On March 16 and 17, 2025, Romania’s border police at the country’s external borders processed significant numbers of travelers and vehicles, reflecting the impact of geopolitical dynamics and immigration policies. On March 16 alone, border agents facilitated the entry of approximately 35,690 individuals, alongside 8,308 vehicles. The following day, another 25,169 people and 6,226 vehicles entered the country.
From February 10, 2022, to March 17, 2025, about 11,299,017 Ukrainian citizens crossed the border, indicative of the continuing flow of displaced individuals seeking refuge amid Ukraine's crisis. This influx has necessitated rigorous yet efficient border management.
Enhancements to the border process have been evident since January 1, 2025, when internal border controls with Hungary and Bulgaria were eliminated. This change allows smoother transitions for travelers moving between Romania and other Schengen countries, except Cyprus and Ireland, as they do not require stops for document checks. On March 16, border police conducted over 11,200 checks using the eDAC application, underscoring their proactive approach to ensuring safety without compromising efficiency.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Over the course of March 16, 129 illegal acts were recorded at the border, broken down to 32 offenses and 97 contraventions, leading to fines totaling 65,440 lei. More than 487,700 lei worth of goods were confiscated, preventing their sale to protect consumers. Demonstrably, the Romanian authorities are committed to maintaining legal standards and ensuring border safety, simultaneously facilitating legitimate travel.
On March 17, the situation echoed previous reports. The border police processed around 51,200 individuals and over 12,000 vehicles yet again, with 11 foreign citizens denied entry due to not meeting legal requirements and three Romanians restricted from exiting for similar issues.
Police are not solely reactive; they regularly conduct random checks within 30 kilometers of the border. This strategy aids them not only to monitor lawful travel but also to mitigate illegal activities, collaborating with different law enforcement agencies including the local police and gendarmerie. Equipped with mobile terminals linked to relevant databases, officials maintain data integrity during checks, which play a significant role in upholding border security.
The online application, Trafic on-line, remains accessible for travelers seeking real-time updates about waiting times at border crossing points, reflecting the authorities' commitment to transparency and aid for international travelers.
Despite improved legislative frameworks encouraging smoother transit, the Romanian border police's dual focus on facilitating travel and enforcing laws demonstrates the challenges and responsibilities of managing the nation’s borders amid changing global conditions. The continuous monitoring and enforcement of laws help safeguard public interests and consumer safety, proving the authorities’ dedication to upholding legislation rigorously.
By steadily managing the flow of individuals and ensuring security against illegal acts, the Romanian border police are shaping the future of border control, balancing openness with responsibility. They continue their efforts daily, asserting every traveler’s right to passage alongside the necessity for legal compliance.
