Bucharest, January 12, 2026 – The Europe Today: The United States Department of State has updated its global travel advisories, placing Romania and several Eastern European countries among the safest destinations worldwide, according to a report by Economedia.ro.
Under the revised advisory, Romania has retained its Level 1 status—the lowest risk category—indicating that travelers are only required to observe normal precautionary measures. The US State Department noted that Romania presents “minimal additional risks” compared to many traditional tourist destinations.
Several other European countries have also been classified at Level 1, including Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Ireland, Luxembourg, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Malta.
In contrast, popular Western European destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain have been placed under Level 2, reflecting heightened caution due to persistent terrorist threats. According to the US assessment, densely populated urban areas and iconic tourist sites in Western Europe continue to be potential targets for extremist attacks.
The report highlights that Romania, the Baltic states, and Poland are viewed as safer alternatives, where standard vigilance is considered sufficient for visitors. Croatia received a specific advisory regarding potential landmine risks in isolated areas, while Romania and Bulgaria were noted to face mainly minor issues such as pickpocketing.
Beyond security considerations, Romania also received favorable recognition for affordability. Cluj-Napoca ranked fifth among the cheapest European destinations for 2026, while Bucharest secured eighth place, offering a competitive combination of cultural attractions and low travel costs. The Romanian capital competes closely with Sofia, which remains the cheapest capital city in the region.
The updated advisory is expected to further boost Romania’s profile as a safe, cost-effective, and attractive destination for international travelers.
