US Removes Romania from Visa Waiver Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on May 2 that it rescinded Romania’s admittance into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), putting a halt to visa-free travel for Romanian nationals to the US. 

This decision comes less than four months after the announcement that Romania was going to be included in the list, with the implementation estimated to take effect on March 31. 

On March 25, the DHS had put a hold on the implementation of the VWP to review Romania’s designation. 

In the latest statement, it announced that the review has concluded and due to the current Administration’s focus on border and immigration security, the DHS decided that “Romania’s designation should be rescinded in order to protect the integrity of the VWP and to ensure border and immigration security.”

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “We are grateful for Romania’s close partnership over the years to enhance security cooperation. Romania may be reconsidered for VWP admission in the future.”

Romania was set to be the 43rd country to join the program, with the latest admissions by the previous administration being Croatia, Israel, and Qatar. 

In a statement released by Romania’s Foreign Ministry, it expressed regret over the decision made by the US, given that the country meets the requirements for its citizens to travel visa-free to the US. 

Nationals of Romania looking to travel to the US for business or tourism will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a US embassy or consulate.