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Romania has been a full member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025. A short-stay Romanian visa from Nigeria is therefore a Schengen visa: it lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180 days, and it is valid across the Schengen area. Romania’s refusal rate across all nationalities was 9.4% in 2024, among the lowest of any destination, although Nigerian applicants as a group are refused far more often. This guide covers the visa types, documents, steps and common problems.
Short-stay or long-stay visa?
| Type | Length | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (Schengen type C) | Up to 90 days in 180 | Tourism, business, visiting family or friends |
| Long-stay (type D) | More than 90 days | Work, study, family reunification |
Documents for a short-stay visa
- A passport valid for at least three months after you plan to leave, with blank pages
- The completed visa application form
- Recent passport photographs that meet the Schengen specification
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000
- Proof of funds, such as recent bank statements
- Proof of why you are travelling: an invitation letter, hotel booking or business letter
- Proof of ties to Nigeria, such as an employer letter, business registration or family documents
The embassy can ask for more depending on your purpose. If you are visiting someone, add the host’s invitation, a copy of their residence document and proof of address. If you are travelling for business, add a letter from the Romanian company and your employer’s letter.
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How to apply
- Check the Romanian eVisa portal and the website of the Romanian embassy in Abuja for the current steps, because processes and appointment rules change.
- Fill in the application online and attach the documents requested.
- Book an appointment to submit your documents and give biometrics, if asked.
- Pay the visa fee as instructed on the official page. The Schengen short-stay fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12. Do not pay anyone who is not named on the official page.
- Wait for a decision. Schengen decisions are typically made within 15 calendar days, but allow longer.
Tips for a stronger application
- Apply early and not later than your embassy allows.
- Make sure names, dates and amounts match across every document.
- Explain large deposits on your bank statements.
- Keep a complete copy of what you submit.
Common mistakes
- Applying to Romania when you will actually spend more nights in another country
- Booking non-refundable flights before a decision
- Insurance that does not cover the whole stay
- Fake or altered bookings and bank statements, which can lead to a refusal and an entry ban
Common questions
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Romanian visa?
Yes, within the visa’s dates, if Romania is your main destination or your first entry point.
Do I need a visa to work or study in Romania?
Yes, a long-stay visa. The short-stay visa does not allow you to work or study long term.
What if the visa is refused?
The refusal form lists the reasons and says whether and how you can appeal. Many applicants fix the problems and reapply instead.
To see how Nigerian applications fare and what to fix first, read our guide to Schengen visa refusal rates for Nigerians, and our visa application checklist.
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