U.S. Adds Romania to Visa Waiver Program: In a landmark move that reshapes U.S.-European travel dynamics, the United States has added Romania to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Effective March 31, 2025, this change allows Romanian citizens to travel to the United States for up to 90 days for tourism or business without needing a traditional visa. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department made this decision after Romania met a series of stringent security, information-sharing, and travel documentation requirements. For Romanians, this is more than a travel convenience—it’s a milestone that symbolizes international trust and deeper bilateral relations.
U.S. Adds Romania to Visa Waiver Program
Romania’s admission into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program marks a milestone in transatlantic travel, diplomacy, and economic partnership. It simplifies access for Romanian tourists and professionals while reinforcing shared security commitments. This step brings Romania closer to full EU-U.S. visa parity and sets a model for other countries striving to join the VWP. Whether you’re a Romanian entrepreneur exploring American markets, a tourist planning your first trip to the U.S., or simply visiting family, this policy change makes your journey significantly smoother.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | March 31, 2025 |
| Eligible Duration of Stay | Up to 90 days |
| Purpose | Tourism or Business only |
| Visa Type Needed | None (must apply for ESTA) |
| Application Platform | Official ESTA Website |
| ESTA Fee | $21 (as of 2025) |
| ESTA Validity | 2 years or until passport expiration |
| Romania’s VWP Status | 43rd country to join |
What is the U.S. Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to visit the U.S. for tourism or business without a visa, provided their stay doesn’t exceed 90 days. This initiative is managed by the DHS in coordination with the State Department and is designed to strengthen security while facilitating legitimate travel.
Countries must meet stringent requirements, including:
- A nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3%
- Issuance of biometric (e-passports)
- Active information-sharing agreements with U.S. law enforcement
- Strong border security and counterterrorism protocols
With Romania’s admission, the VWP now includes 43 countries, such as Japan, Germany, Israel, and most recently Croatia and Poland.
How U.S. Adds Romania to Visa Waiver Program?
Romania’s inclusion wasn’t automatic. It required a decade of diplomatic negotiations and internal reforms. Some critical milestones included:
- Visa Refusal Rate Drop: Romania’s U.S. visa refusal rate fell below 3% in 2024, meeting the program’s baseline requirement.
- Security Cooperation: Romanian authorities deepened collaboration with U.S. law enforcement, exchanging terrorism and criminal data.
- Passport Upgrades: Romania upgraded to e-passports, meeting international biometric standards.
- Reciprocity Compliance: Romania already grants visa-free access to U.S. citizens.
What Romanian Travelers Need to Know?
Starting March 31, 2025, Romanian citizens can travel to the U.S. under the VWP. But they must follow specific steps:
1. Obtain an ESTA
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory online application for VWP travelers.
- Apply at least 72 hours before travel
- Use the official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
- Cost: $21
- Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires
2. Travel for Eligible Purposes Only
Acceptable reasons include:
- Tourism
- Short-term business meetings
- Attending conferences
- Medical consultations
You cannot:
- Study (for credit)
- Work or accept employment
- Apply for permanent residency
- Extend your stay beyond 90 days
3. Entry Is Not Guaranteed
Even with ESTA approval, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have final authority at the port of entry.
Benefits for Romania and the U.S.
Economic Growth
Romanian entrepreneurs, tech workers, and investors can now attend U.S. trade shows, conferences, and networking events with ease. This is expected to boost U.S.-Romania bilateral trade, which surpassed $5 billion in 2024.
Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Easier access to iconic U.S. destinations like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. will encourage more cultural tourism and family visits, especially for the Romanian diaspora in the United States.
Security and Diplomacy
This move also reflects Romania’s growing strategic alliance with the U.S., especially within NATO frameworks. The cooperation extends from defense to cybersecurity and intelligence sharing.
The Bigger Picture for the European Union
With Romania’s inclusion, only two EU countries—Bulgaria and Cyprus—remain outside the VWP. The European Commission has long called for full visa reciprocity, and Romania’s success is a step closer to that vision.
According to the European Parliament’s 2023 resolution on visa equality, the EU has the right to impose reciprocal visa requirements on U.S. citizens if all member states are not treated equally. With Romania joining, the pressure now shifts to Bulgaria and Cyprus to meet VWP requirements.
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FAQs About U.S. Adds Romania to Visa Waiver Program
1. Can I work in the U.S. with ESTA?
No. The Visa Waiver Program does not allow for employment or long-term stays. You must apply for a work visa (such as H-1B or O-1) separately.
2. Is ESTA a visa?
No. ESTA is not a visa. It is a travel authorization required for visa-free travel under the VWP. It grants permission to board a U.S.-bound flight, not automatic entry.
3. What if my ESTA is denied?
If your ESTA is denied, you must apply for a traditional B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Romania.
4. How long can I stay in the U.S.?
You can stay for up to 90 days per visit. Overstaying can result in future bans from entering the U.S., even if you have ESTA.
5. Can I visit Canada or Mexico and re-enter?
Yes, you can. But the 90-day countdown continues from your initial U.S. entry, even if you leave temporarily.
6. Do children need ESTA?
Yes. All travelers, regardless of age, must have individual ESTA approvals before boarding a flight to the U.S.
