Romanian travelers face new documentation hurdles for EU trips

Romanian citizens planning trips to EU countries such as Greece, Italy or Spain are being warned that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is currently not being issued. The pause, caused by the expiration of the contract with the card‑producing firm, means many applicants have not received the card even after weeks of waiting. As a legal alternative, the National Health Insurance House issues a Provisional Certificate of Replacement for the EHIC, which has the same legal effect and can be provided within three working days. Without either document, travelers risk paying the full cost of emergency medical care abroad, which can run into thousands of euros.

In addition, Romanian minors travelling abroad must carry a valid travel document (passport or identity card) and, if travelling alone or with someone other than a parent, present a notarised parental consent declaration. The birth certificate is not accepted as a travel document. For trips with a single parent, the other parent’s consent must also be notarised. These rules apply to all destinations, including Schengen states and the United Kingdom, and border police can verify criminal‑record checks electronically.