Dan-Andrei Muraru, the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, has confirmed that Romania is nearing completion of the requirements for participation in the Visa Waiver Program. The crucial criterion of maintaining a visa rejection rate below three percent is expected to be met by the end of October, as reported by Schengen.News.
“We are in the final stages, aiming to meet the criterion of having a rejection rate of less than three percent for all Romanian citizens’ visa applications to the US by the end of the American fiscal year on October 1,” Ambassador Muraru stated.
In addition to meeting rejection rate criteria, Romania is also advancing security agreements with the US to address cross-border crime and terrorism concerns, pivotal steps toward Visa Waiver Program eligibility.
Ambassador Muraru highlighted ongoing negotiations, emphasizing that once all requirements are fulfilled, the US authorities will be promptly notified. Subsequent evaluations by the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security will determine Romania’s eligibility for Visa Waiver status, with assessment missions anticipated by the year’s end or early next year.
Furthermore, the US Department of State’s latest data indicates a significant increase in visas issued to Romanians in 2023, totaling 60,474 visas. This places Romania as the 30th highest nationality group in terms of US visas issued, trailing Japan with 75,305 visas and Germany with 64,866 visas.
Regarding US visa applications to the EU, statistics from Schengen Visa Statistics reveal a notable approval rate of 94 percent for applicants from the US in 2023, reflecting one of the highest approval rates among countries applying for Schengen visas.
The developments signify Romania’s advancement towards visa-free travel to the US, pending the fulfillment of remaining criteria and security measures.