Romania will officially become part of the American Visa Waiver program on January 10, 2025, allowing Romanian citizens to travel to the United States without a visa. The official accession event will take place in Washington, D.C., with the participation of U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Romania's Ambassador to the U.S. Andrei Muraru, IPN reports.
"It is the result of a joint effort between Romanian and American officials," Ambassador Muraru said. "Romania becomes the first country in the Black Sea region to be accepted into this program, which strengthens our strategic relations with the U.S.”
Under the Visa Waiver program, Romanians will be able to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business or transit, without needing a visa, for a period of up to 90 days. However, before departure, Romanian citizens will have to obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), at a cost of US$21.
The joining was possible due to the fulfillment by Romania of a number of criteria, including a visa refusal rate below 3% and strict security measures. The Romanian authorities have also implemented legislative changes and agreed technical measures to combat terrorism and illegal migration.
"This is an important step for Romania, which strengthens its relations with the United States and becomes a safer country, with closer cooperation in the field of security," said Andrei Muraru.
The program will become effective in the coming months, after the completion of some administrative procedures. Romania thus becomes the 43rd participant in this program, which will bring important benefits in trade, tourism and investment.
