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The United States has halted Romania’s admission to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), leaving the timeline for its inclusion uncertain. This decision comes as part of ongoing reviews and policy adjustments related to U.S. travel and security regulations.
Romania’s Response to the Delay
Romania’s Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, responded to the news by framing the delay as a technical matter. He emphasized that Romania will use this time to address any concerns raised by U.S. authorities.
"We will take advantage of this—hopefully short-lasting—delay to work with our American partners to clarify all issues of concern to the U.S. government," Ciolacu stated, as reported by Schengen.News.
Reason Behind the Pause
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Romania’s status in the program has shifted from “to be announced” to “paused.” This change reflects an ongoing assessment of the country’s compliance with the VWP’s strict security criteria. The U.S. is also suspending the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian passport holders until further notice.
Political developments, including new policies under the Trump administration, may have influenced this delay. Romanian Interior Minister had previously indicated that changes in U.S. immigration policies might slow down Romania’s entry into the program.
Stricter U.S. Travel Policies on the Horizon
In addition to reviewing Romania’s VWP eligibility, the U.S. government is reportedly considering a new travel classification system. This system would categorize countries based on travel risks, potentially leading to restrictions.
Recently, U.S. embassies across 17 European Union nations issued warnings to travelers, stating that individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly those affecting national security, could face deportation.
"If you are in this country to promote terrorist organizations, engage in vandalism, or participate in riots, and we find out you misrepresented yourself during entry, you will be deported," a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Estonia read.
Currently, several nations, including Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Yemen, are already on a U.S. red list that bans travel entirely. Countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan may soon be added, while an orange list would impose partial restrictions, affecting categories like international students.
As the U.S. reevaluates its immigration and travel policies, Romania’s path to the Visa Waiver Program remains uncertain, pending further security and eligibility reviews.