Romania
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Get alerted when this changesLawLert pings you if Romania's laws change. Free.Get the free appCannabis
It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products or derivatives into Romania; you may be arrested and detained for long periods.
Personal-use possession: up to 3 years imprisonment (any drug, any quantity); trafficking far higher.
§ US State Dept — RomaniaMedications
Some medications legal at home are controlled in Romania even if prescribed; check legality, carry enough for your trip, and bring your prescription and a doctor's letter.
Controlled substances without documentation may result in arrest.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — RomaniaCustoms & Cash
Declare cash or cheques of EUR 10,000 or more between Romania and non-EU countries; no declaration is needed to/from another EU country.
Fine for non-declaration; undeclared cash may be seized.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — RomaniaImports & Customs
You cannot bring meat, milk, or products containing them into Romania (or other EU states); limited exceptions apply for powdered baby milk, baby food, and medically-required special foods.
Prohibited items will be confiscated.
§ UK FCDO — RomaniaAlcohol
Romania drink-driving BAC limit is 0.0 — any detected alcohol can bring a fine and possible imprisonment, and refusing a breathalyser after an accident is itself a criminal offence.
Fine and possible imprisonment; breathalyser refusal is a crime.
§ US State Dept — RomaniaDriving
A road-toll vignette ('Rovinieta') is required to use national roads in Romania; buy it online, at petrol stations, or at border points.
Driving without a rovinieta may bring a heavy fine.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — RomaniaYou need both a valid driver's licence and an International Driving Permit to drive in Romania; driving without an IDP could void your insurance.
Driving without an IDP may void insurance.
§ US State Dept — RomaniaPhotography & Drones
Most airports and military bases in Romania post signs banning photography; if you are not sure whether photography is allowed, ask permission first.
§ UK FCDO — RomaniaLGBTQ+ Safety
Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania but not widely accepted; most LGBTQ+ people are not open, and visitors are advised to avoid public displays of affection.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — RomaniaPublic Conduct
It is illegal to change money on the street in Romania; exchange only at banks, large hotels, or official bureaux.
Criminal offence; high scam risk.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — Romania