This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current EU and Romanian immigration guidance. You can confirm current rates and costs through our Romanian Visa Application Guide.
If you currently hold a Romania Visa, you may be able to extend your stay under certain limited circumstances. Extensions are handled by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), part of the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Visa extensions are not automatic and are only approved when valid reasons are proven according to Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002 on the Regime of Foreigners in Romania.
Who Can Apply for an Extension
Visa extensions are available for travellers who entered Romania legally and have a legitimate reason to remain beyond their authorised stay. You may apply for an extension if:
- You are unable to leave Romania due to medical reasons certified by a Romanian doctor or hospital.
- Unexpected events such as flight cancellations, strikes, or natural disasters prevent departure.
- You need to continue your stay for compelling humanitarian or personal reasons.
- You are awaiting the outcome of a residence permit or long-stay visa application filed before expiry of your current visa.
Who Cannot Apply
You cannot extend your visa if:
- Your short-stay (C-type) visa validity has already expired.
- You have previously overstayed a Schengen or Romanian visa.
- You entered Romania under a visa exemption (e.g., Schengen/EEA permit holder).
Extensions are generally unavailable for tourist or business visits unless exceptional circumstances apply.
How to Apply for a Romania Visa Extension
Applications must be filed before your visa expires. The extension process involves the following steps:
- Contact your nearest General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) office at least 5 working days before your visa expiry.
- Submit a formal request form along with all required documentation.
- Attend an in-person appointment to provide fingerprints and supporting evidence.
- Pay the applicable extension processing fee.
Documents Required
To apply for a visa extension, prepare the following:
- Your valid passport and Romania visa.
- Proof of medical or humanitarian reasons (hospital certificate, flight cancellation notice, or official correspondence).
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your extended stay.
- Updated accommodation proof (hotel booking or lease agreement).
- Health insurance valid for the new period of stay.
Fees and Processing Times
Visa extension applications are processed by the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration.
- Processing fee: Approx. €30 to €60 (payable in Romanian Leu equivalent).
- Processing time: Typically 10 to 15 working days, depending on the case.
Important Deadlines
Your extension request must be submitted before your visa expiry date. Applications made after expiry are automatically refused, and overstaying can result in fines or future visa bans under Article 11 of OUG 194/2002.
Where to Apply (IGI Offices)
Romania’s General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) manages all visa extension cases. Key offices include:
- Bucharest Headquarters: 15A Lt. Col. Marinescu Street, Sector 5, Bucharest
- Cluj-Napoca Office: 7-9 Albac Street, Cluj-Napoca
- Timișoara Office: 3 Andrei Saguna Street, Timișoara
- Constanța Office: 26A Soveja Boulevard, Constanța
Contact the nearest IGI branch before attending in person. Office hours vary by region.
Consequences of Overstaying
If you remain in Romania after your visa expires without an approved extension:
- You may be fined between 500 to 3,000 RON (€100–€600).
- You risk being refused re-entry for a future period.
- Your details may be entered into the Schengen Information System (SIS) for refusal of entry alerts.
Can You Convert a Short-Stay Visa to a Long-Stay Visa?
No, short-stay (C-type) visas cannot be converted into long-stay (D-type) visas from within Romania.
If you wish to remain long-term (for study, work, or family reasons), you must leave Romania and apply for a D-type long-stay visa at a Romanian embassy abroad.
Related Guidance
- Romania Visa Overview (2026)
- Visa Processing Times (2026)
- Visa Refusal Reasons (2026)
- Embassy Contact Details (2026)
About This Page
Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team.
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: November 2025.