The United States has indefinitely suspended plans to introduce visa-free travel for Romanian nationals.
Romania was due to join 42 other countries on the U.S.’s Visa Waiver Program at the end of March, having been recommended for inclusion by former President Joe Biden in January.
But on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the decision would be reviewed in order to “ensure adherence” to the scheme’s “stringent security requirements.”
“During this review the United States is pausing implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian citizens,” officials said. “This pause will remain in effect until the United States completes its review.”
Senior figures within President Donald Trump’s administration have heavily criticized Romania in recent months over the country’s highly controversial decision to annul its presidential elections last year.
Romania’s prime minister wrote on social media on Tuesday that he was “convinced” the visa decision is “strictly a technical measure” linked to the Trump government’s reassessment of security risks, the Politico website reported.
“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,” PM Marcel Ciolacu said.
Only three EU states – Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus – are currently not signed up to the visa scheme, which allows citizens of designated countries to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a permit.
But on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the decision would be reviewed in order to “ensure adherence” to the scheme’s “stringent security requirements.”
“During this review the United States is pausing implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian citizens,” officials said. “This pause will remain in effect until the United States completes its review.”
Senior figures within President Donald Trump’s administration have heavily criticized Romania in recent months over the country’s highly controversial decision to annul its presidential elections last year.
Romania’s prime minister wrote on social media on Tuesday that he was “convinced” the visa decision is “strictly a technical measure” linked to the Trump government’s reassessment of security risks, the Politico website reported.
“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,” PM Marcel Ciolacu said.
Only three EU states – Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus – are currently not signed up to the visa scheme, which allows citizens of designated countries to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a permit.
Vance and Musk hit out at ballot decision
Trump’s Vice-President JD Vance and the billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk have been the most prominent critics of Romania from within the U.S. government.
Their criticism largely stems from the Romanian Constitutional Court’s decision to void the first round of last year’s presidential ballot, which was won by ultranationalist candidate Călin Georgescu, amid allegations of Russian interference.
The top court also banned Georgescu from running in May’s re-run election – prompting further outrage from Vance and Musk, who have said that the ruling violates freedom of speech and goes against democratic values. Musk singled out the court’s chief judge, branding him a “tyrant.”
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