On January 10, 2025, Romania officially joined the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This program allows citizens of participating countries to visit the United States without obtaining a visa, but only for tourism, business, or transit purposes, for a duration of no more than 90 days.

Contents:

  1. How Romania Gained Access to the Visa Waiver Program
  2. What Makes the Visa Waiver Program Noteworthy
  3. Advantages of Visa-Free Travel with the USA
  4. The Process of Obtaining an Entry Permit
  5. Risks of Exclusion From the Program

How Romania Gained Access to the Visa Waiver Program

To be included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a country must meet strict criteria, including:

  • Low visa refusal rates. The percentage of U.S. visa refusals for citizens of the country must not exceed 3%. In 2024, Romania successfully reduced its refusal rate to 2.61%, paving the way for its inclusion in the program.
  • Effective security cooperation. The country must provide information about its citizens who may pose a threat to U.S. security and actively collaborate in counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Biometric control. Participating countries are required to modernize their standard passport control systems to include biometric measures. Romania introduced biometric passports in 2009, and they have been mandatory for all citizens applying for new passports ever since.

What Makes the Visa Waiver Program Noteworthy

Key Features of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

  • Visa-free entry and short stays. Allows entry and stays in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
  • Electronic travel authorization required. Instead of a visa, travelers must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
  • Limited purposes. The program is exclusively for tourism, business, or transit. For work, study, or permanent residency, a visa is still required.
  • Restrictions on extensions or changes. Participants cannot extend their stay in the U.S. or change the purpose of their visit without leaving the country.

Advantages of Visa-Free Travel with the USA

Benefits for Romanian citizens:

  • Simplified travel. Romanian passport holders can plan trips to the U.S. with reduced financial and time burdens.
  • Business development. The streamlined process strengthens business connections and supports the growth of industries serving Romanian citizens in the U.S.
  • Enhanced cultural ties. Visa-free travel fosters cultural exchange, educational programs, and increased tourism between the two nations.

The Process of Obtaining an Entry Permit

To obtain authorization, Romanian citizens must:

  • Complete the application and submit it on the official ESTA website.
  • Pay the required fee of $21.
  • Wait for the application decision, which is typically made within one business day of submission.

This authorization is valid for two years. During this period, travelers can enter the U.S. as many times as needed, but each visit must not exceed 90 days.

Risks of Exclusion From the Program

It is important to note that participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is not permanent. Romania, like any other participating country, may lose its eligibility under certain circumstances. The U.S. can reevaluate a country’s participation in the program if:

  • Increase in visa refusal rates. If the visa refusal rate for Romanian citizens exceeds 3% within a year.
  • Security concerns: If Romania fails to provide information about individuals who pose a security threat (e.g., terrorists, criminals, or immigration violators).
  • Lagging biometric technology. If Romania does not adequately implement new biometric control standards as they evolve.
  • Increase in immigration violations. If a significant number of Romanian passport holders overstay the permitted duration in the U.S. or misuse the visa-free entry for purposes like illegal employment. Immigration violations are closely monitored, and a high incidence of such cases could lead to Romania’s removal from the program.
  • Changes in political or economic conditions. If internal issues such as rising unemployment, political instability, or economic crises lead to a surge in illegal migration, it may impact Romania’s participation in the VWP.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State regularly assess whether participating countries continue to meet the program’s requirements. They also monitor compliance with the terms of visa-free travel by the citizens of these countries.