Security Overview for Romania

Having long been among Central Europe's poorest countries, Romania has had a particularly difficult transition to capitalism and democracy due to the legacy of its last communist ruler, Nicolae Ceausescu. From 1965-1989, Ceausescu built a brutal police state that left little room for civil society while relying on an increasingly obsolete industrial economy. Since Ceausescu's fall in December 1989, Romania has been trying to catch up with its better-off neighbors to the northwest, but the decades of economic mismanagement and political repression have proven difficult to overcome.

Despite a weak economy, the crime rate in Romania is fairly low compared to most eastern European countries. Still, crimes against visitors, including theft, armed assault, pickpocketing and confidence scams, are growing problems; exercise normal precautions. Be alert to the risk of petty theft, especially in Bucharest and other large cities. Hold bags or purses close to your body to protect against so-called "razor artists" who slash open all kinds of bags, grab contents and bolt.

Poorly maintained roads, missing street signs and extremely aggressive drivers can make driving dangerous in some areas. Vandalism and theft of and from vehicles is fairly common. Public transportation is relatively safe and accessible; beware of pickpockets on crowded buses and trains. Along with theft, there have been reports of female visitors being sexually assaulted on overnight trains. Taxis are inexpensive but many are in disrepair. Taxi drivers have been known to overcharge foreigners, so negotiate fares in advance.

Public protests, while occasionally rambunctious, have usually been peaceful. A falling standard of living and widespread resentment over International Monetary Fund-mandated structural adjustment programs could spark future unrest. Protests by industrial workers, students and so-called "revolutionaries" occur occasionally.

A scam involving con artists posing as plainclothes policemen is a recent development. The criminal approaches a potential victim, flashes a badge, asks for a passport and wallet, and then flees with the victim's documents. On other occasions, the "police officer" will accuse the traveler of having exchanged money illegally, and will demand the person's money or wallet.

Criminal gangs run some protection rackets, primarily targeting local small businesses. Organized crime and terrorism are not major threats in Romania.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.