In this GMS Flash Alert, we report on a U.S. immigration update, the rescission of including Romania in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).1 This move by the Department of Homeland Security, together with the Department of State (DOS), comes after Romania was scheduled to join the VWP on or around March 31, 2025, per the Biden Administration’s announcement on January 10, 2025 (GMS Flash Alert 2025-013, January 15, 2025).
WHY THIS MATTERS
As they were prior to the announcement regarding VWP designation in January, Romanian nationals will need to allocate extra time to obtain a B-1/B-2 visa from the DOS when planning travel to the United States as a business visitor or tourist.
Rescission of Romania’s Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program
The Biden Administration’s DOS announced on January 10, 2025, that Romanian nationals would be eligible to apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the VWP on or around March 31, 2025.2 However, on March 25, 2025, the Trump Administration announced that it would be pausing the addition of Romania to the VWP so that it could review the designation.
This latest announcement from DHS3 essentially converts the pause into a rescission of entry into the VWP. Per the DHS, the decision to rescind was made to “protect the integrity of the VWP and to ensure border and immigration security.”
Romania would have been the 43rd member of the Visa Waiver Program, following Qatar in 2024, Israel in 2023, and Croatia in 2021. Despite this rescission, the Trump Administration maintains that Romania is still eligible for the VWP in the future and is “grateful for Romania’s close partnership over the years to enhance security cooperation.”4
KPMG INSIGHTS
Romanian nationals hoping to experience a more seamless process to enter the U.S. for business visitor or tourism purposes will still be required to obtain B-1/B-2 visas from the Department of State.
KPMG Law LLP in Canada will be tracking these matters closely. We will endeavor to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert informed on any important developments as they occur.
FOOTNOTES:
1 Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “DHS Announces the Rescission of Romania’s Designation into the Visa Waiver Program,” May 2, 2025.
2 Department of Homeland Security (DHS), "Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken Announce Designation of Romania into the Visa Waiver Program,” January 10, 2025.
3 See footnote 1.
4 Ibid.
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Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Canada.
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