be used temporarily within the EU customs territory for 18 months with relief from customs duty/import VAT. If eligibility conditions are not met, the yacht is put to commercial use or it is not re-exported on time, taxes may become due. This is not an 18-month visa for people aboard.

Official source: EU Temporary Admission FAQ for private boats

As an EU member state, Romania applies EU rules for animal and plant products brought by travellers from outside the EU. Meat and dairy are generally prohibited; some fish and foods have quantity/packaging exceptions; plants, fruit and vegetables, seeds and similar items generally require a phytosanitary certificate, with limited exceptions for certain fruit. These rules concern items carried by people and are not vessel-quarantine procedures. Declare and confirm requirements for stores and animals aboard with Romanian Customs/veterinary authorities.

As an EU member state, Romania applies EU wildlife-trade controls. Protected species and products may require advance CITES/EU permits. Cross-border carriage of firearms and ammunition must comply with the EU authorization framework and Romanian national rules. Do not rely only on a permit from the country of origin; obtain written confirmation from Romanian Customs and the licensing authority before departure.

Romania is in the Schengen Area. Yachts crossing an external Schengen sea border must cooperate with border checks. The EU Schengen Borders Code allows vessel inspections at arrival/departure ports, designated areas or aboard, and requires the master to have crew and passenger lists ready. Recreational vessels travelling within Schengen generally follow different inspection rules but may still be subject to risk-based checks. Confirm reporting, customs and port procedures with the port of arrival.

No uniform arrival/departure clearance total for all private yachts in Romania was found in this review. Port, pilotage, berth, overtime and agent charges may be set separately. Confirm current tariffs and departure formalities with the port and Border Police.