Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed disappointment over the US government’s recent decision to remove Romania from the list of countries whose citizens can travel to the United States without a visa.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the US State Department made the decision, which the DHS announced on Friday. The department explained that it rescinded Romania’s participation in the Visa Waiver Programme to protect the programme’s integrity and ensure border and immigration security.
The announcement came just two days before Romania’s re-run presidential election. In February, US Vice President JD Vance criticised Romania for cancelling the previous year’s presidential vote. Allegations of illegal campaigning and external influence followed the unexpected success of the little-known ultranationalist Călin Georgescu in the first round. Although the DHS has not linked Romania’s removal from the visa waiver list directly to the cancelled election, some have drawn connections between the two events. Far-right presidential candidate George Simion, a supporter of Donald Trump, suggested that the US would soon lift the visa requirement. He believes this would happen “as soon as we return to democracy.”
Simion, expected to win the first round of the re-run vote on Sunday, visited Washington last month. During his visit, he met with officials from the DHS.
Romania’s Response and Future Prospects
The DHS mentioned that Romania might be reconsidered for the Visa Waiver Programme if it meets the necessary eligibility criteria.
Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by expressing regret over the US decision. The Ministry pointed out that Romania meets all requirements for its citizens to travel to the US without a visa. These include low visa refusal rates, issuing machine-readable electronic passports, and enhancing cooperation with the US on counterterrorism, law enforcement, and immigration matters.
The Ministry also acknowledged that the decision was political and based on the priorities of US authorities. Romania’s government intends to continue discussions with the US to ensure Romania’s reconsideration for the programme. The election of a new Romanian president could offer an opportunity to request Romania’s reinstatement in the Visa Waiver Programme.
Timeline of Romania’s Visa Waiver Status
Romania joined the Visa Waiver Programme in January, shortly before Donald Trump began his second term as US president. Romanians were set to travel to the US without a visa starting in late March. However, the Trump administration later decided to review Romania’s inclusion, in line with its emphasis on “securing the Homeland.”
Following the recent decision, Romanian citizens will once again need to apply for a visa to visit the US. This process can take months and costs approximately $185 (or about €164).
