Nigeria TV Info 

United States Expands Visa Waiver Program in 2025 — Romania Joins as 43rd Member

In a major update to its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the United States has added Romania as the 43rd eligible country, effective March 31, 2025. Romanian citizens can now travel to the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business, pending ESTA authorization.

Earlier, Qatar had joined in November 2024, making it the 42nd member.
However, Romania’s inclusion faced delays: its designation was temporarily rescinded in March 2025 amid additional security review, but was later restored in May 2025.

Under the VWP, citizens of participating countries can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa. Applicants must hold an electronic (biometric) passport and obtain advance approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department conduct biennial security reviews of all VWP countries, assessing factors such as counterterrorism cooperation, law enforcement ties, passport security, and nonimmigrant visa refusal rates (usually capped at 3%).

With Romania’s addition, the VWP now spans mostly European nations, East Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, enhancing U.S. travel ties and facilitating easier short visits for citizens of member states.