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.
State-owned airline Tarom announced it was extending the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Amman. “Given the prolonged tense situation in the region, Tarom is extending the suspension of commercial flights to and from Tel Aviv (TLV), Beirut (BEY) and Amman (AMM),” the company said. The flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) are suspended […]
A total of 83% of respondents to a study carried out by lender Raiffeisen Bank in partnership with market research company Appinio have already made their vacation plans. A share of 6% will not go on holiday, while 12% have not yet finalized their vacation plans. About half of those who already have vacation plans […]
Electromontaj, the largest high-voltage electrical network constructor in Romania, has become the majority shareholder of insurer ABC Asigurări after acquiring the stake held by Hidroconstrucția, a company currently in insolvency. ABC Insurance is a general insurance company with 100% Romanian capital, present on the local market for over 25 years. In 2024, the company aimed […]
Registrations have opened for Romania ClimAccelerator, the program supporting green startups that propose innovative solutions in areas such as urban mobility, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable cities, circular economy, industrial emissions reduction, environmental education, and responsible consumption. Startups will be selected in two categories: Pre-Seed Stage, for teams at the beginning of their journey that […]
The town of Pecica, in Arad County, western Romania, is set to build a lake and a modern year-round functioning thermal pool in a bid to attract Romanian tourists that have so far gone to Hungary for similar facilities. The town initially planned to use thermal water for the heating system of 13 public buildings. […]
APADOR-CH, one of Romania’s oldest human rights organizations, has called on President Nicușor Dan to clarify how the state intends to combat disinformation without infringing on freedom of expression. In an open letter published on June 14, the organization raised concerns about the president’s recent statement that he would bring the issue of online disinformation […]
