Romania Joins Visa Waiver Program: ESTA for Romanian Citizens
On January 10, 2025, the United States added Romania to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Romanian citizens to travel to the US without a visa effective March 31, 2025. Romania is the 43rd member of the VWP. This strengthens the US – Romania partnership and security cooperation while promoting tourism and commerce between the two countries.
Romania had successfully implemented and fulfilled strict security requirements related to counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security and boarder management in order to enter the Visa Waiver Program.
To join the Visa Waiver Program, Romania met several key requirements, including:
To meet Visa Waiver Program standards, Romania entered into partnerships with the US law enforcement and security agencies to share information on terrorism and serious crimes and enhance its vetting of individuals travelling to and through Romania.
The U.S. will regularly review Romania’s compliance with the program and conduct assessments of its continued participation at least once every two years to ensure national security interests.
To learn more about the Visa Waiver Program, visit the Department of Homeland Security Visa Waiver webpage.
How to apply for ESTA Visa Waiver for Romanian citizens?
Starting March 31, 2025, Romanian citizens can travel to the United States visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days without first obtaining a B1/B2 visa. To do so, you must apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA authorization is generally valid for two years.
Your ESTA authorization generally allows for multiple trips to the U.S. within two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. No need to reapply during this period. An expired ESTA does not prevent you from leaving the U.S.
You can apply for ESTA at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta or download the “ESTA Mobile” application through the iOS App Store or the Google Play store.
ESTA application fee is $21.
Can I apply for ESTA for Romanian citizens if I have a B1/B2 visa?
Yes, you can apply for ESTA even if you have a valid B1/B2 visa.
However, if you travel to the United States under ESTA for business or tourism, you can stay in the United States for up to 90 days. If instead, after you obtain ESTA, you travel to the United States with your B1/B2 visa, then you may be admitted in the US for up to 6 months.
Please note that obtaining an ESTA does not affect your existing B1/B2 visa. You can hold a valid B1/B2 visa simultaneously with ESTA authorization.
Can I continue to use B1/B2 visa if I have ESTA for Romania?
Yes, you can still use your B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States even after obtaining an ESTA as a Romanian citizen.
Can I still apply for B1/B2 visa if I have ESTA?
Yes, you can still apply for a B1/B2 visa if needed. If you plan to stay in the US more than 90 days for business or tourism, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, regardless of having an ESTA.
Can I change my status in the US while on ESTA?
No, you cannot change your immigration status while in the US if you entered on an ESTA (ie. your admission status is WT or WB). This means you cannot switch to a different non-immigrant visa status, including changing status to E-2 or applying for E-2 while in the United States through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Can I extend my stay more than 90 days on ESTA?
No, you cannot extend your stay in the U.S. if you entered on ESTA. ESTA allows for a maximum stay of 90 days.
In limited cases, you may obtain a 30-day extension if you apply for a Satisfactory Departure and have it approved. Keep in mind that it is possible to leave the U.S. and return later on ESTA.
Can I stay in the US if my ESTA expires?
Yes, if your ESTA expires while in the United Stated, it will not affect your stay. An expired ESTA for Romanian citizens won’t prevent you from leaving the US, but you’ll need a new ESTA for future travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Existing authorizations cannot be extended.
You apply for a new ESTA for Romanian citizens the same way you applied for the first one. You must apply again by submitting a new application at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. You can initiate this new application while you’re in the U.S. on your existing ESTA.
What happens if you overstay your ESTA in the US?
Overstaying your 90-day authorized stay on ESTA can have serious consequences. You will be permanently barred from the Visa Waiver Program, requiring a visa for future travel.
Moreover, abusing aspects of the ESTA requirements may lead to your ESTA applications being rejected in the future, or being denied admission on your subsequent visa on ESTA.
Malescu Law can assist
If you are navigating the ESTA or Visa Waiver Program for Romanian citizens, our immigration lawyers can assist with any questions or concerns.
We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
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