On January 10, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security designated Romania as the 43rd member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Starting on or around March 31, 2025, citizens and nationals of Romania will be able to apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa.
Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may travel to the U.S. as visitors for business or pleasure without first obtaining a visitor’s (B-1 or B-2) visa from a U.S. Consulate. In return, U.S. citizens may enter member countries under the same conditions.
Eligible travelers must apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). VWP travelers are not permitted to board a carrier to travel to the U.S. by air or sea unless they have ESTA clearance (these authorizations are generally valid for two years). VWP admittees may enter for periods of up to 90 days, provided that they are eligible for admission under applicable law.
There are now 43 VWP countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection anticipates the ESTA online application will be updated on or around March 31, 2025. Once launched, eligible Romanian passport holders with ESTA clearance will be able to visit the United States without visas.
© Jewell Stewart Pratt Beckerson & Carr PC 2025