The U.S. Department of State has announced that it is reviewing Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to ensure compliance with all strict security requirements, IPN reports.

According to a press release from the Department of State, U.S. authorities have temporarily suspended Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, which would have allowed Romanian citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa in advance, writes Euronews - Romania.

“The United States government is reviewing Romania’s recent designation in the Visa Waiver Program to ensure compliance with the VWP’s strict security requirements. During this review, the U.S. is suspending the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian citizens. This pause will remain in effect until the U.S. completes its review,” the U.S. government stated in a press release.

Shortly after the U.S. government’s decision, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu responded in a social media post: “I am confident that the review of Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is a strictly technical measure, part of a global reassessment of risks to U.S. security”.

“We will use this delay - which we hope will be brief - to work alongside our American partners to clarify all concerns raised by the U.S. administration while remaining firm in supporting Romania’s status as a provider and guarantor of security,” Ciolacu added.

The U.S. government has not specified a timeline for completing the review.

Romanian citizens wishing to travel to the U.S. for short-term tourism or business must continue to apply for the appropriate nonimmigrant “B” visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

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