Romania Unlikely to Gain US Visa-Free Access in 2025

Romania Unlikely to Gain US Visa-Free Access in 2025

Key Highlights

  1. The United States has decided not to extend visa-free travel privileges to Romanian citizens.

  2. The move is part of broader efforts by the US government to tighten immigration controls.

  3. Romania was expected to join the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in January 2025.

Romanians will not be granted visa-free access to the United States in 2025, contrary to earlier expectations. The decision was announced by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the State Department, effectively revoking Romania’s anticipated entry into the Visa Waiver Program.

“Maintaining the integrity of the VWP is crucial to national security. Given the current administration’s focus on border control and immigration enforcement, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, has rescinded Romania’s VWP designation,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary.

Although Romania had met the required visa refusal threshold—below three percent—for entry into the VWP, the decision has been rolled back under the Trump administration, which has introduced stricter criteria for program eligibility.

Decision Rooted in Security Concerns

The DHS stated that revoking Romania’s designation is intended to safeguard US borders and uphold the integrity of the Visa Waiver Program.

Under the Biden administration, Romania had been on track to gain visa-free status starting in early 2025. However, the Trump administration has since reversed that approval, citing the need for additional scrutiny.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu downplayed the shift, referring to it as a “technical issue” and expressed hope that it would be a temporary delay:

“We intend to use this time to work closely with our American counterparts and address any concerns.”

Stricter Travel Controls for Other Nationalities

This change is part of broader US policy tightening, with the government planning to implement a colour-coded system that could restrict or ban travel for certain nationalities. US embassies in 17 EU nations have already issued warnings about potential deportations for non-compliance with immigration rules.

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