The United States is expected to announce on October 15, 2024, whether it will permit visa-free travel to the country for Romanian citizens.
While the US decision is still unknown, it is believed that it will include Romania in its visa waiver program. The latter has been working on its membership by launching a campaign and taking some other measures, VisaGuide.World reports.
Government sources confirmed the upcoming change for Romanian travelers to Digi 24 TV and BTA.
Romanians Would Be Able to Stay in US Visa-Free for up to 90 Days if Country Is Included in Visa Waiver Program
If the US decide to allow Romania join its visa waiver program, Romanians will be able to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, a development eagerly awaited by governments and citizens alike.
Romania’s push for visa-free travel is part of the broader “Qualify Romania” campaign, launched by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on July 18, 2024. The campaign aimed to meet the Visa Waiver Program’s criteria, specifically targeting a reduction in visa rejection rates.
Please all Romanian citizens who have valid visas of type B1 or B2 and those who had such a visa must apply for visa renewal.
Prime Minister also highlighted that Romania is nearing the final stages of meeting the Visa Waiver Program’s requirements. He noted that rejection rates for Romanian applicants have been improving, with hopes that this year’s rate could fall below three percent. On May 12, Ciolacu expressed confidence that by October, Romania will no longer require visas for travel to the US, with the new policy likely taking effect in 2025.
US Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Ann Kavalec, also highlighted the importance of visa renewals for Romania’s entry into the US Visa Waiver Program. She encouraged anyone who has previously held a visa to apply for renewal.
I hope that all those who have had a visa in the past will renew it and can do so online or if you have never had a visa for the USA, you can apply for one, but you will need to come for a meeting.
Romanian Visa Approvals Surge by 70% Over Previous Year
Currently, the US Embassy reports a significant increase in Romanian visa applicants, with the annual number reaching 60,000. This application rise and reduced visa rejection rates are key to achieving visa-free travel.
According to the US Department of State, Romanians received 60,474 visas last year, a 70 percent increase from the previous year and a notable rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic era. In 2019, Romania saw a similar number of visas issued, marking it as the highest annual total recorded.