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Romania Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program, First Black Sea Nation, Visa-Free Travel Starts March 31, 2025

Jan 10, 2025, 01:36 PM

Romania has officially been accepted into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, allowing Romanian citizens to travel to the United States without a visa starting from March 31, 2025. The announcement was celebrated in both Bucharest and Washington, marking a historic moment for Romania as the first country from the Black Sea region to be admitted into the program. The decision was made by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in consultation with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is expected to enhance economic and security ties between Romania and the U.S., facilitating easier travel for tourism and business purposes. Romanian citizens will now be able to apply for travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which will be updated by March 31, 2025. The ESTA authorization is valid for two years and allows multiple entries into the U.S. for stays up to 90 days, at a cost of $21 per application.