Romanians to Travel Visa-Free to the US Starting in 2025

Starting in 2025, Romanian citizens will be able to travel to the United States without needing a visa for tourism and business purposes.

This milestone was announced by the Romanian Embassy in Washington, following confirmation that Romania has met the stringent criteria to join the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The US State Department recently revealed that Romania’s visa refusal rate has fallen to 2.61% for fiscal year 2024, well below the 3% threshold required by US law. This marks a significant achievement, as Romania historically faced refusal rates of around 10%.

During the fiscal year, October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024, Romanian citizens submitted over 80,000 B1/B2 visa applications, nearly double the number from the previous year. US consular offices granted more than 78,000 of these visas, setting a new record for Romania.

Andrei Muraru, Romania’s Ambassador to the United States, expressed optimism and pride in this development.

“This is a historic moment. From 2025, Romanians will have the freedom to visit the United States without a visa, strengthening our friendship with the American people and fostering even greater economic and cultural ties.”

Muraru also confirmed that the final stages of Romania’s accession to the VWP are underway, with technical assessments nearly complete.

The formal announcement is expected in January, with visa-free travel set to become a reality by March or April.

How the Visa Waiver Process Works

Joining the VWP involves a thorough evaluation by US authorities, including an expert-level review and on-site assessments. Countries must meet several requirements, including robust border security measures and a low visitor visa rejection rate.

For Romania, achieving a refusal rate below 3% was a long-term goal. This success was partly due to increased visa applications from individuals likely to be approved, a strategic move to improve the rejection rate ratio.

A Game-Changer for Romanian Travellers

Visa-free travel under the VWP allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business without the need for a visa. This will make travel to the US more accessible for Romanians, reducing costs and simplifying the process.

With Romania’s impending entry into the program, it joins 40 other countries already enjoying the benefits of visa-free travel to the United States.

This development represents not just a win for Romanian citizens but also a boost to the already strong ties between Romania and the US.

Do you need a visa to visit the USA? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.