Romanian citizens could travel to the United States of America without needing visas. The change could occur in 2025 at the earliest. Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States of America, spoke about this change.
No visas in America
The Visa Waiver Program could be available for Romanian citizens under certain conditions. Thus, the visa refusal rate should fall below 3% by September 30, 2024. Citizens with valid or expired visas in the last 48 months can apply for their renewal in 2024.
“There are some things we want to do in the coming years. One of them is the lifting of visas. I am very optimistic that this can happen next year and it would facilitate people-to-people connections. More business people to come to Romania, more many tourists to arrive in Romania and it would be an incredible chance for Romania’s profile in the region,” said Andrei Muraru, Romania’s ambassador to the United States of America.
Romanians, urged to change their travel documents to the USA
According to Romania’s ambassador to the United States, it is essential that as many people as possible apply for visa renewal. This process will help to activate the Visa Waiver program in Romania.
“I want to encourage Romanians to apply in large numbers, those who had an American visa and which expires soon to apply again, because they benefit from this facility of not going to the interview anymore. (…). It will be the success of Romania and the success of Romanians. An airline has already announced a direct flight between Romania and the USA, starting in June, and I am convinced that if at the end of September we have good news in the coming months, other airlines will come and we will have a significant increase in the number of tourists and American investments, as well as bilateral trade,” he added.
Visas renewed by email, without an interview
Renewal of frequent traveler visas to the US may be possible without an interview, under certain conditions, through notifications sent by email by the US Embassy in Romania. New tourist visa applicants must present a series of documents and pay a fee of over 850 lei. They receive a response to the request within up to 29 calendar days. The current ambassador of Romania to the USA was recently asked if the change expected by Romanians will take place during his mandate.
“I think my name is less important and I think it is important that Romania enters this select club which today consists of 41 countries from the Visa Waiver Program. The American partners understood how serious Romania is, how serious the Romanian authorities are, the Government that is making a great effort and the US Embassy in Bucharest,” explained the diplomat.
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