Today, the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, in consultation with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, announced Romania's designation as a participant in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision is expected to bolster security interests and facilitate travel and commerce between the United States and Romania.
Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken praised Romania for fulfilling the rigorous security criteria required for VWP membership. "Romania is an exceptional U.S. partner, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past several years," they stated. The inclusion of Romania in the VWP reflects a mutual commitment to security and economic growth.
The VWP involves comprehensive security collaborations between the U.S. and countries that meet stringent requirements concerning counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management. To qualify, a country must maintain a nonimmigrant visitor visa refusal rate below 3 percent from the previous fiscal year, issue secure travel documents, offer reciprocal travel privileges to all U.S. citizens regardless of national origin or other factors, and work closely with U.S. authorities on law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts.
Romania undertook significant governmental measures to satisfy these conditions, including partnerships with the U.S. to share critical information on terrorism and serious crimes and improving vetting processes for travelers to and through Romania. As with all VWP countries, DHS will regularly review Romania’s adherence to program requirements every two years.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expects updates to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) by March 31, 2025. This will enable most Romanian citizens to apply for travel authorization under the VWP for visits up to 90 days without needing a visa. Current B-1/B-2 visa holders may continue using their visas for travel purposes.
U.S. citizens already benefit from visa-free entry into Romania for stays up to 90 days with valid passports.
Romania becomes the 43rd member of the VWP and marks the fourth addition during Secretary Mayorkas's term following Croatia in 2021, Israel in 2023, and Qatar in 2024.
Further details about the Visa Waiver Program are available at www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program.
