Romania to join the Visa Waiver Program

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January 10, 2025

Today, January 10, 2025, the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, made a joint announcement that Romania has been designated to join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows nationals of participating countries to apply online for authorization to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business, without the need to secure a B1/B2 visa through an application to the Department of State and an appointment at a U.S. consulate.

The news release notes that Romania put forth significant efforts to meet the VWP eligibility criteria, which includes having a refusal rate for U.S. visitor visas below 3% in the prior fiscal year, issuing secure travel documents, providing reciprocal travel privileges to U.S. citizens/nationals, and collaborating with U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection anticipates that the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be updated by March 31, 2025, to incorporate updates to include Romania in the VWP.

If you have further questions about the Visa Waiver Program or other immigration matters, you can request a consultation with one of our attorneys using our Consultation Request Form.

Written by: Andrew A. Fuller

TAGS: Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, Romania, Visa Waiver Program