Romania Awaits Clarification on US Visa Waiver Delay, Interim President Says
Romania’s inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Programme—initially expected to take effect in March 2025—has hit an unexpected delay. However, the country’s interim President, Ilie Bolojan, assured the public this week that the situation is being addressed at the highest levels and will be clarified soon.
In a press conference, Bolojan emphasized the importance of Romania’s participation in the Visa Waiver Programme not just for travel convenience, but for the broader international perception of the country. “This programme is not only for those travelling to the United States, but for Romanians who want to be seen as a first-tier nation, not second-class citizens,” the President said.
He also confirmed that both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been tasked with resolving the matter, and further updates are expected to be communicated publicly.
Romania had previously completed all the necessary requirements set by the US government for entry into the programme, including enhanced cooperation on data exchange and successfully reducing the visa refusal rate below the 3% threshold. In 2024, the rejection rate for Romanian visa applications fell under that limit, paving the way for what was widely seen as a green light to visa-free travel.
Following this, the Romanian government and its ambassador to the US, Andrei Muraru, officially announced that citizens would be able to travel to the US without a visa starting March 31, 2025.
However, recent changes brought by the Trump administration—particularly concerning immigration and border control—appear to have put that decision on hold. According to the US Department of Homeland Security website, Romania’s status is now listed as “paused,” moving away from the previously expected "to be announced" category.
US embassies across 17 EU countries have also issued advisories warning travelers about stricter enforcement and the possibility of deportation if visa waiver regulations are not strictly followed.
The Romanian leadership remains optimistic that the delay is temporary and will soon be resolved.
Source: Schengen.News
