The United States government has announced that it is reviewing Romania’s recent inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to ensure compliance with its strict security requirements. During the review, the United States is suspending the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian citizens.
„This pause will remain in effect until the United States completes its review,” the DHS statement reveals.
„Romanians wishing to travel to the United States for short-term tourism or business purposes must continue to apply for the appropriate nonimmigrant visa (‘B’) at a U.S. embassy or consulate,” the DHS specifies.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the Department of State, allows citizens from designated countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, those countries must allow U.S. citizens and nationals to travel visa-free to their countries for a similar period for business or tourism purposes.
Last week, the Trump Administration announced that it is discussing a possible delay in Romania’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program, even though the initial deadline was set for March 31.
On the list of Visa Waiver participating countries published on the DHS website, Romania was previously listed as „to be announced.” Now, next to Romania in the table of these countries, it states „on hold.”
Since its establishment in 1986, the VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America’s closest allies, according to the DHS.
The VWP uses a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent terrorists, criminals, and other malicious actors from traveling to the United States, explains the DHS.
Participation in the VWP requires countries to enhance their cooperation with the United States in the areas of counterterrorism, law enforcement, and immigration. This cooperation, often accompanied by significant improvements in the countries’ capabilities, systems, and processes to meet program requirements, results in enhanced security for both the United States and the VWP participant country.
The DHS approach includes periodic national risk assessments regarding the impact of each participating country’s involvement in the VWP on U.S. national security and law enforcement interests, including immigration law enforcement interests, the DHS reminds.
Eligible individuals using the VWP to travel to the United States undergo thorough screening before their departure to the U.S., upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry, and during any subsequent air travel to the United States.
DHS continues to strengthen the VWP to enhance both the security and prosperity of the American people, the statement emphasizes.