Starting from March 31, 2025, citizens of Romania will be able to travel to the United States without visas for short-term stays.
The accession of Romania to the United States Visa Waiver Program has been confirmed today, January 10, by the Ambassador of Romania to the United States, Andrei Muraru, Schengen.News reports.
Romania, therefore, will become the 43rd country on the list of the US Visa Waiver Program. It means that Romanians will be eligible to travel to the US visa-free for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days.
The federal government of the United States has just officially announced that Romania is now part of the exclusive club called Visa Waiver. Starting March 31 this year, Romanians can travel to the USA without visas.
The ambassador called the decision an important and happy moment for Romanians, adding that it shows how strong the bond between Romania and the US has become over time.
Romania’s Euro-Atlantic path has been paved with successes when Romania and Romanians were put first. This is the meaning of today’s announcement.
US nationals are already eligible to enter Romania without visas under the same purposes for up to 90 days, provided their passport is valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
ESTA to Be Updated to Include Romania
The US Customs and Border Protection anticipates that the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile application will be updated by the end of March in order to permit Romanians to travel without visas to the US.
Through a statement, the US Embassy in Romania has emphasised that these authorisations are valid for two years.
Travelers with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use their visa for travel to the United States, and B-1/B-2 visas will remain an option for Romanian citizens. ESTA applications may be found at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or download the ‘ESTA Mobile’ application through the iOS App Store or the Google Play store.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the formalisation of Romania’s accession to the US Visa Waiver Program will officially be made today in Washington by the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, and the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Andrei Muraru.
The Romanian Ambassador to the US said the finalisation of this process is the final result of years of hard work by Romanian and US officials.
Muraru said that becoming part of the US VWP will also boost investment and trade and encourage tourism.
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