Romania to Join U.S. Visa Waiver Program in March

Starting in March, Romanians will be able to travel to the U.S. visa-free by using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), according to Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu. Romania will become the 43rd country to join the Visa Waiver Program, marking a significant milestone in its relationship with the U.S, CE Report quotes Agerpres

Previously, Romanians needed to undergo an interview and pay a fee to obtain a U.S. travel visa. Hurezeanu noted that a key factor in this achievement was reducing Romania’s visa application refusal rate to below 3%, which was verified in 2023.

An official ceremony announcing the program will take place in Washington on January 10. Following this, a technical adaptation period will prepare the ESTA system for Romanian travelers. While travel without a visa will be possible, a pre-trip electronic authorization will still be required, and visits cannot exceed 90 days.

The inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and economic ties between Romania and the United States. Hurezeanu credited the efforts of multiple government institutions in achieving this milestone, calling it a "well-deserved and long-awaited reward" and a reinforcement of the Romania-U.S. Strategic Partnership.