Romania Visa Waiver Program Termination: New US Travel Rules for 2025

The Romania Visa Waiver Program termination on May 2, 2025, requires Romanian citizens to obtain visas for US travel. This policy shift reverses Romania’s brief inclusion in the VWP, mandating B-1/B-2 visa applications instead of ESTA approvals. This decision, which reverses Romania’s brief inclusion in the program, has sparked significant discussion due to its timing and implications for U.S.-Romania relations. Below, we explore the details of this policy shift, its stated reasons, and its broader context.

Background of Romania’s VWP Designation

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits passport holders from approved nations to visit the United States visa-free for business or leisure stays under 90 days, requiring only pre-authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Following years of eligibility efforts, Romania became the program's 43rd participant when the Biden administration granted approval on January 9, 2025, with visa-free travel slated to begin March 31, 2025.This followed Romania’s efforts to meet stringent requirements, including a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3% (achieved at 2.61% in fiscal year 2024), issuing secure travel documents, and enhancing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities.

The inclusion was celebrated as a milestone in U.S.-Romania relations, reflecting Romania’s role as a NATO and EU member and a key partner in regional security. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Jeanne Shaheen, who had advocated for Romania’s inclusion through legislation in 2023, praised the decision as a step toward strengthening bilateral ties.

Pause and Review

In March 2025, the Trump administration temporarily suspended Romania's participation in the Visa Waiver Program pending an eligibility review. Officials stated the pause was necessary to verify Romania's adherence to the program's rigorous security standards. The DHS marked Romania’s status as “paused” on its website, advising Romanian citizens to continue applying for B-1/B-2 visas for travel to the U.S. No specific timeline for the review was provided, leaving travelers and officials in limbo.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu described the pause as a “technical measure” and emphasized that Romania had met all VWP criteria. However, the lack of transparency regarding the review’s scope fueled speculation about political motivations, especially given the timing ahead of Romania’s presidential election.

Rescission of VWP Designation

On May 2, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security officially terminated Romania's participation in the Visa Waiver Program, asserting this action preserved the program's standards and strengthened U.S. border security protocols.” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted that Romania could be reconsidered for VWP admission in the future if it meets statutory eligibility criteria, though no specific deficiencies were publicly detailed.

The decision came just two days before Romania’s presidential election on May 4, 2025, prompting criticism from Romania’s Foreign Ministry, which called it a “political decision” reflecting the priorities of the Trump administration. The ministry expressed regret, emphasizing that Romania had complied with all VWP requirements, including low visa refusal rates, secure travel documents, and enhanced security cooperation.

Reasons and Context

While DHS did not explicitly outline the reasons for the rescission, several factors have been suggested:

• Security Concerns: The Trump administration emphasized border and immigration security as priorities. Reports indicate concerns about Romania’s visa overstay rates, which were 2.61% in 2024 but significantly higher in previous years (nearly 9% in 2023, 13% in 2022, and 17% in 2021). These rates may have raised doubts about Romania’s ability to maintain VWP compliance.

• Political Climate in Romania: The policy change followed Romania's December 2024 presidential election, which was invalidated due to confirmed Russian interference and campaign violations. After Vice President Vance publicly condemned Romania's electoral integrity in February 2025, administration sources revealed the visa waiver cancellation reflected broader worries about democratic deterioration. One senior official pointed to apparent 'attempts to override voter sovereignty' - language echoing current domestic political debates in America.

• Broader Immigration Policy: The rescission aligns with the Trump administration’s focus on stricter immigration enforcement, as outlined in Executive Order 14161, which emphasizes “maximum vetting” of noncitizens. The timing of the decision, just before Romania’s election, led some to speculate it was intended to influence voters or support far-right candidates like George Simion, who has aligned himself with Trump’s rhetoric.

  Impact of Romania Visa Waiver Program Termination

Following the VWP termination, Romanian passport holders must now secure B-1/B-2 visas for U.S. travel. The application process requires completing the DS-160 online form, paying applicable fees, and attending mandatory consular interviews. While previously issued ESTAs are now void, current B-1/B-2 visa holders remain unaffected. Applicants should anticipate processing delays and schedule appointments well in advance.

For those tracking visa processing times, check our U.S. Visa Interview Tracker for the latest updates.

The decision has caused frustration among Romanians, who had anticipated visa-free travel after years of meeting U.S. requirements. Posts on X reflect public disappointment, with some users accusing the U.S. of undermining Romania’s progress or manipulating its elections.

Romanian Response

Romania’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the decision but reaffirmed its commitment to working with the U.S. to restore VWP status. Far-right candidate George Simion, who led Romania’s presidential election on May 4, 2025, praised the Trump administration’s decision, predicting that visa requirements would be lifted “as soon as we go back to democracy.” This stance has fueled debate about the decision’s political implications.