Key Takeaways
• Romanian citizens lose Visa Waiver Program access as of June 1, 2025, requiring B-1/B-2 visas.
• ESTA authorizations for Romanians became invalid on June 1, 2025, requiring visa applications.
• Removal due to Romania’s visa requirement for U.S. citizens, breaking VWP reciprocity principle.
Romanian Citizens Lose Visa-Free Access to the United States: What Travelers Need to Know
Romanian citizens can no longer travel to the United States 🇺🇸 under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as of June 1, 2025. This major change, announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 3, 2025, has immediate effects for anyone from Romania planning a trip to the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism. The decision follows Romania’s continued requirement for U.S. citizens to obtain visas for entry, which broke the VWP’s rule of equal treatment, known as the reciprocity principle.
This development means that all Romanian nationals must now apply for a traditional visitor visa before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. The process involves more steps, extra costs, and possible delays. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, why it matters, and what Romanian travelers should do next.
Why Did the United States Remove Romania from the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they get an online travel authorization called ESTA. Romania was added to this list on January 10, 2025, after years of negotiations and efforts to meet the program’s strict security and eligibility rules.
However, the VWP is based on the idea of reciprocity. This means both countries must treat each other’s travelers the same way. While the United States 🇺🇸 allowed Romanians to visit without a visa, Romania continued to require U.S. citizens to get visas to enter its borders. This unequal treatment violated the VWP’s core rule.
After several warnings and failed talks to fix the issue, the U.S. government decided to remove Romania from the program. The change took effect on June 1, 2025. As a result, Romanian citizens lost their right to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 without a visa.
What Does This Mean for Romanian Citizens?
The most important change is that Romanian citizens must now apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism. The process is more involved than the simple online ESTA application used under the VWP.
Here’s what Romanian travelers need to know:
1. Visa Requirement
– All Romanian nationals must have a valid B-1/B-2 visa to enter the United States 🇺🇸 for short visits.
– The B-1 visa is for business trips, while the B-2 visa is for tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment.
– Travelers must apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Romania.
2. ESTA Authorizations No Longer Valid
– Any existing ESTA travel authorizations for Romanian citizens became invalid on June 1, 2025.
– Travelers who already had an approved ESTA cannot use it to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
– Anyone planning a trip must now go through the visa application process.
3. Application Process
– Applicants must complete the Form DS-160, which is the online application for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
– After filling out the form, applicants must pay the visa fee, which is currently $185 for a B-1/B-2 visa.
– Most applicants must schedule and attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest or another U.S. consulate.
– Applicants should bring all required documents, including a valid passport, confirmation page of the DS-160, a photo, and proof of ties to Romania (such as a job, family, or property).
4. Interview Waiver for Some Applicants
– Some people may not need to attend an interview. This includes:
– Children under 14 years old
– Adults over 79 years old
– Some people renewing a previous visa of the same type
– These applicants may qualify for an interview waiver, but must still submit the application and supporting documents.
5. Possible Delays and Wait Times
– The visa process can take several weeks or even months, depending on demand and staffing at the embassy.
– Applicants should apply as early as possible and avoid making non-refundable travel plans before getting the visa.
6. Official Resources
– For the latest updates and detailed instructions, Romanian citizens should visit the U.S. Embassy in Romania’s website.
– The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also provides official information about the Visa Waiver Program and country eligibility.
Why Did This Happen Now?
Romania’s removal from the Visa Waiver Program is unusual because most countries work hard to keep their VWP status. The main reason for the change is the lack of reciprocity. The United States 🇺🇸 expects that if it allows citizens of another country to visit without a visa, its own citizens should get the same treatment in return.
Romania was warned several times that its continued visa requirement for U.S. citizens was a problem. Despite talks between the two governments, Romania did not lift its visa requirement for Americans. This left the United States 🇺🇸 with little choice but to remove Romania from the VWP.
What Are the Practical Effects for Travelers?
The end of visa-free travel has several real-world effects for Romanian citizens:
Longer Planning Times
– Travelers must now plan trips further in advance to allow time for the visa process.
– Last-minute travel to the United States 🇺🇸 is much harder.
Extra Costs
– The visa application fee adds to the cost of travel.
– Some applicants may need to pay for travel to the embassy or for extra documents.
More Paperwork
– The DS-160 form asks for detailed information about the applicant’s background, travel plans, and ties to Romania.
– Supporting documents are needed to show that the traveler will return to Romania after the visit.
Uncertainty
– Visa approval is not guaranteed. Some applicants may be denied if they cannot show strong ties to Romania or if there are concerns about their background.
Impact on Business and Tourism
– Business travelers may face delays in attending meetings or conferences in the United States 🇺🇸.
– Tourists may need to change or cancel plans if they cannot get a visa in time.
Family Visits
– Romanians with family in the United States 🇺🇸 must now go through the visa process for each visit, which can be stressful and time-consuming.
What Should Romanian Citizens Do Next?
If you are a Romanian citizen planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸, here are the steps you should take:
- Check Your ESTA Status
- If you had an approved ESTA, it is no longer valid. You must apply for a visa.
- Start the Visa Application Early
- Begin the process as soon as you know you want to travel.
- Visit the U.S. Embassy in Romania’s visa page for instructions.
- Complete Form DS-160
- Fill out the DS-160 form online.
- Print the confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Pay the Visa Fee
- Pay the required fee and keep the receipt.
- Schedule an Interview
- Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Prepare for the Interview
- Be ready to explain the purpose of your trip and show proof that you will return to Romania.
- Wait for Processing
- Processing times vary. Check the embassy website for current wait times.
- Travel Only After Visa Approval
- Do not buy plane tickets or make final plans until you have your visa.
What Are the Chances of Romania Rejoining the Visa Waiver Program?
Romania’s future participation in the Visa Waiver Program depends on meeting all eligibility rules, especially the reciprocity requirement. If Romania lifts its visa requirement for U.S. citizens and continues to meet security and information-sharing standards, the United States 🇺🇸 may reconsider its status.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the removal of Romania from the VWP shows how seriously the United States 🇺🇸 takes the principle of equal treatment. The U.S. government regularly reviews all VWP countries to make sure they follow the rules. If Romania changes its policy and meets all requirements, it could be added back to the program in the future.
What Does This Mean for Other Countries?
Romania’s removal from the VWP is a warning to other countries that the United States 🇺🇸 expects full reciprocity. Countries that want to join or stay in the program must treat U.S. citizens the same way they expect their own citizens to be treated. This decision may lead to closer checks on other VWP members.
Expert Advice for Romanian Travelers
Immigration experts recommend that Romanian citizens:
– Stay informed about the latest visa rules and requirements.
– Apply for visas well in advance of planned travel.
– Keep all documents organized and ready for the interview.
– Consider consulting a trusted immigration advisor if they have questions or concerns.
The U.S. Embassy in Romania is the best source for up-to-date information and help with the visa process. Official government websites, such as www.dhs.gov, provide reliable details about the Visa Waiver Program and any changes to country eligibility.
Summary of Key Points
- Romanian citizens must now apply for a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the United States 🇺🇸.
- ESTA authorizations for Romanians are no longer valid as of June 1, 2025.
- The change happened because Romania still requires visas for U.S. citizens, breaking the VWP’s reciprocity rule.
- Travelers should expect longer planning times, extra costs, and more paperwork.
- Romania could rejoin the VWP if it changes its visa policy for Americans and meets all other requirements.
Practical Steps for Romanian Citizens
- Visit the U.S. Embassy in Romania’s website for the latest visa information.
- Start the visa application process early.
- Gather all required documents and prepare for the interview.
- Do not make final travel plans until you have your visa.
Looking Ahead
The removal of Romania from the Visa Waiver Program is a setback for travelers and for U.S.-Romania relations. However, it also shows the importance of fair and equal treatment in international travel agreements. If Romania and the United States 🇺🇸 can resolve their differences, visa-free travel may return in the future.
For now, Romanian citizens should focus on understanding the new rules and preparing for the visa process. Careful planning and attention to detail will help make travel to the United States 🇺🇸 as smooth as possible under the new requirements.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) → A U.S. program allowing citizens of approved countries to travel 90 days visa-free using ESTA.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization, required under the VWP for visa-free U.S. entry.
B-1/B-2 Visa → U.S. nonimmigrant visitor visas for business (B-1) and tourism or medical treatment (B-2).
Reciprocity Principle → A VWP rule requiring equal visa treatment between the U.S. and participating countries.
Form DS-160 → Online U.S. nonimmigrant visa application form required for B-1/B-2 visa applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
Romania’s removal from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program forces its citizens to obtain B-1/B-2 visas. ESTA is no longer valid. Travelers face more costs and delays. Reciprocity issues caused this change, affecting tourism, business, and family visits, with potential future reinstatement if Romania lifts U.S. visa requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com
