Romania, one of the only EU members not in the Visa Waiver Program, had been due to join in March.
The United States is delaying the inclusion of Romania in its Visa Waiver Program, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday.
In a notice on the program’s website, the U.S. government said it continues to review the country’s eligibility to ensure compliance with the program’s “stringent security requirement.” There was not information about when the pause might be lifted.
Romania had been due to join Washington’s visa-free travel program at the end of March, as announced by the previous Biden administration in January. The only other EU members who are not members are Bulgaria and Cyprus.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu reacted to the news, saying he was “convinced” that Washington’s decision is “strictly a technical measure” as part of the U.S. reassessment of security risks.
“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,” the prime minister wrote in a post on Facebook.
Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program which was welcomed by millions of Romanians came in the middle of a political crisis caused by the cancellation of elections. Following the unexpected win by far-right presidential candidate Călin Georgescu, the ballot was annulled in December due to reports of Russian meddling in the electoral process.
The cancelation drew heavy criticism from senior members in U.S. President Donald Trump’s new administration, including Vice President JD Vance and presidential adviser Elon Musk and the Kremlin.
Georgescu was barred this month from standing in the repeat of presidential elections on May 4 due to undisclosed campaign financing and undermining the constitution.
Far-right ally George Simion heads the polls among the field of 11 candidates according to two recent polls.
