We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Romania. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.
Arrival airport and pickup in Romania
A member of Projects Abroad staff will be waiting for you at Otopeni Airport when you arrive. You will then drive from Bucharest to Brasov. This two and a half hour journey is very picturesque as you’ll be driving through the Carpathian Mountains. You’ll get a feel of the Romanian countryside while winding through tree-lined roads and passing horse-drawn carriages.
The cost of getting to Brasov from the airport in Bucharest is fully covered by your programme fees.
If you're joining our Archaeology Project (Flexi Trip or High School Special), we strongly recommend flying into Sibui Airport. You'll be collected from Sibui by a Projects Abroad staff member, and driven to Alba Lulia (around two and a half hour drive).
Alternatively, you can fly into Otopeni Airport in Bucharest as an Archaeology volunteer, but you should be aware that:
- Once you arrive in Bucharest, our driver will take you to Brasov (a three hour drive), where you'll stay overnight with a host family.
- The next day, our staff will take you to the bus stop, where you can take a bus to Alba Lulia (four hours). The bus leaves daily at 10am, and should arrive around 2pm, depending on traffic.
- When you arrive in Alba Lulia, our Archaeology coordinator will meet you and take you to your accommodation.
The cost of getting to Alba Lulia from the airport is also fully covered by your programme fees.
Booking your flights to Romania
Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.
We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are. Find out more about the flight booking process.
Visa requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Romania
One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.
Most visitors to Romania will not need to prearrange a visa, as a 90 day tourist visa can usually be secured upon arrival. However, if you are staying for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit before arrival.
Please note that Romania is not part of the Schengen visa agreement. Despite this, Schengen visa holders don’t have to get a special Romanian visa to visit the country. This is as long as their Schengen visa allows at least two entries into a Schengen area, and these entries haven’t been exhausted.
Your induction and orientation in Romania
On the morning of your first full day in Brasov or Alba Lulia, a Projects Abroad staff member will pick you up to show you around the city and give you an introduction to life in Transylvania. You will be shown how to navigate the bus network, as well as the location of:
- Banks
- Shops
- Post offices
- Projects Abroad Romania office
You will also get to hear more about the way in which we run our projects in Romania. This way, you can feel fully prepared for your volunteer adventure.
Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Romania
Your first day of work will serve as an introductory day. Depending on where you are staying and working, you’ll either walk or take the bus. A Projects Abroad staff member will show you what you need to do and how to get to your placement. If you’re working on a Standard Project, all of your work-related transportation costs will be covered by Projects Abroad.
Our staff will take you to your placement and introduce you to your supervisor. You’ll then be shown around and get an introduction to how things are run. You’ll also meet your colleagues on your first day. You’ll only start your project work on your second working day.
Support, safety, and backup
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
Our accreditations
