In a significant development for Romanian citizens, the U.S. Department of State has announced that Romania now meets the criteria for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This marks a monumental step in Romania’s longstanding efforts to simplify travel to the United States for its citizens.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes without a visa, for stays of up to 90 days. Instead of applying for a visa, travellers are required to obtain authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their trip.
To qualify for the program, countries must meet stringent criteria, including a visa refusal rate below 3%, robust border security measures, and active cooperation with U.S. authorities on law enforcement and information-sharing protocols.
Romania’s Road to Inclusion
Romania’s efforts to join the VWP have been ongoing for years. The breakthrough came when the country’s visa refusal rate dropped to 2.61% for the fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), meeting the required threshold. During this period, Romanian citizens submitted over 80,000 applications for B1/B2 visitor visas, with a record number of over 78,000 visas granted.
Additionally, the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs implemented critical measures to align with VWP standards. These include:
• Border Security Partnership with the U.S.: Strengthening border controls and security protocols.
• Adoption of ATS-G (Automated Targeting System – Global): Enhancing information-sharing capabilities to prevent threats and facilitate legitimate travel.
When Will Visa-Free Travel Start?
Although Romania has now met the technical requirements for VWP inclusion, the formal process for its admission is still underway. Romanian authorities estimate that citizens will be able to travel to the U.S. without a visa starting in the first part of 2025.
What Changes for Romanian Travellers?
Once admitted into the program, Romanian citizens will no longer need to go through the often lengthy and costly process of applying for a U.S. visa. Instead, travellers will need to:
1. Obtain ESTA authorization online before traveling.
2. Comply with the 90-day limit for tourism or business purposes.
ESTA authorisation will involve a small fee and must be completed prior to departure.
Romania’s inclusion in the VWP not only strengthens the bond between the two nations but also marks a significant achievement for Romanian diplomacy. It reflects the country’s commitment to aligning with international standards and fostering closer ties with the United States.
What This Means for Romanians
The ability to travel visa-free to the U.S. will open doors for greater tourism, business opportunities, and cultural exchange. For many Romanians who have faced visa delays and refusals in the past, this development is a long-awaited relief.
Romanian officials continue to work closely with U.S. counterparts to finalize the formalities for VWP inclusion. Once completed, the program is expected to significantly boost travel between the two countries, benefiting both citizens and economies.
This announcement underscores a bright future for Romania-U.S. relations and paves the way for easier access to opportunities and experiences across the Atlantic.
