It is difficult for people from some countries to travel to the United States because they need to obtain a visa before traveling. Most Europeans may travel to the United States without a visa, but until recently, citizens of Romania still needed to obtain visas. This has recently changed. Beginning on or around March 31, 2025, citizens of Romania will now be able to travel to the United States using the visa waiver program (“VWP”). This program will allow most citizens and nationals of Romania to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a US visa. These authorizations are generally valid for two years. Travelers with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use their visas for travel to the United States. Of course, B-1/B-2 visas will remain an option for Romanian citizens.
ESTA
Applicants for a visa waiver apply via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. ESTA applicants may alternatively apply on their phones by downloading the “ESTA Mobile” application through the iOS App Store or the Google Play store. The fee to apply for a visa waiver is $21.00.
Romania is the 43rd country to be included in the visa waiver program. A list of all participating countries is available here.
ETIAS
US citizens may also travel to Romania and are eligible to stay in Romania for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes if they have a passport valid for at least three months from the date of arrival. However, beginning in mid-2025, US citizens must apply for travel authorization to travel to a European Union country using a program called ETIAS. The fee for the ETIAS application is €7. The application fee will be waived for travelers under age 18 or over 70. ETIAS is not yet in effect.
