US Visa Waiver Program: Romania Near Admission

Romania is close to joining the US Visa Waiver Program, according to Dan-Andrei Muraru, the Romanian ambassador to the United States.

“We’re in the final stages,” Muraru said, “and by the end of the American fiscal year on October 1, we’re confident we’ll meet the requirement of having a visa rejection rate below 3% for Romanian citizens applying to the US.” This statement was reported by Economedia.

This year, the US Embassy has issued between 50,000 to 60,000 visas to Romanian nationals.

“Last fiscal year, which ended on October 1, 2023, our rejection rate was over 8%, but we’re aiming to bring it below 3% this year,”
Dan-Andrei Muraru

Overall, Romanians are the 30th demographic group with the most visas granted by US officials this year, trailing only Japan with 75,305.

However, Romania still needs to fulfill several security measures. Security agreements to combat cross-border crime and terrorism are expected to be signed between the United States and Romania, allowing the latter to meet the Visa Waiver program's conditions.

The ambassador notes that some agreements are in the works, and as soon as the criteria are met, the US authorities will be notified as part of the next stages for admittance to the visa-free travel agreement.

Muraru also clarified that no exceptions can be made for Romania in this process.

Muraru shared these updates during “Romania Day on Broadway,” an annual event that started in 2000. It is organised in partnership with the Romanian Embassy in the United States, the Romanian Consulate General in New York, and the Romanian Cultural Institute.

What Is The US Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program, or VWP, allows nationals of a select group of countries to enter the United States for 90 days for business or tourism purposes without needing to apply for a visa. This streamlines travel planning and lowers administrative hassles.

There are currently 41 countries in the program.

Travellers from these countries must still complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application but otherwise face significantly shorter wait times to visit the United States than non-VWP nationals.

To participate in the program, a country must meet requirements related to counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management.

For Romanian citizens, joining the US Visa Waiver Program would mean:

Planning a vacation or business trip to the US with fewer logistical hurdles.
Saving money on visa application fees.
Experiencing faster entry processes through ESTA.
Increased opportunities for cultural exchange and business collaboration.
Strengthening Romania's diplomatic and economic ties with the United States.

As Romania inches closer to achieving this long-sought goal, the potential for easier travel and strengthened ties with the United States marks an exciting chapter in the nation’s ongoing journey toward greater global integration.

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