The Foreign Ministry stated On Thursday evening, March 20, it was reported that there had been no official communication about a potential alteration in Romania’s status within the US Visa Waiver Program. This announcement followed media speculations suggesting that the Trump administration might be contemplating delaying Romania’s accession.
Hotnews.ro cited a statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicating they are reconsidering Romania's latest inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, consistent with the Trump administration’s emphasis on national security. This followed reports from G4media.ro and Stirileprotv.ro proposing that the US government is reconsidering Romania's inclusion and might postpone it for about two months because of technical issues.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), in their statement, highlighted that Romania continues to maintain direct communication with the US Department of Homeland Security, responsible for overseeing the execution of the program.
"There is currently no official communication regarding a change in the timeline for updating the travel authorization system - ESTA," the ministry said. "Romania views the Visa Waiver Program as a security partnership and is confident that its implementation will contribute to border security and the fight against illegal migration."
Andrei Muraru, Romania's ambassador to the US, likewise stated that they have received no notice regarding any changes to the anticipated March 31 deadline for removing tourist visa restrictions. News.ro He highlighted that Romania has fulfilled all the required security criteria for joining the initiative.
In the meantime, Ilie Bolojan, who was serving as the acting president, declared following the conclusion of the European Council summit that “over the upcoming weeks, up until the close of this month—when this particular timeframe concludes—we shall receive a unified statement from all parties concerned, explicitly stating the exact date upon which these measures will come into official force.”
The authorized Visa Waiver Program website has not yet confirmed any modifications, indicating that Romania's visa-free travel implementation date remains "to be determined."
Romania officially became the 43rd nation to be included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). on January 10 The Romanian ambassador to Washington, Andrei Muraru, stated back then that beginning March 31, 2025, Romanians would have the ability to visit the United States without needing a visa.
irina.marica@romania-insider.com
(Photo source: K uprevich/Dreamstime.com )
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