Romanians to Enter US Visa-Free by October

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Key Takeaways:

Romania aims to meet US Visa Waiver criteria, possibly enabling visa-free travel by the end of October.
Key requirements include a visa rejection rate under 3% and security agreements to counter cross-border crime and terrorism.
Achieving Visa Waiver status will simplify US travel for Romanians, benefiting family visits, business, and travel plans.

Will Romanians Be Able to Travel to the US Visa-Free by the End of October?

Romanians are on the brink of achieving a significant milestone. By the end of October, they may be able to travel to the US visa-free. This opportunity emerges as Romania nears completing the necessary criteria for the US Visa Waiver Programme. But what steps are still required, and what does this mean for Romanians?

Romanians to Enter US Visa-Free by October

What Criteria Must Romania Meet for Visa-Free Travel?

For Romania to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme, a crucial requirement is lowering the visa rejection rate to three percent. The Romanian Ambassador to the US, Dan-Andrei Muraru, confirmed that Romania is in the final stages of meeting this requirement.

“We are in the final stages, meaning by the end of the American fiscal year, which ends on October 1 this year, we are confident that we will meet the criterion of having a rejection rate of less than three per cent for all Romanian citizens’ visa applications to the US.” — Dan-Andrei Muraru, Romanian Ambassador to the US

What Are the Remaining Steps for Romania?

After achieving the required rejection rates, other steps involve security agreements. These are measures to counter cross-border crime and terrorism, which need to be signed between the US and Romania. Muraru mentioned that some of these agreements are currently being worked on. Once Romania meets these obligations, the US authorities will be notified.

“Once we know we have met all these obligations, the American side will be notified, and an evaluation mission will come to Romania, probably at the end of this year or the first half of next year,” said Muraru.

The decision will then lie with the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, which will determine if Romania meets all criteria and can grant the Visa Waiver status.

How Many Visas Were Issued to Romanians in 2023?

In 2023, US authorities issued a record 60,474 visas to Romanians. Despite this large number, about 8% of applications were rejected, surpassing the target three percent needed for visa-free status.

Romania ranks 30th in terms of the number of US visas issued in 2023, just behind Japan, which received 75,305 visas. Germany, another EU country, was granted 64,866 visas in the same year, placing it higher than Romania.

What Are the Comparisons with Other Countries?

For context, Schengen Visa Statistics for 2023 show that US nationals applying for Schengen visas had a high approval rate, with 94% of their applications approved. The data reveals that 174,258 Schengen visa applications originated from the US, highlighting the reciprocal nature of visa policies between countries.

What Does This Mean for Romanian Travelers?

If Romania successfully joins the Visa Waiver Programme, it will simplify travel plans for many citizens. Romanians planning to visit family, conduct business, or explore opportunities in the US will benefit immensely from this new status, saving time and money in visa application procedures.

For more detailed information on the Visa Waiver Programme, you can visit the US Department of State’s page on Visa Waivers.

Conclusion

As Romania moves closer to meeting the required criteria, Romanians are hopeful for visa-free travel to the US by the end of October. While the journey involves meeting stringent requirements, the benefits of securing the Visa Waiver Programme status are profound, marking a significant achievement in Romania-US diplomatic relations. With continued efforts, Romania is poised to take its place among the countries enjoying easier access to the United States.

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Glossary of Immigration Terms

Visa Waiver Programme (VWP): A US government initiative that allows nationals from specific countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Countries must meet certain security and information-sharing criteria to participate.
Visa Rejection Rate: The percentage of visa applications that are denied by a country’s immigration authorities. For eligibility in the Visa Waiver Programme, a low rejection rate (less than 3% for the US) is crucial.
Security Agreements: Bilateral agreements between countries to enhance cooperation on security measures such as countering cross-border crime and terrorism. These agreements are often a prerequisite for participating in visa waiver programs.
US Department of State: The federal executive department responsible for the international relations of the United States, including issuing travel visas and determining eligibility for the Visa Waiver Programme.
Evaluation Mission: A formal visit by officials from one country to another to assess compliance with specific criteria or regulations. In the context of the Visa Waiver Programme, an evaluation mission may be conducted to verify that all requirements have been met before granting visa-free status.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Romanians are close to achieving visa-free travel to the US by the end of October. Meeting a visa rejection rate below three percent and signing key security agreements are crucial steps. If successful, this milestone will greatly simplify travel, enhancing Romania-US ties and benefiting Romanian travelers significantly.
— By VisaVerge.com

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