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Home , Ferentari, Romania, Romanian Police, Sector 1 (Bucharest)

Security Brief for prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:43:51 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for Romania: 2 - Low

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 2 2 Civil Unrest 3

Low Terrorism 2 Kidnapping 1 Geopolitical 3

Security Overview : Overview of Romania Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism.

Security Alerts & Advisories Informational Alerts

Civil Unrest: Protests denouncing COVID-19-related restrictions likely to continue in cities across through July. Localized disruptions likely. Event: COVID-19 Protests Location(s): Urban centers (map) Time Frame: Through at least July Impact: Possible increased security, localized disruptions

Summary Sporadic protests will likely continue in cities across Europe through at least the end of July as residents denounce restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19, as well as their economic consequences, particularly for the hospitality industry. Activists could demonstrate outside government offices or at prominent locations in city centers; vehicular go-slow protests are possible. Public transport workers may hold strikes or other forms of labor actions.

The COVID-19 measures currently in place in most European cities restrict public gatherings to some extent. Local will likely monitor protests and may attempt to disperse larger gatherings. Low-level skirmishes and, in some cases, wider confrontations, are possible. Localized traffic and transport disruptions are likely.

In addition, though a large proportion of demonstrations involve hospitality workers, the adoption of the COVID- 19 issue as a rallying point by both far-left and far-right-wing groups means that some protests could also prompt counterdemonstrations, posing a potential for clashes between rival activists.

Advice Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Monitor local media for updates on such gatherings, as organizers may not announce details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues.

Alert begins: 03/31/2021

Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts

Entry/: introduces EU Digital COVID Certificate in numerous EU countries as of July 2; travel restrictions remain. Incident: Travel restrictions Location(s): EU member states (except Ireland) and , , , and (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Transport and business disruptions

Summary Authorities in 21 EU member states have implemented the European Council's "EU Digital COVID Certificate" as of July 2. The certificate is a digital or physical QR code that acts as proof of whether a traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from COVID-19, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. Member states should in principle allow individuals possessing the certificate to enter the country without restriction. The certificate is currently being issued by , , , , , the Czech , , , , , , , Iceland, , , Liechtenstein, , , the , Norway, , , Romania, , , and . All remaining EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, are set to recognize and begin issuing the certificate by Aug. 12.

The European Council (EC) previously added several countries, including the US, to the list of countries with which it recommends member states relax entry restrictions due to positive data regarding the COVID-19 situation in those countries. As of July 2, the following countries are on the list: , Australia, , Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North , , , Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the US, and China (provided it implements a reciprocal travel arrangement). The EC advises EU member states to restrict nonessential travel from all other countries outside the bloc as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID- 19.

Countries participating in the measure include all EU member states; non-Schengen EU members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania; and non-EU Schengen-associated states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EC's recommendation is advisory only; individual member states retain the authority to unilaterally deny travel from countries on the approved list or to permit travel with countries not on the approved list.

Additionally, the EC previously issued advice for member states to implement additional COVID-19 measures, including mandatory testing before departure, stricter measures to virus variants of concern, and a common European passenger locator form. Persons exempted from the recommendations include family members of EU nationals, diplomats, foreigners with legal residency permits, cross-border and healthcare workers, and truck drivers transporting freight. Following the end of the Brexit transition period, citizens of the UK are no longer being treated as EU citizens and are therefore subject to measures restricting travel to the EU from outside the bloc as per EC recommendations.

The EC also issued advice recommending that member states begin lifting restrictions for vaccinated travelers from countries outside the bloc; most member states have not currently implemented this measure.

Advice Prospective travelers from countries on the approved list should check for possible additional restrictions imposed by the destination country prior to booking travel. Persons from countries not on the approved list should postpone travel to the countries participating in the closure. Follow all official immigration and health screening instructions.

Resources

Schengen Area countries

Alert begins: 07/02/2021

Entry/Exit: Romania extends COVID-19-related state of alert until Aug. 10; international entry and domestic business restrictions remain in place. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Significant travel and business disruptions

Summary Authorities in Romania have extended the state of alert and constituent restrictions introduced to combat the spread of COVID-19 until at least Aug. 10. Private gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted. Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing and capacity restrictions. Facemasks remain mandatory. Facemasks remain mandatory in crowded areas such as fairs, markets, or public transport stations and all indoor public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions Authorities designate countries as Green, Yellow, or Red depending on local infection rates and the presence of virus variants. Travelers from Green countries may enter Romania without restriction. Travelers from Yellow and Red countries must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, though they can end self-isolation after 10 days following a negative COVID-19 test taken on day eight of isolation. Travelers from Yellow countries are exempt from the self- isolation requirement if they can present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours before entering Romania. Additionally, travelers who have completed a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 at least 10 days before arrival in Romania, or who have recovered from COVID-19 14-180 days before arriving in the country are exempt from the requirement. Additional quarantine exemptions are in place for cross-border workers, transport workers, individuals in transit, and certain categories of essential work.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources Romanian Government Official News

List of Green, Yellow, and Red countries

World Health Organization (WHO)

Alert begins: 07/12/2021 Warning Alerts

Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several Western European countries and territories through 30. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 epidemic Affected Area(s): Western Europe (map) Period: May-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 30. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 30-June 30. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

High risk of transmission:

UK Portugal Cyprus Spain Latvia Denmark Netherlands Belgium Ireland Slovenia Greece Lithuania France Luxembourg Switzerland Estonia Norway Faroe

Moderate risk of transmission

Montenegro Croatia Liechtenstein Italy Austria Germany Finland Bulgaria

Low risk of transmission

Serbia Slovakia Iceland Poland Guernsey Greenland Romania Albania

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. -to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress US CDC Global COVID-19 Travel Notice WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Alert begins: 06/30/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Romania Romania is a member of both the EU and NATO and does not face any immediate conflict threats; however, US ballistic missile defense systems based in Romania have become a source of diplomatic tension with in recent years. Russia's expansion into Ukrainian and its subsequent attempts to exert increased influence in the may act as potential flash points for future conflict between Moscow and NATO member states in the .

Civil Unrest: Civil unrest generally poses a moderate threat in Romania

Public demonstrations and rallies occur periodically in Romania. Issues relating to the environment, austerity measures, poor governance, and corruption have become common flashpoints for protests, as have unpopular government policies in recent years. These demonstrations are typically held outside government offices in major administrative centers like , in public parks, and along main thoroughfares. Most protests remain peaceful and are well policed; however, low-level clashes can break out between demonstrators and police.

Trade unions may call for industrial action in response to labor-related grievances. While most are announced in advance, some workers have observed spontaneous work stoppages in response to political or commercial developments. Demonstrations may also be held alongside such strike action.

In 2017, a major anti-government protest movement emerged with dozens of protests held nationwide. These continued in 2018 as opposition parties and civil society groups opposed government-led judicial and fiscal reform plans. The movement mostly diminished by 2019, although some demonstrations still take place occasionally in major urban centers such as Bucharest.

Related Advice: Tips for reducing your vulnerability in the event of civil unrest.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Romania Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Emergency Services:

Police Emergency 112 Fire Emergency 112 Ambulance Emergency 112 Country Code +40 City Code for Bucharest +21 Contact information for select embassies in Romania:

Note: This information is subject to change.

Australia - Consulate General Canada - Embassy

Blvd Unirii Nr 74 Str. N.Iorga nr.36 Et 5, 011801 Bucuresti 011411 Bucharest Phone: +40-1-320-9802 Phone: +40-51-265-3418 Fax: +40-1-320-9823 Fax: +40-51-265-3795 dfat.gov.au/australian-consulate-romania canadainternational.gc.ca/romania China - Embassy France - Embassy

Nordului St. 2 Strada Biserica Amzei 13-15 Sector 1 Sector 1 Bucharest 014101 Bucharest 010392 Phone: +40-21-232-8858 Romania Fax: +40-21-233-0684 Phone: +40-21-303-1000 chinaembassy.org.ro Fax: +40-21-303-1090 ro.ambafrance.org Germany - Embassy Japan - Embassy

Strada Av. Str.Polona nr.4 Cpt. Gheorghe Demetriade 6-8 Sector 1 Bucharest 011848 Bucuresti Phone: +40-21-202-9830 Phone: +40-21-210-07-90 Fax: +40-21-230-5846 Fax: +40-21-210-02-72 rumaenien.diplo.de ro.emb-japan.go.jp - Embassy United States - Embassy

320 Russian Boulevard Str. nr. 7-9 Bucharest 015118 Bucharest Phone: +40-21-201-7200 Phone: +40-21-316-4052 Fax: +40-21-201-72-99 Fax: +40-21-316-0395 gov.uk/british-embassy-bucharest ro.usembassy.gov

Crime: Crime generally poses a low threat in Romania

Opportunistic and non-violent crimes, such as pickpocketing, credit card and ATM fraud, and vehicle break-ins represent some of the most common operational risks in Romania. Petty theft is particularly common in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation and is often directed at tourists due to overt displays of wealth. The southwestern suburbs of Bucharest, including the area, are known to experience particularly high levels of crime due to the presence of street gangs. Organized groups of thieves, which may include children, are known to operate at public transport hubs such as train stations, subways, and bus stops. Burglaries and armed robberies also take place frequently and occasionally affect hotels, shops, and tourist resorts. Foreign nationals are often targeted by criminals operating price scams in bars, nightclubs, and other venues where operators and their associates may charge exorbitant sums for services. Resistance to these demands may result in threats of violence. Violent and sexual assaults have also been reported outside clubs and bars where patrons are likely to be intoxicated. These crimes have also affected lone travelers using overnight sleeper trains to travel through the country.

Organized crime is well-established in Romania. Violent incidents linked to gang clashes have occurred in Bucharest and other major urban centers, but foreign nationals are rarely affected. Organized crime groups often use established businesses including bars, shops, and adult entertainment establishments to launder money. Far-right groups have been linked to occasional violent racist attacks against foreign travelers due to their ethnicity, as well as against the local Roma community.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat is low in Romania Romania is politically stable, although weak ruling coalitions and anti-government sentiment may lead to future instability. Corruption and the presence of high-level criminal activity may pose a risk to foreign operators.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Romania is minimal

Kidnapping

For most foreign nationals, the threat of kidnapping in Romania is generally minimal; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in Romania is high net-worth individual kidnap-for-ransom. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Summary of security

Security Services

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Romania are generally adequate (risk is moderate). Although Romania has a number of different security forces, the (politia) are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff.

Security forces in Romania are generally reliable. Responsiveness is adequate and overall security capabilities are moderate. Police officers are mostly unable to speak foreign languages.

Interaction with Travelers

In Romania, travelers in need of assistance should contact their diplomatic mission in addition to local security forces.

Law Enforcement Reliability

The threat that security forces pose is generally minimal.

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a low threat in Romania

There are currently no terrorist organizations known to be operating in Romania; however, transnational terrorist groups may use the country for financing and transit. The potential threat of terrorism cannot be discounted given the presence of individuals and organizations with ties to terrorist groups in the region, as well as the country's strong with the US and other Western countries. There are fears that members of Islamist extremist cells may utilize Romania as a gateway into the EU to target Western European countries.

In 2016, the Romanian government passed a bill expanding existing anti-terrorist legislation in a bid to respond to the potential threat generated by radical Islamist groups operating in the wider European region. Overview of Romania Romania is a democratic country at the crossroads of central and southeastern Europe, bordering , , Hungary, Serbia, and the Black Sea. A former member of the Soviet-influenced , Romania has seen rapid economic growth since its into the European Union in 2007. It is often considered a , with key industries like the energy sector and automobile driving recent expansion. The country is politically stable, although mass demonstrations and a fractured political system occasionally undermine internal security. Crime is the biggest threat to foreign travelers in Romania, with pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and mugging relatively common occurrences, especially in Bucharest and other urban centers. Demonstrations and strike actions can cause localized disruptions. Severe weather can pose hazards to life and property as well as halt travel and result in power cuts. Self-driving in Romania can be difficult due to dangerous driving by some local motorists and poor road conditions. Weather, Currency Exchange

ROMANIA WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Bucharest / Imh: CURRENCY 1 1 Romanian 1 US Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES = New Leu = Dollar = Euro 1.0000 0.2030 0.8423 High: 94° High: 92° High: 92° High: 93° High: 94° Romanian New 4.9261 1.0000 4.1493 F (34° C) F (33° C) F (33° C) F (33° C) F (34° C) Leu Low: 70° Low: 72° Low: 69° Low: 67° Low: 69° US Dollar 1.1872 0.2410 1.0000 F (21° C) F (22° C) F (20° C) F (19° C) F (20° C) Bucharest : Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16

High: 94° High: 92° High: 92° High: 93° High: 94° F (34° C) F (33° C) F (33° C) F (33° C) F (34° C) Low: 70° Low: 72° Low: 69° Low: 67° Low: 69° F (21° C) F (22° C) F (20° C) F (19° C) F (20° C)

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