In a significant move to streamline travel, the United States has officially added Romania to its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), making it the 43rd country eligible for the program. Starting March 31, 2025, Romanian citizens will be able to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa. This includes travel for both tourism and business purposes.
Why Romania Was Chosen for the Visa Waiver Program
Romania’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program is the result of meeting rigorous security and law enforcement standards set by the U.S. government. The country has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating terrorism and has shown consistent cooperation with U.S. authorities on critical matters like criminal justice and intelligence sharing. Romania’s impressive record of low visa refusal rates also played a key role in its approval.
What This Means for Travelers
With this new development, Romanian nationals can now travel to the U.S. for short visits without the hassle of applying for a visa. However, travelers will still need to apply for and obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. The ESTA approval process is simple and can be done online, providing a faster and easier way to travel.
This move is expected to boost tourism and business exchanges between Romania and the U.S., further strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. Moreover, U.S. citizens will also benefit from visa-free travel to Romania for similar short-term visits.
Recent Additions to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
Romania is not the only country to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in recent years. In fact, Israel and Qatar were also added in late 2023 and 2024, respectively. Israel became part of the program in October 2023, and Qatar, the first Gulf nation to join, was included in November 2024. These additions reflect the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to foster international relations and ease travel for citizens of allied nations.
Countries Currently in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
As of 2025, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program includes a total of 43 countries. Some of the notable countries in the program include:
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Japan
- Italy
- Spain
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
- Taiwan
- And now, Romania!
This program allows travelers from these countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, provided they meet all entry requirements, including obtaining an ESTA.
Takeaways
The addition of Romania to the Visa Waiver Program is great news for travelers, simplifying the process for Romanian citizens planning to visit the U.S. Whether for business or leisure, Romanian visitors will now enjoy a smoother, more efficient travel experience.
It’s also a clear signal of strengthening ties between Romania and the United States, with both countries benefiting from easier mobility and expanded diplomatic relations.
Travelers are reminded to check their ESTA status before booking their flights to the U.S. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website on the Visa Waiver Program.
Read more about the U.S. Visa Waiver Program here.
Key Points:
- Romania joins the U.S. Visa Waiver Program starting March 31, 2025.
- Romanian travelers can now visit the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days.
- The U.S. has recently expanded the program to include Israel and Qatar.
- The Visa Waiver Program currently has 43 countries eligible for visa-free travel to the U.S.
- Travelers must apply for ESTA approval before visiting the U.S. under the VWP.
