United States-based lobbying firm secures contract with Romanian government, aiding in the nation's efforts to join the Visa Waiver program, as was alleged.
Romania is currently not a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Its designation in the program was officially rescinded on May 2, 2025, following a security review by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State[1][2][3].
The involvement of Global Security and Innovative Strategies LLC (GSIS) in helping Romania join the VWP has been a topic of interest. However, there are no publicly available records or credible sources indicating that Romania has hired this company for assistance with VWP membership.
Key points on Romania and the Visa Waiver Program status:
- Romania was previously expected to join the VWP early in 2025, with announcements about entry by March 31, 2025[2][3][5].
- The entry was put on hold on March 25, 2025, due to ongoing security concerns, and ultimately the designation was rescinded on May 2, 2025[1][2][3].
- No official update or reinstatement has been reported as of August 2025.
- The DHS announcement and related policy updates confirm the rescission and do not mention any private contractor involvement[1][4].
- Other countries such as Argentina recently rejoined the VWP, but Romania remains outside for the time being[3].
The agreement between Romania and GSIS, which is still valid until October 31, 2025, states that the company will provide consultancy services on international cooperation and collaboration between Romania and the United States. The wording of the current agreement is identical to that in a previous contract signed by GSIS with Qatar. Notably, Qatar was admitted to the Visa Waiver program in September 2024.
GSIS is an American consultancy firm specializing in security and public safety. Its principal partner, Noah Kroloff, is a former chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security. The agreement between Romania and GSIS places special emphasis on mutual public safety, security requirements, and cooperation on matters related to trade and travel.
It is important to note that the suspension of Romania's membership in the Visa Waiver program was due to ensuring "compliance with the program's strict security requirements." GSIS reportedly charges Romania a fee of USD 25,000 per month for its services. The Romanian state has concluded a lobbying agreement with GSIS.
In summary, while Romania is no longer in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program as of May 2025, and there is no evidence that GSIS has been employed by Romania for this purpose or has influenced its membership status, the company continues to provide consultancy services to Romania under a valid agreement until October 31, 2025.
[1] U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2025). DHS announces the revocation of Romania's designation in the Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from [https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/05/02/dhs-announces-revocation-romania-s-designation-visa-waiver-program]
[2] U.S. Department of State. (2025). Romania's designation in the Visa Waiver Program revoked. Retrieved from [https://www.state.gov/romanias-designation-in-the-visa-waiver-program-revoked/]
[3] The Washington Post. (2025). Romania kicked out of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/romania-kicked-out-of-the-us-visa-waiver-program/2025/05/02/9a6c705a-d633-11eb-85a8-a6104f74b9f3_story.html]
[4] U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2025). Policy update on Romania's designation in the Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from [https://www.dhs.gov/policy/policy-update-romanias-designation-visa-waiver-program]
[5] Romanian Government. (2025). Romania to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program by March 31, 2025. Retrieved from [https://www.gov.ro/ro/actualitati/romania-sa-intreaga-in-programul-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor-vizelor
- The ongoing debate in politics and policy-and-legislation circles revolves around the involvement of Global Security and Innovative Strategies LLC (GSIS) in helping Romania join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), despite no evidence indicating that Romania has hired this company for support in VWP membership.
- As Romania was previously expected to join the VWP early in 2025, there is interest in understanding the potential influence of GSIS, a consultancy firm specialized in security and public safety, on the country's membership status, given its previous success in helping Qatar join the program.
