U.S. Suspends Romania's Visa Waiver Bid Citing Crime and Visa Refusals

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Key Takeaways

• Romania was removed from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program on June 1, 2025, requiring visas for travel.
• Romanians must apply for B-1/B-2 visas, including interviews at U.S. embassies, replacing ESTA usage.
• U.S. cited organized crime concerns, high visa refusal rates, and lack of reciprocity for removal.

Romania’s Removal from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program: What Travelers Need to Know

Romanian citizens hoping to visit the United States 🇺🇸 now face a major change. As of June 1, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially removed Romania from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means Romanians can no longer travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism without first getting a visa. The change follows a series of policy shifts and reviews, and it affects thousands of travelers, families, and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

U.S. Suspends Romania’s Visa Waiver Bid Citing Crime and Visa Refusals

Who is affected? All Romanian citizens who want to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for short-term business or tourism.

What changed? Romanians must now apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa instead of using the simple online ESTA system.

When did this happen? The removal took effect on June 1, 2025.

Where does this apply? The change affects all travel from Romania to the United States 🇺🇸.

Why did this happen? U.S. officials cited concerns about organized crime and a high visa refusal rate among Romanian applicants.

How does it work now? Romanians must go through a more detailed visa process, including an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Let’s break down what led to this decision, what it means for travelers, and what steps Romanians must now take to visit the United States 🇺🇸.

The End of Visa-Free Travel: Key Developments

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days without a visa, using an online system called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Romania had worked for years to join this program, hoping to make travel easier for its citizens.

Timeline of Events:

January 9–10, 2025: The Biden Administration announced that Romania would join the VWP, with an entry date set for March 31, 2025.
March 25, 2025: The Trump Administration paused Romania’s VWP entry, saying more review was needed.
May 2, 2025: The Department of Homeland Security officially rescinded Romania’s VWP status.
June 1, 2025: The removal took effect. All ESTA authorizations for Romanians became invalid.

This series of announcements created confusion and disappointment among Romanian travelers and officials, who had expected easier access to the United States 🇺🇸.

Why Did the United States 🇺🇸 Remove Romania from the Visa Waiver Program?

The Department of Homeland Security, working with the Department of State, gave two main reasons for the decision:

1. Concerns About Organized Crime

U.S. officials said that organized crime remains a problem in Romania. They worry that allowing visa-free travel could make it easier for criminals to enter the United States 🇺🇸. Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu confirmed that this was one of the main reasons given by the U.S. government.

2. High Visa Refusal Rate

To join the Visa Waiver Program, a country must have a visa refusal rate below 3%. This means that fewer than 3% of people who apply for a U.S. visitor visa are denied. Romanian officials claimed their refusal rate had dropped below this level, but U.S. authorities said it was still too high. The exact numbers have not been made public, but the disagreement over this rate played a big role in the decision.

3. Reciprocity Issues

Another important point is reciprocity. The United States 🇺🇸 expects that countries in the VWP will treat U.S. citizens the same way, allowing them to visit without a visa. The U.S. government said that Romania’s visa requirements for U.S. citizens did not fully match this principle.

What Does This Mean for Romanian Travelers?

No More ESTA for Romanians

Before June 1, 2025, Romanians could use the ESTA system to get approval for travel to the United States 🇺🇸. ESTA is quick, online, and much easier than applying for a visa. Now, all Romanian citizens must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which is a more detailed process.

All Existing ESTA Authorizations Are Invalid

If a Romanian traveler received ESTA approval before June 1, 2025, it is now void. They cannot use it to enter the United States 🇺🇸.

Longer, More Complicated Process

Applying for a B-1/B-2 visa means:

Filling out the DS-160 online visa application form (available here).
Paying the visa application fee.
Scheduling an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Preparing documents, such as a valid passport, proof of ties to Romania, and travel plans.
Attending the interview and providing fingerprints and a photo.
Waiting for the visa to be processed and approved.

This process can take weeks or even months, especially if there are many applicants or limited appointment slots.

Possible Delays and Travel Disruptions

Because many Romanians now need visas, U.S. embassies and consulates may be very busy. Travelers should expect longer wait times for appointments and processing. This can make it harder to plan business trips, family visits, or vacations.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Romanians Can Apply for a U.S. Visitor Visa

If you are a Romanian citizen planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸, follow these steps:

Do not rely on ESTA or previous VWP eligibility. These are no longer valid for Romanians.
Start the B-1/B-2 visa application process:
- Go to the DS-160 online application form.
- Fill out the form carefully and honestly.
- Pay the visa application fee (check the current fee on the U.S. Embassy Bucharest website).
- Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Gather all required documents, such as your passport, proof of ties to Romania (like a job or family), and your travel plans.
- Attend the interview and provide your fingerprints and photo.
- Wait for your visa to be processed and issued.
Check the U.S. Embassy in Romania’s website for updates on wait times and any changes to the process.

Impact on Different Groups

Travelers and Tourists

Romanians who want to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for tourism now face more paperwork and longer waits. This can be frustrating, especially for those who had already made travel plans.

Business Community

Business travelers must plan further ahead. Meetings, conferences, and deals may be delayed if key people cannot get visas in time. Companies with offices or partners in the United States 🇺🇸 will need to adjust their travel plans and budgets.

Employers

Employers sending Romanian staff to the United States 🇺🇸 for training, meetings, or projects must allow more time for visa processing. Some may need to reschedule or cancel trips if visas are delayed.

Families

Families with members in both countries may find it harder to visit each other. Special events, such as weddings or graduations, could be missed due to visa delays.

U.S. Citizens Traveling to Romania

Because the Visa Waiver Program is based on reciprocity, U.S. citizens may also face visa requirements when visiting Romania. This could affect tourism and business in both directions.

Reactions from Stakeholders

U.S. Government

The Department of Homeland Security stressed that the decision was about protecting the integrity of the Visa Waiver Program and U.S. border security. Officials said that all VWP countries must meet strict standards, and Romania did not meet them at this time.

Romanian Government

Romanian officials, including Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu, expressed disappointment. They argued that Romania had worked hard to lower its visa refusal rate and meet U.S. requirements. The Ciolacu administration even paid visa fees for public employees to help reduce the refusal rate, but this was not enough.

Romanian Public

Many Romanians feel frustrated and let down. They see the goalposts as moving, with new reasons given for denying VWP entry even after technical requirements were met.

Business Community

Business leaders worry that the new rules will hurt trade and cooperation between Romania and the United States 🇺🇸. Longer travel times and more paperwork could make it harder to do business.

Expert Analysis: What Does This Mean for the Future?

Legal and immigration experts say that removing a country from the Visa Waiver Program is rare. It shows that the United States 🇺🇸 is taking a closer look at security, crime, and reciprocity issues with all VWP partners. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move could signal more careful reviews of other countries in the program.

Advice from Immigration Law Firms

KPMG and Fragomen: Romanian nationals and their employers should plan for longer processing times and adjust travel plans.
Envoy Global: Apply for visas as early as possible and keep an eye on appointment availability at U.S. consulates.

Background: Romania’s Long Road to the Visa Waiver Program

Romania has wanted to join the Visa Waiver Program for many years. The main barrier was always the high visa refusal rate. In early 2025, the Biden Administration said Romania had met the security and information-sharing requirements, and announced VWP entry. But just before the planned start date, the Trump Administration paused the process for more review.

On May 2, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security officially rescinded Romania’s VWP status, citing organized crime and high refusal rates. Romanian officials disagreed, saying they had met the technical requirements. The issue of reciprocity—Romania’s visa rules for U.S. citizens—also played a role.

What Happens Next?

No Timeline for Rejoining the VWP

Romania may be considered for the Visa Waiver Program again in the future, but only if it meets all the requirements. This includes lowering the visa refusal rate further and addressing U.S. concerns about organized crime. There is no set timeline for when this might happen.

Ongoing Discussions

Romanian and U.S. officials continue to talk about the issue, but there are no clear answers yet. Travelers should not expect quick changes.

Practical Tips for Romanian Travelers

Start your visa application early. The process can take time, especially with more people applying.
Check official sources. For the latest updates, visit the U.S. Embassy in Romania’s website.
Prepare all documents. Make sure you have everything needed for your visa interview.
Be honest and clear. Answer all questions truthfully during your application and interview.
Plan for delays. Don’t book flights or hotels until you have your visa.

Official Resources

U.S. Embassy Bucharest: Visa application instructions and updates
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Official statements and program details
U.S. Department of State – Visa Information: General visa information and forms

Summary Table: Key Facts

Date	Event/Development
Jan 9–10, 2025	Romania announced for VWP entry (Biden Administration)
Mar 25, 2025	VWP implementation paused for review (Trump Admin)
May 2, 2025	DHS rescinds Romania’s VWP designation
June 1, 2025	Effective date for removal from VWP

Conclusion

Romania’s removal from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program is now in full effect. The decision was based on U.S. concerns about organized crime, high visa refusal rates, and issues with reciprocity. Romanian citizens must now apply for a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the United States 🇺🇸, facing longer waits and stricter requirements. While it is possible that Romania could rejoin the program in the future, there is no clear timeline. Both governments continue to discuss the path forward. For now, travelers should use official resources to stay informed and plan ahead.

For more information about the Visa Waiver Program and updates on Romania’s status, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official website.

Learn Today

Visa Waiver Program → A U.S. program allowing short visits without a visa for citizens of eligible countries.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization, an online approval system for visa-free travel to the U.S.
B-1/B-2 Visa → A U.S. nonimmigrant visa for business (B-1) and tourism or medical treatment (B-2).
DS-160 → Online application form required for U.S. nonimmigrant visa applications including visitor visas.
Reciprocity → Mutual exchange of visa privileges between countries, fundamental for Visa Waiver Program eligibility.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 1, 2025, Romania lost access to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Romanians now need B-1/B-2 visas to visit, facing longer processes and interviews. This change reflects U.S. security concerns and visa refusal rates, affecting travelers, businesses, and families seeking entry to the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com