Romania added to USA visa waiver scheme

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially designated Romania as a participating country in the Visa Waiver Program, a move that could ease access for short-term study programs and has been welcomed by agents.

Romania’s accession to the Visa Waiver Program was confirmed this week by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who said it would enhance travel and commerce between the two nations.

The Department said that it expects the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile application to be updated by March 31st to allow most citizens and nationals of Romania to apply and travel to the USA under the VWP for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. ESTAs remain valid for two years.

Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken said, “Romania is an exceptional U.S. partner, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past several years. Romania’s entry into the VWP is evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and economic prosperity.”

Travellers from Romania will have easier access to the USA under the VWP.

To be eligible to become VWP participants, countries must meet certain criteria, including a non-immigrant visa refusal rate below three per cent in the previous fiscal year.

Romania becomes the 43rd member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, and the fourth added under Secretary Mayorkas’s tenure, following Croatia (2021), Israel (2023) and Qatar (2024). Click here for more information on the Visa Waiver Program.

Mirunette Education , a study travel agency located in Romania, enthusiastically welcomed the development.

Alexandra-Sorina Moraschi , Sales Manager at the company, told StudyTravel Magazine, “At Mirunette Education, we couldn’t be happier about Romania’s inclusion in the USA’s visa waiver program – it’s a game-changer for so many Romanian students dreaming of exploring the USA.”

The company organises summer camps in the USA for around 300 students each year, which are “a blend of academic enrichment and unforgettable cultural experiences”.

“The visa waiver program will undoubtedly make it easier for families to choose the USA as a destination. It simplifies the process and eliminates a significant barrier, encouraging even more students to join these transformative programs. We’re particularly excited to see how this change will inspire a growing interest in our summer camps, which have already become a staple of our offerings,” Alexandra added.

“We’re proud to help young people from Romania connect with the world, and this news makes that mission even more attainable.”