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A Biden era decision to allow Romanians visa-free entry for 90 days was paused by Trump’s team in March – and has now been reversed.
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Romanian and US flags. [EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT]
Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Languages: Spanish
The Trump administration has revoked a Biden era decision to admit Romania into the US’s visa waiver program, citing “security concerns”.
The reversal was announced by the Department of Homeland Security late on Friday, just four months after the original decision was taken by the outgoing Biden administration.
In a statement, the department criticised the original decision, which would allow Romanian nationals 90 days’ visa-free travel to the US, as being taken “despite security concerns”.
Romania’s admission to the program was due to come into effect on 31 March, but was paused shortly before that date pending a “review”, the statement said. Its rescinding on Friday means Romania can be “reconsidered… should they meet the statutory eligibility criteria.”
The US visa waiver program allows for entry into the US for 90 days without applying for a visa, for leisure or business reasons. Romanian nationals must now continue to apply for visas to enter the US.
24 EU countries are included in the program, to the exclusion of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania.
Romania and Bulgaria fully joined the EU visa-free Schengen area on 1 January 2025 as the area’s 28th and 29th members, while Cyprus is a non-full member participating country.
Romanians go to the polls on Sunday for fresh presidential elections, following their annulment late last year.
(om)
Languages: Spanish
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