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.
Romania’s green startup ecosystem is gaining more and more momentum, driven by a skilled workforce, reforms aligned with EU policies, and the climate emergency, according to a report prepared by Startarium and Impact Hub Bucharest. In 2024, there were over 2,300 startups in Romania, with a total estimated value of approximately EUR 19 billion. Romania […]
The global IT hub established by JTI in Romania has expanded from 140 employees at the beginning of the year to 170 currently, and is set to exceed 200 by the end of 2025. Located in Bucharest, the hub is one of JTI's six technology centers worldwide. The experts in Bucharest provide Digital and IT […]
French-born virtual reality esports center EVA VR has recently opened its Bucharest location, promising a realistic and immersive combat esports experience suitable for corporate team-building events, birthday parties, and various other events. Inaugurated on June 7, the new location is part of an international network, Esports Virtual Arenas, which was established roughly 5 years ago. […]
Investment group ROCA acquired a 20% minority stake in the Adrem energy group, following approval from the Romanian Competition Council. Announced on Tuesday, August 12, the transaction will support Adrem’s strategic development and scaling plans. The investments will be primarily directed towards the expansion and diversification of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects, the development […]
Romanian students spend an average of 13 hours a week on homework, almost twice as much as their peers in Nordic countries, according to data from the OECD’s PISA 2022 study, quoted by ParentED. Finland ranks at the bottom in Europe with just six hours per week, while countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, and the […]
Three foreign citizens suspected of stealing jewelry and other goods during the Untold Festival in Cluj-Napoca were caught by Romanian police officers at the airport. The three, two men and one woman, all between the ages of 30 and 46, were detained while attempting to fly to Barcelona. Police from the Cluj-Napoca Criminal Investigations Bureau […]
