Bucharest
Romania Officially Joined the US Visa Waiver Program
On Friday, January 10, 2025, Romania’s accession to the United States Visa Waiver Program was officially marked during a ceremony at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC
The event brought together US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Romania’s Ambassador to the United States, Andrei Muraru, according to an official announcement.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Romanian Embassy in Washington attended the event.
According to the Romanian Embassy to the US, Secretary Mayorkas formally notified Ambassador Muraru of the United States’ decision to admit Romania into the Visa Waiver Program during the ceremony. Essential details regarding technical aspects and the effective date for implementing visa-free travel for Romanian citizens were also shared.
“This event is the culmination of years of diligent work by Romanian and American officials,” said Ambassador Andrei Muraru.
“Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is a significant acknowledgment of our shared economic and security interests. As the first Black Sea country to join the program, Romania strengthens its strategic partnership with the United States.
This milestone will facilitate easier travel for Romanians, boost trade and investment, and encourage tourism and direct connections. Meeting the strict requirements of the program also enhances Romania’s security and aligns it more closely with US standards,” he added.
Following the US federal government’s decision, Romania officially became the 43rd participant in the Visa Waiver Program.
“With Romania’s inclusion in the program, Romanian citizens will no longer need to attend interviews at a US consulate, making the procedure significantly less costly and time-consuming. The travel authorization, which replaces current visas, is valid for two years, allows unlimited entries and exits during this period, and can be used for visits of up to 90 days. The cost of a travel authorization is USD 21,” explained the Romanian Embassy to the US.
On November 27, 2024, the US State Department confirmed that Romania achieved a visa refusal rate of 2.61% for the fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), thus meeting one of the key criteria for entry into the Visa Waiver Program.
In addition to the visa refusal rate, Romania’s entry into the program required fulfilling essential conditions related to the security of travel documents, information sharing, and implementing specific measures to combat terrorism and illegal migration.
The Visa Waiver Program is a comprehensive security partnership between the United States and designated countries, allowing citizens of these countries to travel to the US visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. The program focuses significantly on combating terrorism and transnational crime, including illegal migration, and requires continuous information sharing with participating countries.
