DHS Removes Romania From U.S. Visa Waiver Program

DHS Removes Romania From U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that Romanian citizens will once again need a visa to travel to the United States, reversing a January 2025 decision by the Biden administration that granted Romania entry into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The move comes at a time when the Trump administration is rapidly reshaping U.S. immigration policy through executive actions, prioritizing stricter enforcement and increased scrutiny of legal immigration pathways.

What Is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Instead, eligible travelers must obtain pre-approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip. The program is designed for short-term visits, such as tourism or business travel, and offers a streamlined alternative to the traditional visa process for travelers from approved countries.

What Happened?

  • In January 2025, the Biden administration designated Romania as a VWP country, following its compliance with the program’s security and information-sharing requirements.
  • In March, the Trump administration paused the program’s implementation to conduct a further review, suspending Romania’s VWP rollout originally scheduled for March 31, 2025.
  • Following this review, DHS, in consultation with the Department of State, formally rescinded Romania’s VWP designation, effective immediately, citing concerns about security and program integrity.
  • While DHS did not disclose the specific nature of the security concerns, officials stressed that upholding the VWP’s rigorous standards is essential to protecting U.S. border and immigration security.
  • DHS indicated that Romania may be reconsidered for VWP admission in the future if it meets all statutory requirements.

What This Means for Romanian Travelers

  • Visa-free travel to the U.S. is no longer available for Romanian citizens.
  • Romanians must now apply for a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the U.S. for tourism or business. This involves completing Form DS-160, paying the visa fee, and attending an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate.
  • Existing ESTA authorizations for Romanian travelers are no longer valid as of the effective date of the rescission.
  • Romanian travelers who already have a valid B-1/B-2 visa may continue to use it for U.S. entry.
  • Travelers are encouraged to apply for visas well in advance due to potential appointment delays at U.S. consulates.

Why It Matters

This policy shift highlights a broader trend toward tightening restrictions on both immigrants and short-term travelers. The administration’s emphasis on heightened vetting and evolving security assessments is creating increased uncertainty for individuals seeking to enter the U.S.

It also underscores just how quickly U.S. immigration policy can shift.

Looking Ahead

Romania could still rejoin the Visa Waiver Program in the future, provided it meets all eligibility requirements outlined by the DHS. Until then, Romanian nationals must follow the standard visa process for entry into the United States.

If you’re a Romanian citizen with upcoming travel plans — or if you have family, friends, or business partners affected by this policy change — it’s important to stay informed about visa requirements and consult with a qualified immigration expert if you have questions. 

Boundless will continue to monitor this story and share updates as new information becomes available.

Source: .Boundless