Romanians Could Soon Travel to the US Visa-Free

Romanians Could Soon Travel to the US Visa-Free

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Romania announces plans to join the US visa waiver programme.
  • The European country has already started its efforts, with one of the criteria being to maintain visa rejection rates under three per cent.
  • Romania will sign two agreements with American representatives related to the exchange of information and cooperation to fight crimes.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said that Romania’s entry into the US visa-free programme would be announced in 2024, ahead of the 2025 deadline discussed with the US representatives.

The diplomat made the statement during a visit to the US, where he met Defense Minister Loyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Based on what we have agreed today, I think the formalisation will be done next year. There will be a sustained effort by both the American side and Romanian citizens, including the diaspora in the United States, with a 2025 deadline for visa waivers. It was really a practical discussion. 

Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu

Regarding the matter of the abolition of visas, Romania will sign two agreements with American representatives related to the exchange of information and cooperation to fight crimes.

Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu also pointed out that the visa issue is an important goal for the country. She also vowed to work closely with American partners and the US Embassy.

We have a program both in the legislative field and in consular cooperation. We are optimistic, and by the end of the year, we intend to sign two additional agreements with the American side regarding the exchange of information and cooperation in serious crimes. 

Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu

According to the minister, the goal of Romania joining the visa waiver program by 2025 is an achievable one, as it is close to reaching the three per cent share in rejected visa applications that will allow inclusion in the Visa Waiver programme.

Earlier this year, Romania’s ambassador to the US reported that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas noted the country’s significant progress toward gaining access to the visa waiver programme.

Romania has had its fair share of challenges as it is dedicated to entering the Schengen area. These aspirations, which it also shares with Bulgaria, are being blocked by Austria, as it is against admitting these two countries to the area.

In a recent statement by Gerhard Karner, the Austrian interior minister, he said that his country’s position regarding the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Zone remains unchanged.

Freedom of travel in Europe is currently not possible because, for security reasons, more member states are controlling their borders than ever before – including Austria. The only solution is robust and functioning external border protection. We have to make Schengen better and not bigger. 

Gerhard Karner, the Austrian Interior Minister

Previously, the Member of the European Parliament, Vlad Gheorghe, confirmed that the accession of both these Balkan countries to the Schengen Zone was officially included on the agenda of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council scheduled for December 5.

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