Romania’s removal from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in May 2025 has left many travelers and families scrambling to adjust their plans. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that, effective immediately, Romanian citizens must now apply for a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism. This sudden change follows a period of shifting U.S. immigration policies and ongoing diplomatic talks between the two countries.
The decision to rescind Romania’s VWP status came after the incoming Trump administration paused the program’s rollout in late March 2025. The Biden administration had previously approved Romania’s entry into the VWP, with implementation set for March 31, 2025. However, the Trump administration reversed this move, citing concerns about border security and the overall integrity of the program. As a result, Romanian travelers now face new hurdles and longer wait times to visit the United States 🇺🇸.
Why Was Romania Removed from the Visa Waiver Program?
The Department of Homeland Security explained that Romania’s removal was due to “security and program integrity concerns.” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Maintaining the Visa Waiver Program’s high standards is essential to our national security.” The main technical reason for Romania’s exclusion was its visa refusal rate. While Romania managed to keep its single-year refusal rate below the 3% threshold in fiscal year 2024, its two-year average still exceeded the required ceiling for VWP eligibility.
Additionally, the U.S. government pointed to broader security issues, including concerns about border management and the risk of overstays—when travelers remain in the United States 🇺🇸 beyond their permitted time. Although recent overstay data has not been published, compliance with these limits remains a key factor for VWP membership.
How Does This Affect Romanian Travelers?
Romanian citizens who wish to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism must now follow the standard B-1/B-2 visa process. This involves several steps:
- Schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Complete the DS-160 visa application form. The official form can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
- Pay the visa application fee, which is currently $185 as of 2025, though this amount may change.
- Attend an in-person interview, where applicants provide biometric data such as fingerprints.
- Wait for visa issuance. Once approved, travelers can use the visa for their trip to the United States 🇺🇸.
It’s important to note that the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allowed for quick online travel approval under the VWP, is no longer available to Romanian citizens. Those who already have a valid B-1/B-2 visa can continue to use it for travel.
Increased Administrative Burdens and Delays
The change has led to increased administrative work for Romanian travelers. Many now face longer processing times and potential delays, especially since U.S. consulates often have limited appointment slots. Families planning vacations, businesspeople attending meetings, and students visiting for short-term programs all need to plan further in advance.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the sudden policy shift has caused confusion and frustration among travelers. Many had already booked flights and accommodations based on the earlier announcement that Romania would join the Visa Waiver Program. Now, they must adjust their plans and complete the visa application process, which can take weeks or even months.
Romania’s Response: Rebuilding Trust and Seeking Re-admission
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Ţoiu acknowledged the setback and confirmed that the government is “rebuilding trust” with the United States 🇺🇸. She emphasized Romania’s active role in NATO and the European Union’s security efforts as part of the country’s strategy to regain credibility. “We are working closely with our U.S. partners to address their concerns and hope to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program in the future,” Ţoiu said.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the U.S. decision as “political,” pointing to recent events such as the detention of high-profile individuals with U.S. connections and disagreements over regional security policies. Despite these tensions, Romania remains committed to meeting the technical requirements for VWP membership, especially by reducing its visa refusal rate and enhancing security cooperation.
Background: A Long Road to VWP Membership
Romania’s journey toward joining the Visa Waiver Program has been long and complicated. The country first sought admission in 2005 and was one of the last European Union members excluded from the program. The Biden administration’s January 2025 announcement that Romania would join the VWP was seen as a major diplomatic win. However, the Trump administration’s review and subsequent reversal in May 2025 highlighted how quickly immigration policies can change with new leadership.
Romania’s brief time as a VWP member—from January to May 2025—shows how sensitive the program is to both technical rules and broader diplomatic relations. Experts note that visa policy can serve as a tool for the United States 🇺🇸 to push for changes in other countries’ security and legal systems.
What Are the Main Obstacles to Rejoining the VWP?
To rejoin the Visa Waiver Program, Romania must address two main issues:
- Visa Refusal Rate: The country’s two-year average for visa refusals must fall below 3%. This means more Romanian applicants need to be approved for U.S. visas, which may require better preparation and documentation.
- Security Cooperation: Romania must continue to work with the United States 🇺🇸 on border security, information sharing, and efforts to prevent overstays.
The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department will monitor Romania’s progress in these areas. If the country meets the requirements, it can reapply for VWP status. However, as of July 31, 2025, there is no official timeline for re-admission.
Implications for Romanian Communities and Stakeholders
The policy change affects a wide range of people:
- Travelers: Individuals and families must now plan further ahead and budget for visa fees and possible travel delays.
- Businesses: Companies with ties to the United States 🇺🇸 may face challenges sending employees for meetings or conferences.
- Students: Those attending short-term programs or exchange visits must apply for visas, which can complicate travel plans.
- Government Officials: Romanian leaders are under pressure to show progress on visa refusal rates and security cooperation.
Practical Tips for Romanian Travelers
If you are a Romanian citizen planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸, here are some steps to make the process smoother:
- Apply Early: Start your visa application several months before your planned trip.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required paperwork, including proof of ties to Romania, financial records, and travel plans.
- Be Honest: Answer all questions truthfully during your interview.
- Check Official Resources: Visit the U.S. Embassy in Romania for the latest updates and instructions.
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
Romania continues to work with the United States 🇺🇸 to address the concerns that led to its removal from the Visa Waiver Program. The government is focusing on:
- Reducing the visa refusal rate by helping applicants better understand the process and requirements.
- Strengthening security cooperation through participation in NATO and EU initiatives.
- Aligning with U.S. priorities on issues like countering hybrid threats and disinformation.
While there is no set timeline for re-admission, both countries have expressed a desire to resolve the issues and restore easier travel for Romanian citizens.
Where to Find More Information
For the most current details on visa requirements and the status of the Visa Waiver Program, consult these official resources:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Visa Waiver Program
- U.S. Embassy in Romania
- Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Staying informed and following the correct procedures can help Romanian travelers avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother journey to the United States 🇺🇸. As talks continue, many hope that Romania will soon meet the requirements to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program and restore easier travel for its citizens.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program → A U.S. government program allowing citizens of certain countries to travel without visas for short stays.
B-1/B-2 Visa → A U.S. nonimmigrant visa for temporary business (B-1) or tourism (B-2) visits.
DS-160 → An online visa application form that nonimmigrant visa applicants must complete for U.S. travel.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization, allows travel under VWP without a visa; unavailable to Romanians now.
Visa Refusal Rate → Percentage of visa applications denied; key factor in determining VWP eligibility.
This Article in a Nutshell
Romania’s removal from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in May 2025 forces citizens to apply for B-1/B-2 visas, causing travel delays and diplomatic efforts to restore eligibility through security improvements and lower visa refusal rates.
— By VisaVerge.com
