Romania to Officially Join US Visa Waiver Program on January 10, 2025

Key Highlights

1. Romania will officially join the US Visa Waiver Program on January 10, 2025.
2. Ambassador Andrei Muraru described the milestone as the culmination of years of collaboration between Romanian and US officials.
3. With its accession, Romania will become the 43rd member of the US Visa Waiver Program.

Romania to Join US Visa Waiver Program in January 2025

In January 2025, Romania will celebrate another diplomatic achievement following its full Schengen accession, as the country formally becomes part of the US Visa Waiver Program.

The formalisation ceremony will take place on January 10, 2025, in Washington, DC, with the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, and the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Andrei Muraru, officiating the event.

This designation will allow Romanian citizens to travel to the United States visa-free for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days.

A statement from the Romanian embassy in Washington highlighted the importance of this milestone:

"Officials from both nations will reflect on Romania’s journey to the Visa Waiver Program, acknowledging the collaborative efforts and planning for continued cooperation on reciprocity and information sharing."
— Romanian Embassy in Washington

Years of Hard Work Culminate in Historic Achievement

Romanian Ambassador Andrei Muraru described January 10 as the culmination of years of concerted efforts between Romanian and American authorities.

"Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is a testament to our shared economic and security priorities, strengthening Romania’s position as a strategic US partner and making it the first Black Sea region country to achieve this status."
— Andrei Muraru, Romanian Ambassador to the United States

Muraru also highlighted the benefits of visa-free travel, noting its potential to boost trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.

Romania Meets Visa Waiver Criteria

Romania’s accession follows its success in meeting the US visa refusal rate criterion, which fell below the 3% threshold in 2024—a critical requirement for joining the program.

With this designation, Romania will join 42 other nations in the Visa Waiver Program, further solidifying its ties with the United States.

Surge in US Visa Applications by Romanians

Data from the Romanian Embassy in the United States reveals a sharp increase in US visa applications in 2024. A total of 80,596 applications for tourism and business purposes were filed by Romanians—almost double the number from 2023.

Of these, more than 78,000 visas were approved, reflecting growing interest among Romanians in visiting the United States.

Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program will simplify travel for its citizens and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.