US to lift visa requirement for Romanian citizens

Romanians will be able to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes without the need to obtain a visa, Romanian media reported on Wednesday.

At present, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria are the only EU countries whose nationals still need a visa to enter the US. US citizens do not need a visa to visit any EU country. The European Commission has been trying to mediate to achieve “visa reciprocity” with the US.

But it appears that Romania will be the first of the three countries to achieve visa-free travel. Romania's entry into the US Visa Waiver Program will be marked by a ceremony in Washington on Friday, according to a press release by the Romanian embassy.

US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the Romanian Ambassador Andrei Muraru will meet to formalise Romania's admission and announce the exact date from which Romanians will no longer need visas.

“Friday’s event is the culmination and final result of years of hard work by Romanian and American officials”, the communique reads.

The Visa Waiver Program allows for travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days, for tourism or business. Once joined, Romanian citizens will be able to register online for travel authorisation at a cost of $21 (€20), valid for a period of two years.

[Edited by Owen Morgan]