US To Lift Visa Requirement for Romanian Nationals

Romania is set to join the ranks of European Union countries whose citizens can travel to the United States without a visa. Starting January 10, 2025, Romanian nationals will officially gain visa-free access to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

This milestone makes Romania the first of the three EU countries still requiring US visas—Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria—to achieve visa-free travel. US citizens already enjoy visa-free travel to all EU countries, and the European Commission has long advocated for “visa reciprocity” with the United States.

The official accession will be marked by a formal ceremony on January 10 at the headquarters of the US Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. Alejandro Mayorkas, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, and Andrei Muraru, Romania’s Ambassador to the United States, will preside over the event, as announced by the Romanian Embassy in a press release.

What the Visa Waiver Program Offers

Under the VWP, Romanian citizens will be able to travel to the US for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 90 days without needing a visa. However, travellers must still obtain prior authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip.

This streamlined process simplifies travel while maintaining security measures. It’s worth noting that Romania will become the 43rd country to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program, joining nations like Japan, Germany, and Australia.

Romania’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the US and Romania, as well as advancing broader EU-US travel relations. With the announcement, hopes are high that Cyprus and Bulgaria will soon follow suit, bringing full visa reciprocity between the EU and the United States one step closer.

For Romanian citizens, this move means greater ease and flexibility when planning trips to the US, while symbolising a deeper partnership between the two nations.

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