Romania to Clarify Visa-Free Travel Suspension with US

Charlie Romania 12 April 2025 | Updated On April 14, 2025 | 0

Romania’s interim president, Ilie Bolojan, expressed optimism that the country will soon resolve outstanding issues with the US Department of Homeland Security regarding the recent suspension of visa-free travel for Romanian citizens.

During a press conference at Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, Bolojan stressed that lifting US visa requirements is not only important for travellers but also carries symbolic weight for how Romanians are perceived internationally.

“I believe the responsible Romanian institutions — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs — will soon clarify these matters with Homeland Security,”

“This program is not just about travel. It’s about dignity and how Romanians are seen — as first-tier citizens, not second-class.”

Ilie Bolojan

His remarks come after a March announcement from the US Department of Homeland Security, which said it is reviewing Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to ensure full compliance with security standards. While this review is underway, the US has paused the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) for Romanian citizens.

The unexpected halt has caused confusion among both Romanian officials and the public, particularly after earlier assurances that the program’s rollout was imminent.

As a result, Romanian travellers must continue to apply for nonimmigrant visas at US embassies or consulates for short visits. Additionally, applicants must present a printed confirmation page with a barcode from their DS-160 form when attending their visa interview.

Romania was officially named the 43rd country to join the Visa Waiver Program on January 10. At the time, Romanian Ambassador to the US, Andrei Muraru, said citizens would be eligible for visa-free travel starting March 31, 2025.

Although Romania is listed in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Waiver Program, its status is currently marked as “paused”—a step back from the previous “to be announced” designation.

The US State Department confirmed on November 27, 2024, that Romania met the VWP’s visa refusal rate requirement with a rate of just 2.61% for fiscal year 2024. In addition to this, Romania had to meet a range of security-related benchmarks, including secure travel documentation, information sharing, and counter-terrorism and migration control measures.

Do you think Romania will still gain visa-free access to the US as planned? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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