The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that citizens of Romania will once again be required to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States, effectively reversing a January 2025 decision that had approved Romania’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The change comes amid a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has prioritized stricter enforcement and enhanced scrutiny of legal immigration and travel programs.
What Prompted the Policy Reversal?
In January 2025, the Biden administration designated Romania as a participant in the Visa Waiver Program following its compliance with program requirements, including security and information-sharing protocols. The designation was scheduled to take effect on March 31, 2025.
However, shortly after taking office, the Trump administration placed Romania’s VWP implementation on hold to conduct further review. Following that review, DHS—in coordination with the U.S. Department of State—rescinded Romania’s VWP status entirely, citing unspecified security and program integrity concerns. The decision is effective immediately.
While DHS did not disclose the exact nature of the security risks, officials emphasized that maintaining the integrity and high standards of the Visa Waiver Program is essential to safeguarding national security. The agency stated that Romania may be reconsidered for future VWP participation if it fully meets statutory eligibility requirements.
What This Means for Romanian Citizens
As of the announcement, Romanian citizens are no longer eligible to travel to the United States without a visa. The following changes now apply:
Visa-Free Travel Suspended: Romanian nationals can no longer travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.
B-1/B-2 Visa Required: Travelers must now obtain a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa before entering the U.S. This involves submitting Form DS-160, paying a visa fee, and attending an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Invalidated ESTA Authorizations: Any existing Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approvals issued to Romanian citizens are no longer valid.
Existing Visas Still Honored: Romanian nationals who already hold valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use them for travel to the U.S.
Anticipate Delays: Due to expected high demand and limited consular appointments, travelers are strongly advised to apply for visas as early as possible.
Broader Implications
The reversal underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of U.S. immigration and travel policy. It reflects the current administration’s broader focus on enhanced vetting, program audits, and policy realignment in line with national security objectives.
This development may impact not only Romanian tourists and business travelers, but also families, academic exchanges, and cross-border business relationships that had been preparing for visa-free travel.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Romania remains eligible to reapply for Visa Waiver Program status in the future. However, full compliance with all statutory and security-related requirements will be essential for reconsideration.
In the meantime, Romanian nationals planning travel to the U.S. should prepare to follow the standard visa application process. Individuals with urgent or time-sensitive travel needs may benefit from consulting with an experienced immigration attorney or advisor to navigate the process efficiently.
If you have questions about how this policy change may affect your travel or legal status, seek professional immigration guidance to stay informed and prepared.
Have Immigration Questions?
Our federal immigration attorney Seth Finberg handles H-1B, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, O-1, EB-5, E-2, and removal defense cases nationwide.
