United States: DHS Rescinds Visa Waiver Program Designation of Romania
May 5, 2025
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At a glance
- The U.S. government has rescinded the inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citing security and program integrity concerns.
- Romania had been set to join the VWP on or around March 31, 2025, but the government suspended implementation close to that date in order to conduct a new review of Romania’s eligibility.
- Romanian citizens seeking to travel to the United States for business or tourism must obtain a B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The issue
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has rescinded Romania’s designation for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The designation had been slated to take effect on or around March 31, 2025, but the government paused implementation until the it completed a new review of Romania’s adherence to VWP security requirements. The government has now completed its review and rescinded the designation, citing the administration’s focus on border and immigration security and protecting the integrity of the Visa Waiver Program. DHS acknowledges, however, that Romania may be eligible for VWP designation in the future.
Romanian nationals seeking to enter the United States for business or tourism must obtain a B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Background
On January 10, 2025, the Biden Administration announced that, starting on or around March 31, 2025, nationals of Romania would be eligible to apply for visa-free business or tourist visitor travel to the United States under the B-1/B-2 Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Romania was to be added to the list of 42 countries already in the VWP, and Romanian nationals were to be added to the list of foreign nationals able to apply for visa-free visitor travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
What the rescission of VWP designation means for Romanian nationals and their employers
Romanian nationals and their employers who were hoping to benefit from eased requirements on business visitor travel under the VWP should plan instead for these travelers to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. Advance planning is recommended because appointment availability at U.S. consulates abroad may be limited. Romanian travelers with existing valid B-1/B-2 visas should continue to use those visas for visitor travel to the United States.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
