MAE: Implementation of Visa Waiver program for Romania is under evaluation

The implementation of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Romania is under evaluation and the operationalization of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system is to be postponed until a date to be announced by the American side, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs.The MAE recalls that on January 10, 2025 Romania was officially designated as a participating state in the American Visa Waiver Program.All citizens of the states included in the VWP must have, prior to the trip, a travel authorization to the United States, obtained online, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).Romanian citizens who have planned to travel to the United States in the following period, including after March 31, must contact the United States embassies in the countries where they reside, in order to request and obtain visas to enter the American territory.The American and Romanian authorities will inform the Romanian public about any details and changes compared to those presented.Persons who hold a valid U.S. tourist visa can use it for travel, without the need to obtain the ESTA.The MAE recommends periodically accessing the information that will be updated on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Government is evaluating Romania's recent designation for entry into the VWP, to ensure that it meets the strict security requirements."During this review, the U.S. is suspending the implementation of ESTA for Romanian citizens. This suspension remains in effect until the review is completed. Romanians who wish to travel to the U.S. for a short period of time for business or tourism must continue to apply for a B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate," the DHS said.   Like Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus have also plans to travel visa-free but with the new Trump administration, uncertainties could be raised.   However, Cyprus remains set on joining the US Visa Waiver Programme, with the country having plans to travel visa-free to the US in April. Currently, it is expected that a team of experts from the US Department of State and Congres to visit Cyprus before Easter, while the authorities are optimistic that Cypriots will travel visa-free to the US by next year.   Bulgaria also hopes to join the US Visa Waiver programme in 2026, although, compared to the other two countries, Bulgaria’s chances are slim.   The three countries, which are the only three countries in the EU that have not joined the US Visa Programme yet, are required to meet some requirements, including here the percentage of visa rejection rates being under three per cent.   This was one of the most demanding requirements, with Romania particularly struggling to meet the criteria.