When we think of Romania, we imagine the medieval Castle of Bran, home to the myth of Dracula. This fascinating country has castles, monasteries, stone churches and more to visit. The scenic countryside boasts rolling hills and looming mountains, while the cities offer adventure, dining and exploration. All this and more is now available to international travelers who can prove they have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. No quarantine necessary!
What does Romania offer to tourists?
This exciting country features stunning castles, perched on rocky hilltops, including the famous medieval Bran Castle. This medieval structure is located 16 mi (25 km) southwest of Brasov. Outside of Romania, the castle is known as Dracula’s Castle and is often referred to as the home of Bram Stoker’s fictional character, Dracula.
However, there is no evidence to show that Stoker knew of the castle when he wrote the book. In actual fact, the castle does have associations with the bloody Vlad the Impaler from Romania’s past. These days, it is a museum and national monument and it stands on the Transylvanian side of the historic border with Wallachia.
Throughout the country are many fascinating Saxon villages, boasting fortified stone churches dating back half a millennium. Due to Romania’s hilly geography and lack of good roads in the past, hundreds of these self-sufficient villages were created where all the old-school crafts are still being used today, including pottery, weaving, tanning and bread-making.
Another fascinating aspect for visitors is the many folk museums, especially the village museums and open-air skansens. Those who love mountains will appreciate the peaks of Moldavia and Transylvania. Hikers will enjoy the many trails through the meadows, villages and forests in the country. Birders are spoiled by the Danube Delta, with its unique and vast protected wetland, perfect for spotting many different species.
For city lovers, Bucharest is the largest city in Romania and also its capital, with its French-inspired architecture. Brasov developed into an important trade center in the 12th and 13th centuries. The city is located in the Transylvania region and is ringed by the Carpathian Mountains. Brasov is famous for its lively cafes, medieval Saxon walls and bastions and the towering Gothic Black Church.
Visiting Romania in 2021
With immediate effect, Romania’s National Committee for Emergency Situations has announced that international visitors will no longer need to quarantine on arrival. The condition is that tourists must have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least ten days prior to arrival. They will be asked to provide proof of the vaccination in order to enter the country.
The decision has been taken as virus numbers in Romania have dropped and tourism is necessary for the socioeconomic conditions in the country. Those that haven’t yet had the vaccinations will still need to quarantine for 14 days at a location designated by local authorities.
Among other countries have also taken this step, the Seychelles recently announced that visitors who have had the COVID-19 vaccine are welcome to visit.
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