Vue d'ensemble
Romania is part of the European Union, but not part of the Schengen zone. Therefore, there are border controls between Romania and neighbouring EU countries.
People who are apprehended at the border between Romania and neighbouring countries are usually brought to the nearest government-administered reception center.
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Claiming asylum. If you claim asylum, you will be taken to one of the reception centres to proceed with the asylum application. For further information, see: Asylum.
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People who do not claim asylum: There can be a fine for unauthorised border crossing, and probably eventually a return/deportation. If you do not claim asylum, the unauthorised border crossing can be prosecuted as an offence under Romanian law. The authorities may tell you that you can be sent to prison. However, especially if this is the first time that you are caught at the border, the charges can also be suspended. Nevertheless, if you do not claim asylum, you have no authorisation to stay in Romania, and you can be detained and deported.
Persons with refugee status are able to travel to other EU countries, but beneficiaries of subsidiary protection do not have this right and cannot travel to other EU countries.
Theoretically, recognised refugees in Romania should have the same rights as Romanian citizens (regarding access to social services, medical support, education, etc.), but this is often not the case in practice.