Romania Joins the U.S. Visa Waiver Program: A Milestone in Bilateral Relations

Romania's inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program marks a significant achievement for the country's Interior Ministry, following its recent accession to the Schengen area. Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu celebrated this milestone at an event organized by the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, emphasizing the positive impact on citizens' lives and the economy, CE Report quotes Agerpres

“This is a moment to celebrate the privileged relationship between Romania and the United States—our friendship, trust, and close cooperation,” said Predoiu, thanking U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec for her support in achieving this major objective.

The program is expected to boost Romania's economy by enhancing bilateral trade and encouraging American investments. It will also promote tourism, cultural exchange, and stronger ties between the two nations. Predoiu highlighted the collaborative effort involving the Romanian government, businesses, and civil society in achieving this goal.

From a security standpoint, Romania has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to implement advanced systems like the Consolidated Border Security Partnership (EBSP) and the Automated Targeting System - Global (ATS-G). These measures ensure that the Visa Waiver Program maintains its focus on safety and cross-border crime prevention.

The Interior Ministry also played a key role in reducing Romania's visa refusal rate to 2.61%, surpassing the required threshold. “Romania is a best-practice example of how to manage a complex process and achieve results,” Predoiu stated.

This milestone solidifies Romania’s position as a reliable partner to the U.S., strengthening both economic and security ties while fostering greater global connectivity.